February Meeting 2009

Once again a very varied and interesting meeting concerning spring. Open to anyone who thinks they might enjoy reading and discussing poems and poets varying from Shakespeare to Pam Ayres.
Next meeting at Myra's 6 Shepherds Hey Rd Friday 3rd April 10.00am

January meeting

We three met again,
No snow yet, not even rain . . .
We each brought and read a wide variety of comic verse, from Ogden Nash to Pam Ayers, Spike Milligan, Roger McGough and Brian Patten, among others.
To do them justice , we tried different accents , Scottish, '' Northern'', Cockney and Mummerset.This much increased the humour, so we laughed a LOT !
Why don't you bring YOUR favourites next time ? We'll read'em , if you're shy.
Next session is Friday, Feb 27th, 10 till 12 noon.
at Phyl and Richard's , 342 Woodlands rd, Woodlands village.

Poems on a theme of spring please , if you can.
thankyou, Myra Metcalfe , 80869053

Poetry Group Report for November 28th

Only two met at Myra's but Phyl had sent an interesting anthology of prose and poems about Christmas. Myra had photocopied a whole library bookful and Pam brought excelleant prose samples.
A most enjoyable morning A pity more people weren't there to share the eclectic mixture. We do hope other U3A members will come to see if our poetry appreciation is "Their thing" too. So far we've had quality but not enough quantity!
Next meeting Friday Jan 30th 10-12 at Myra's (6 Shepherds Hey Rd, Calmore) 8086 9053

31st October

A small but enthusiastic group met to read and discuss poems about "war".
The varied selection provided much reaction and discussion, some sadness mixed with anger and amusement.More members would be very welcome bringing their own choice of poems.The next meeting is on "Christmas Poetry", 10am on Friday 5th December at Myra Metcalfe's house, 6 Shephers Hey Close.

Meeting – July 25th

We met at Myra’s House – just a small group of us. The subject for this month was Animals and there were some quite amusing and some sad. Myra read a very moving poem by Thomas Hardy about a cattle auction and Pam followed with a poem by Felix Dennis called “The Ministry Cull”. Our next meeting is on the 29th August 10:00 to 12:00, at Phyllis Barrett’s house

An old dog is the best dog,
An old dog is the best dog,
A dog with rheumy eyes;
An old dog is the best dog
A dog grown sad and wise,
Not one who snaps at bubbles,
Nor one who barks at nowt,
A dog who knows your troubles,
A dog to see you out.

An old bitch is the best bitch,
Not pups to fetch your sticks;
An old bitch is the best bitch,
Not one to teach new tricks,
Not one who's up and leaping,
But one whose coat is grey,
Leg's twitching while she's sleeping
In dreams of yesterday.

Poetry Group

Just "we three" met again at Phyll's to discuss potential lady laureates e.g. Carol Ann Dufty and Gillian Clarke. If attitudes had been more enlightened in the past, other female writers might have achieved the distinction. Perhaps Christina Rosetti, Mary Coleridge, Emily Bronte, Edith Sitwell and Vita Sackville West whose poems were gems to read and listen to.
Do join our freindly group!
My home nest time. Phone Myra
Next meeting Friday July 25th 10 to 12noon

May meeting

A small group had a very entertaining meeting with readings from a diverse selection of poets ranging from Ted Hughes Laurie Lee, Shakespeare, Christine Rossetti and many others. Our next meeting will focus on woman poets, with thoughts of choosing our own "Poet Laureate!"
New members would be very welcome.
Next meeting at Phyl Barrett's 80 292 824 342 Woodlands Rd
27th June at 10am

After Death
Christina Rossetti

The curtains were half drawn, the floor was swept
And strewn with rushes, rosemary and may
Lay thick upon the bed on which I lay,
Where through the lattice ivy-shadows crept.
He leaned above me, thinking that I slept
And could not hear him; but I heard him say:
"Poor child, poor child:" and as he turned away
Came a deep silence, and I knew he wept.
He did not touch the shroud, or raise the fold
That hid my face, or take my hand in his,
Or ruffle the smooth pillows for my head:
He did not love me living; but once dead
He pitied me; and very sweet it is
To know he still is warm though I am cold.