Author Archives: odeboyz

Oscar Wilde: poet

Posted on September 20, 2016 by odeboyz

“As usual I think of Oscar Wilde. It’s the same old story: ‘I was working on the proof of one of my poems all the morning, and took out a comma. In the afternoon I put it back again.’” Laurent … Continue reading →

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The Blessed Generation

Posted on September 15, 2016 by odeboyz

When I look back over my life, it is not hard to see why I truly believe I and others of my age group should celebrate that we had enough to eat as children; we weren’t conscripted into the army at eighteen … Continue reading →

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Sound advice from a father during the Warsaw Uprising 1944*

Posted on September 13, 2016 by odeboyz

The Warsaw Uprising museum has numerous videos with survivors recounting their experiences. One video shows a man telling the story of how, when he was fifteen years old, he asked his parents if he could join the uprising. First he … Continue reading →

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Two Yeshiva Jews celebrate a goal

Posted on September 9, 2016 by odeboyz

“it was only when he heard one mutter to the other, ‘I don’t like it Myer- they’ve scored too soon’ and the other reply, ‘I know, I know’; that he understood the significance of their sitting hunched and quiet amid … Continue reading →

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Home-schooling, the National Curriculum and yeshiva schools

Posted on September 9, 2016 by odeboyz

Section 7 Duty of parents to secure education of children of compulsory school age – The parent of every child of compulsory school age shall cause him to receive efficient full-time education suitable— (a) to his age, ability and aptitude, … Continue reading →

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The Philosophical Lizard

Posted on September 5, 2016 by odeboyz

Laying on a warm rock the lizard Smiled knowingly at Wittgenstein “You think I’m enjoying the sun.” Winking her achingly sinister eyes . Wittgenstein was numb with doubt If the lizard wasn’t enjoying the sun What was she doing? Paralysed, he … Continue reading →

Posted in Philosophy, Poetry | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Why Old People Are Irritating

Posted on September 5, 2016 by odeboyz

“So what irritates you?” Monica drained her glass. The wine had gone straight to her head. “All right then. Elderly couples holding hands.” “Totally agree.” “Striding along with their Ordnance Survey maps, fit as fiddles.” He nodded. “Striding along Offa’s … Continue reading →

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George Silverlock

Posted on September 1, 2016 by odeboyz

George was a master plumber who I first met on a building site on the High Street, Waltham Cross (London). He and his brother, Harry Silverlock, were natural comedians who, effortlessly, had us youngsters in fits of laughter at the most unexpected … Continue reading →

Posted in Autobiography, housing | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Joe and Polly the Parrot Exchange Pleasantries

Posted on August 30, 2016 by odeboyz

Joe I’m sick and tired of your vile and abusive language Polly. Polly the Parrot Fuck off you fat bastard. Joe That’s it. You’re sorted. (Polly is thrown into the freezer.) Polly the Parrot (Half dead she’s pulled out of … Continue reading →

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The Best and Worst of Times

Posted on August 29, 2016 by odeboyz

We’d tumble down grass field slopes With friends, in high pitched yells of “Geronimo” Laughs from the belly as Bert boshed the cow-pat His hand to his elbow smattered in cow-poo. That day was just one in that short summer … Continue reading →

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