Author Archives: odeboyz

Holiday

Posted on May 10, 2016 by odeboyz

I go on holiday like an escaped prisoner The fearful airport has armed warders patrolling Surveillance cameras and hidden profilers Dogs sniffing, menacing, fear-inducing. Impeccable papers. Confidence-inducing papers. My papers. My thousand yard death stare keeps them at bay Slitted … Continue reading →

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Why Conservatives win elections

Posted on May 10, 2016 by odeboyz

“…we have a disposition to admire, and almost to worship, the rich and the powerful, and to despise, or, at least, to neglect persons of poor and mean condition…..We see frequently the vices and follies of the powerful much less … Continue reading →

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The Dignified Mendicant

Posted on May 4, 2016 by odeboyz

Many years ago, I was on my regular seven week call out rota; and at about 4 pm I got a message from the Hackney call centre one Saturday, I’m guessing about, 1976 -some forty years ago. I was asked … Continue reading →

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Training to be a beggar

Posted on May 3, 2016 by odeboyz

He* once begged alms of a statue, and, when asked why he did so, replied, “To get practice in being refused.” *Diogenes a Greek philosopher from ancient times Chris

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Not a Shakespearan Sonnet

Posted on May 2, 2016 by odeboyz

The seasons come anew, each in its time, ordered The remembrance, simply lost after years I marvel how nothing’s disordered Knowing galaxies have no frontiers Silent planets, orbiting stars Dark matter swirls between the spaces Understanding neither mine, nor ours … Continue reading →

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Anchorites: The Search for Perfection

Posted on April 29, 2016 by odeboyz

St. Benedict’s Rules (530 AD) were the first to be widely adopted by monasteries . These governed every aspect of a monk’s life. Intensely religious people, both men and women, wanted a purer religious experience without distractions. These people wanted … Continue reading →

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Sir Malcolm Sargent on Stockhausen

Posted on April 25, 2016 by odeboyz

When Sir Malcolm Sargent, chief conductor of London’s ‘Proms’ festival was asked whether he had ever conducted any Stockhausen, he was briefly silent before replying, “I think I once trod in some.” I take it, the great man didn’t care … Continue reading →

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The Governor

Posted on April 21, 2016 by odeboyz

Mr G, or the “Guv” as I called him some nearly fifty years ago was a formidable Hackney “project manager” but that was well before such a title came into popular use. I had of course heard the stories of … Continue reading →

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A Nervous Bridegroom Conversation

Posted on April 19, 2016 by odeboyz

Larry Fortensky* I’m very nervous Elizabeth. Elizabeth Taylor Why’s that my dear? Larry Fortensky Well I know what to do but I’m not sure that I can make it interesting. *Elizabeth Taylor’s sixth husband (Chris)

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In awe of nature

Posted on April 18, 2016 by odeboyz

Who is it that sets the silent sound When Sycamore trees fed from the ground? Must burst forth their green leaves Each April when spring comes around. Do Sycamore’s tell the Bluebells bulbs “Your time is right to give delight … Continue reading →

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