SOMEHOW OCTOBER HAS CREPT UP ON US AGAIN, as it always seems to do. The season is in full
swing and both the nights and mornings are noticeably darker. But, it’s not all doom and gloom. There’s
plenty to appreciate about the month, as indeed this months poets do. Jo van Praagh from Shrewsbury
reflects on the excitement of Hallowe’en, as Mold’s Kenneth Lewis sees October as a pleasant time to
wind down, reflect and reminisce. Resident poet Sally Richards, meanwhile, has some scary thoughts...Poet’s Corner
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Now the days are growing shorter Today is October the twenty-third Now, from Cefn Fran I can see
Pumpkins orange as the sun Not a sound can be heard Moel Fammau, Moel Eithinen and Moel Fenlli.
waiting while excited children From the birds which visit in summer time From Moel Gyw as a rest I take
try to find the biggest one They’ve all flown back to a warmer clime. I look down on the Clwyd Gate.
carve them into grinning faces The bracken now a russet brown T’is said when Gladstone on the Bwlch first trod,
ready for the Hallowe’en fun As the mountain dons her winter gown. On seeing the Vale said “Well done God,”
Sitting in the windows glowing Sheep their white fleeces show, I’m sure most people that same feeling get
eerie, staring through the dark Asuresignofearlysnow. When on that view their eyes first set.
they can see excitement growing After a sharp white frost, a gentle breeze The valley lands now look bare
kids are gathering in the park Sends fluttering down the withered leaves. Except for a kale field here and there.
giggling, whispering, secret meeting Squirrels, their nuts have stored away Combine harvesters have cleared the corn
ready for the trick or treating And with fresh dry litter have lined their drey. And cultivators the stubble torn.
With their masks and fancy dresses The fox looks around for a secluded earth Far beyond with snow-capped peaks
ghostly, ghoulish, bloody vampires To take the vixen when she gives birth. Snowdon with age and wisdom speaks,
bony fingers, ghastly tresses Cock pheasants their fine feathers show, Telling me “You’ll have snow,
how they’ll terrify the neighbours How men can shoot them I don’t know. Already I have some to show.”
when the scary knockings start I see all this as I look around, I turn around, wend my way home,
trembling blinds and curtains part Walking over that high ground, There isn’t much time to roam,
Chocolates, sweets and bags of biscuits Above the Cwm and Tyddn Sach Now the days are short it’s nice to retire
daring souls who open doors Looking across to Cyfnant Bach. And reminisce by a big log fire.
to the cheeky little witches Bryn-yr-Osedd rocks with outline bold
then the silence and the pause Guard the road from Ruthin to Mold. KENNETH LEWIS
followed by the running feet Like a silver cord River Alyn threads
howls of laughter down the street. Its way down the valley to Loggerheads.
New poet
fabulous poems,
JO VAN PRAAGH before making way for
If you’ve been the new incumbent,
following Poet’s who’ll be chosen from
Corner closely, you’ll all those of you
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have noticed it’s who’ve ever sent in
almost time for us to poems to Poet’s Corner.
How pale you stand upon the stairs
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announce the new To catch the big
Country & Border Life announcement, be sure
with floaty dress and eyes so glary; poet-in-residence. to be there at the
the hairs upon my neck are raised – As we revealed last Bishop Lloyd Palace in
do stop it now! You’re getting scary! Most times, for me, a scanty shift month, current title Chester. It all starts at
would prove a rather racy number holder Sally Richards 10am. For more info,
You should, I think, get far more sleep – but really dear yours leaves me cold – will be handing over tel: 01244 409113. See
those rings, so dark! It’s not appealing. looks like you should be six feet under! the reigns at this also this month’s Events
Your breath, dear thing, is not too fresh – year’s Chester pages for more details
unsavoury diets are so revealing! Why on earth, with sneering smile, Literature Festival. of the 2008 Shell
do you approach me? So disarming! Now we can reveal Chester Literary Festival.
What’s that around your neck so whit Your face – so white! Your teeth – when, for on Saturday Sally will also be at
– a cross? Come now I must insist so sharp! 18th October, Country Shrewsbury Library on
– those marks, just there, I’m finding it a tad alarming! & Border Life will be 4th Oct from 10am-
aside your throat, at Bishop Lloyd Palace 12pm, as part of
made by your acupuncturist? You’ve gone far – I’m really tired – in Chester to kick off national poetry
what’s that? You want a kith goodnight? proceedings for the month. There’ll be
That whining sound – so unbecoming; Good grief your drinking leaves me weary festival’s Poetry at readings and book
my head is ringing and jolly sore. I thought you said you need a bite! …. the Palace weekend. signings alongside
Since when, I feel that you should tell me, Sally will mark the fellow poet, Steve
did you walk barefoot on the floor? SALLY RICHARDS handover by first Mann. For info,
reciting a few of her tel: 01743 255300
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