Works and Days of Division – 29 poems by Martyn Crucefix
Drawing on two disparate sources, this sequence of mongrel-bred poems has been written to respond to the historical moment in this most disunited kingdom. Hesiod’s Works and Days – probably the oldest poem in the Western canon – is a poem driven by a dispute between brothers. The so-called vacana poems originate in the bhakti religious protest movements in 10-12th century India. Through plain language, repetition and refrain, they offer praise to the god, Siva, though they also express personal anger, puzzlement, even despair. Dear reader – if you like what you find here, please share the poems as widely as you can (no copyright restrictions). Or follow this blog for future postings. Bridges need building.
Wednesday 13.03.2019
‘to tell the truth it’s hardly more’
to tell the truth it’s hardly more
than a convenient extension to the back lot
of the forecourt of our local BP garage
on the northernmost side of this satellite town
yet we all agree this is an excellent shop
which means we’ll be back tomorrow
and the next day most likely and in this way
family traditions take root
as today we buy tampons and baked beans
a salad bag and a brace of frozen garlic bread
at the very last moment we choose
to snatch up a print newspaper from its rack
with its bold and reassuring headline
bridges fit for purpose says govt. minister
Martyn Crucefix 