It All Makes Work
This week’s choice is the work of Michael Flanders and Donald Swann and in Flanders’ own words, it’s a “song of unending domestic upheaval” as is so often the case when “The Gas-Man Cometh”.
O Clouds Unfold
This week’s choice is “And did those feet in ancient time” by William Blake—the words which, set to music by Hubert Parry, constitute the song “Jerusalem” that is sung at the Last Night of the Proms.
Now What’s All This ‘Ere?
This week’s choice is a monologue by Stanley Holloway: “Sam, Sam, Pick Oop Tha’ Musket”, which introduces Holloway’s insubordinate soldier Sam Small.
My Fragile Leaves
This week’s choice is “One Perfect Rose” by Dorothy Parker, the satirist and critic.
Slave to Fate
This week’s poem is “Death Be Not Proud” by John Donne.
Yours and Yours and Yours
This is a special edition of Poet’s Day for Nicola. The poem is “The Life That I Have” by Leo Marks, also known as “Yours”. It should have been published yesterday but was delayed by a technical issue.
Your Letters in the Sand
This week’s choice is the lyrics of “’39” written by Brian May of Queen, in memory of my wife Nicola who would have been 60 tomorrow had life been kinder.
Gold and Fear and Hate
I have made no secret of the fact that Rudyard Kipling is one of my favourite poets and since it was my birthday this week, I have chosen The Peace of Dives.
Shimmering in Broken Water
Slightly delayed this week due to circumstances beyond my control, this one is called “Mother” and it’s by Lola Ridge.
A Tatter of Shadows
This week’s choice is “A Postcard from the Volcano” by Wallace Stevens, which I chose because it reminds me of a visit to Pompeii.