25 Nov 2009

A METRO TO FREEVERSE VIA WONDERLAND.

It's Wednesday which means I'm visiting Cara over at Ooh ... Books! for FREEVERSE.

But before getting on the metro, where I'll be reading some more poetry, I'm going to pop in and say hello to a blogger buddy of mine. You may have seen her name on the comment pages but for those of you who haven't met her yet, I'd like to introduce you to ALICE IN WONDERLAND who writes some amazing poetry, accompanied by some wonderful graphics. Go pay her a visit, I'm sure she'd be pleased to meet you all. (Just let her know you came from Pen And Paper so I can claim my fee. Haha)

Anyway, onto the metro and this weeks poems from another two talented Geordie bairns.

St. James's Park;
The fat men are crying
And the toon flags are burning
The black cats are happy
Happier than ever
The coaches are leaving
With police escorting
No one has more blues
Then Newcastle fans.

- Ellis, age 10.

Ode to the Angel.

In '94 Gurmley did reveal
a city lacked that 'completed' feel
sans a sculpture of colossal size
that was custom built to grab your eyes.

I speak of what stands at Low Fell,
a symbol, leaving us compelled,
ascending from the screening trees
to stay one legged in the breeze.

It bears a steel skin
dipped in molasses,
where wings are crinkled cut
for welcoming the masses.
Silently signifies the soul of the North East
and declares to every driver-by
"Though faceless, I perceive."

- Varun, age 16.

'Ode to the Angel' is, of course, a tribute to the ANGEL OF THE NORTH which, like Marmite, people seem to either love or hate. Overlooking the A1 motorway at Gateshead, the rather androgynous looking sculpture weighs in at 208 tonnes, and at 20 metres tall is higher than a five storey building. Please take a look at the pictures and let me know what you think.

11 comments:

Alice in Wonderland said...

Thank you Petty for giving my blog a boost! A couple of weeks ago I was thinking of packing it in for a while, because I have other things that I need to see to, but me being me, I never do what I am told, and even the awards that I receive, I can't help but mess around with them.
My writings come out of my head, or from "Life Experiences", but I do love blogging, and I am pleased to welcome you to my little blog!
Big Hugs, hinny!

Tina said...

Adore Ellis' poem. Very talented youngster. Thank you for sticking with my spooky stuff and commenting. I really appreciate it. Luv, T

Cara Powers said...

I am so impressed with your city's youngster's. I love both the poems, but poor Newcastle fans.

Martha@A Sense of Humor is Essential said...

Both poems are delightful! Thank you.
I don't know what to make of the colossus, I would have to see it in its environment. I do love sculpture, not so sure that I would want what appears to be an upended airplane as the symbol of my town.

Dorte H said...

No way that is an angel. It is a cross between a woman and an aeroplane. Those wings might come in handy when you are pendling, but what will you do about them once you land?

Sheila (Bookjourney) said...

You have many talents! :) Great post and I am off to see Alice in Wonderland. (That sounds funny!)

Betty Manousos said...

What beautiful poems!
First time here.
I am really impressed!
Have a great time!
:)

Kelly said...

I've really enjoyed the youth poetry you've been sharing!

chitra said...

Liked the poems and surprised to learn that the angel weighs 208 tonnes. By modern technology any thing is possible these days.

Felicity Grace Terry said...

Glad you all seem to be enjoying the poetry. There are another 4 in the series.

Welcome Betty, it was nice to meet you. Feel free to stop by anytime.

Alice in Wonderland said...

Personally, I don't like The Angel Of The North. It really does look like a crashed aeroplane with the tail section sticking out of the ground! Much better to have spent the money on something else if you ask me!
Thanks Petty!