Blog - Literature
observations i & ii
January 17, 2020 - by A. Hurfordi for many years i was unable even to try to write a cv as this task made me so sad i don’t think such feelings are uncommon ii one day i folded myself into a form - trimmed my edges, or everything they didn't want - flavoured myself to an unreal specification then posted this and found ...
Initial; A Father’s Gifts
January 15, 2020 - by Richard DownesThe book of instructions I use for this series suggests I should remember the first gift I bought for Father’s Day. Its strange to think I can barely remember a gift I gave my dad. On my next birthday I’ll be one year short of 40 years without him. Today ...
Declaration 18, Joshua losing the battle, he goes
January 13, 2020 - by Richard DownesAnother article from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which I focus on in order to create poetry for a conservation project here in deep dark Crouch End, London. Article 18. Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, ...
The Challenge; Message To A Son
January 2, 2020 - by Richard DownesNovember’s Challenge from the Highgate Society’s Poetry Group, which meets on the first monday of the month, was to respond to two themes; 1) who do you think you are and 2) in praise of vandals. Traveling by train from Pallant House, Chicester, where I was contributing to a Share ...
Bah humbug from Liz Bentley while waiting for the Tesco delivery man
December 25, 2019 - by Liz BentleyI struggle with Xmas, but try my best to do the 'Merry Xmas' thing. It's exhausting to be happy, excited and full of joy, when inside the familiar feelings of isolation and detachment whirl around my head. I have to fight to them off as best I can, I don't ...
The Challenge; Festivities
December 24, 2019 - by Richard DownesDecember’s challenge from the Highgate Society’s Poetry Group was to do a poem on the festivities. I looked back through the prism of time and remembered my time involved in the first DPAC action on the Housing Emergency. The Challenge; Festivities A nativity scene A Norwegian tree Trafalgar Square DPAC announce Emergency Housing Crisis Stephen Lee Hodgkins ...
2019 annual highlights
December 17, 2019 - by Colin HambrookRecent events have given many of us a deep sense of foreboding – meaning, critically that the challenges disability communities around the country face will likely become ever more entrenched. Our only hope is in finding ways to strengthen the communities we are a part of and to find support ...
I Cannot Capitulate, I Can Only Create
December 17, 2019 - by Dolly SenThe Senses In the final years of lies, Only the birds will remember the truth But will we listen? In the final years of hate, Only the trees will remember love But will we touch it? In the final years of desperateness Only the stars will remember our hope But will we see it? In the final years of nightmares Only ...
Acorn; My Sound Pieces
December 11, 2019 - by Richard DownesYoko’s final sky piece in her book of Acorns makes me think of lines from Laurie Anderson’s Walking and Falling. Whilst Laurie falls, Yoko flies. Then sounds from what we used to call albums start to fill my head. I am transported back to the scouts and special school. Acorn; My ...
642; Roomie
December 9, 2019 - by Richard Downes642 things to write about instructs the writer to give testimony to a favourite room mate. I never had one. I considered giving the names and status of all those roomies who never became a favourite. DAO have recently discussed whether we are in a pre-disability arts era. I have ...