I don’t often say anything when I post a poem. I like the words to speak for themselves. But in this case I want to tell you a little background, which will likely be longer than the poem. First of all, I’ve been meaning to talk about Acorn TV. It is essentially a mini Netflix for Anglophiles. Many years ago I used to buy VHS recordings from the Acorn company. They were not inexpensive, but were the only source of British television programs such as Kavanagh QC. And now, Acorn has their own streaming programs. Some are very new, and others are older shows that may be difficult to find. Right now, the newest Inspector George Gently shows are being streamed. I’ve written about some George Gently books in my letters, but after the fourth in the series, I didn’t care about reading any more of them. This is one of those rare instances where the television version is superior to the book version. It gets better and better with each season, and we so enjoy the stories and the two detectives. The other evening we watched an episode in which a man taught a young boy about a poet named Roger McGough. One of his poems was recited a couple times and, of course, when the show was over I looked him up. You may learn about his life and read some poems here. You’ll be surprised at some of his movie work.
The moon is full today at 6.53 pm ET, and I thought his poem would be a fun way to celebrate.
Mrs Moon
Mrs Moon
sitting up in the sky
little old lady
rock-a-bye
with a ball of fading light
and silvery needles
knitting the night
Roger McGough
Glad you are enjoying George Gently - the Macs enjoy the programmes too. Do you get Foyles War? A little earlier, but great attention to detail. A few more are nearly ready for broadcast.
ReplyDeleteAh yes! And yes, I've watched most of Foyle's War, though I don't care for the post-war episodes as much. I esp love Honeysuckle Weeks.
DeleteLast night we could see the old lady knitting away fully. :) Happy Valentine's Day.
ReplyDeleteIsn't that just such a great image!! I love it.
DeleteLovely, a most unique moon poem. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWe also get the Acorn catalogue, but I admit to going into Amazon to buy any DVDs we may want. Such as the wonderful new Sherlock, Inspector Lewis, and many more. I agree with you about Foyle's War - the wartime episodes so much better.
It's interesting how we can pick up such good poems and references in these shows. In Inspector Lewis, I heard Shelley recited and the lovely A Shropshire Lad - wonderful things.
Mary
I remember that episode in Lewis. I recently watched the whole series again on Netflix instant. I so love it.
DeleteThanks Nan. Just used your link to McGough's poems...and I quite liked the ones I read. Short and quite humorous...at least I found them so...hopefully they're meant to be a bit serious and a bit funny at the same time?
ReplyDeleteThat's so great. I always wonder if anyone ever clicks on links. :<)) The one on the show was the dying a young man's death. It'll show up here sometime. I agree completely with your assessment.
DeleteHi,
DeleteI like checking the links bloggers include...it kind of helps to put into context what you as a reader enjoy and opens doors ...or windows...or links to new writers...happy belated birthday...I was just checking your current blog so hear I hear it's just been your birthday. :)
You watch the best and most wonderful shows. I guess it must have been through you that I originally learned about Gently and I read a couple of them, but that was all. I just kind of lost interest and forgot about him.
ReplyDeleteHave you seen Call the Midwife?? Oh, my it is wonderful, wonderful. Two seasons are on Netflix instant and the third coming on PBS in March. Yeah, the Gently tv versions are fantastic, giving a strong sense of England during the 60s.
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