northie

*Clips the lemur over the head for sniggering.* Mine

Hell hath no fury like a musician with a sore behind. Mine!

Or without. Oh dear you're with out... Mine

*serenades the fairy * Time for a nice, pre-lunch nap Mine

*the fairy has her mouth and hands full* Don't be greedy, now! Mine

The early musician gets the shiny. Ta!

I know I'm only meant to be observing but I'm watching a fascinating BBC 4 programme about the battle of the Somme and the poets who were involved. A couple of people mentioned I've not come across before. This poem, I feel I want to share with you: BEFORE ACTION By all the glories of the day And the cool evening’s benison, By that last sunset touch that lay Upon the hills when day was done, By beauty lavishly outpoured And blessings carelessly received, By all the days that I have lived Make me a soldier, Lord. By all of all man’s hopes and fears, And all the wonders poets sing, The laughter of unclouded years, And every sad and lovely thing; By the romantic ages stored With high endeavour that was his, By all his mad catastrophes Make me a man, O Lord. I, that on my familiar hill, Saw with uncomprehending eyes A hundred of thy sunsets spill Their fresh and sanguine sacrifice, Ere the sun swings his noonday sword Must say good-bye to all of this;– By all delights that I shall miss Help me to die, O Lord. Poem by Noel Hodgson who was killed at the start of the battle of the Somme.

Hesitation doesn't get you the shiny ... Definitely mine!

*Bamboozles the babbling bard by brandishing a book of Border Ballads. Beguiled. Bereft.* Mine

*lures the lemur away with the promise of fruit, nice, tasty, juicy fruit. The lemur falls into the trap.* Mine

gyroscope

*The 'musician' charms the wind to blow hard against the fairy's direction of flying ...* Mine

I had to read this several times – not because it was difficult or obscure, but the more to appreciate and savour the writing and to try to imagine the other half of the conversation. Just how punning and multi-layered the title is didn't become apparent to me until more than one reading (or maybe I'm not quick on the uptake ). How those three words (with their shifting meanings) are woven into this monolgue is funny, sweet, moving and sad. The pathos of the ending got me every time. This is something I will come back to and I expect it will have just as strong an impact.

*promises the fairy that Parker has written her another poem. As she squeals... * Mine!

It doesn't matter how long - just that it's on your worklist is fine by me. Love the 'cover' - your design?

Shiny would like to have a nice, relaxing siesta, listening to music ... Mine

*Puts the penguin through her ballet moves - she forgets to hang on to the shiny*. Mine

I'll entrance the shiny with my wonderful playing and it will follow me everywhere.

Errr... No, mine. Definitely mine. See, it knows me.

*My pocket slingshot comes in handy!* Thanks

The troublesome troubadour tries to tie the trinket to the tree. Trips, tumbles... tough.*. Mine

*the 'musician' plays some soothing music... ' Mine

But I tihnk I do ... Self-belief is important, you know. Mine

Short answer - no Come on, shiny. You're better off with me ..

What a whirlwind of emotions this short piece elicited. Knowing that it was a slice of the author's life made the feelings that little bit more intense. Sadness and anger were replaced by admiration of his determination to make more of his life. Happiness at him finding love was briefly punctured by anxiety, but it was obvious that there was a happy ending. I hope that the happiness and love continue. Thank you for your bravery and honesty in sharing part of your life's story.