Built In Obsolescence

Featured Poem

This month’s poem, Built In Obsolescence is humorous with serious intent.  It began as an angry poem about modern equipment having obsolescence built in; but as I worked on it the human aspect joined in and it became a poem about not going quietly into the night.  I performed it recently at a friend’s 60th birthday party, the set I performed had age running through it.

The poem is structured tightly into four-line stanzas, with a regular pattern working within each stanza.  I felt this is important as the rhythm of lines is loose and flexible (based on natural speaking) and line length variable.

One issue which required much thought is the last line.  I firmly believe all language is wonderful, but not all language is appropriate in all situations.  I tried various last lines, but I justify this one as it packs the punch I’m after.  Notice how the patterning leads the audience or reader to a false conclusion with Just get used to it, a pretty miserable conclusion but a realistic one.  However, I have reversed the pattern of the final two lines and pack the optimistic punch at the end.  The poem, with its ending, got a great recognition reaction and a good dollop of laughter.

Comedy and humour are serious matters.

Reading

I have completed the third of Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club book, The Bullet that Missed.  I have enjoyed the previous two enormously, but in this one, Osman really has got to grips with his characters.  They are slightly more outrageous and dottier.  His wit is broader. This is a thoroughly good read.  Brilliant.

I have just moved back to Hilary Mantel, this time to a series of short stories under the over-all title of The Assassination of Margaret Thatcher.  Only just started it but it feels most promising.

Writing

I have been putting plans into place for two exciting events.  One is an R&D three-day workshop with actors and others on General Guidance, my collection of poems about sight loss, shifting identity and training with a guide dog.  this will be in August.  In September I shall be presenting, with Tom my colleague composer, the songs from One for Sorrow, Two for Joy, the music play I have been working on.  I have been busy writing poems and editing others.  One of my new poems stems from an Arvon workshop on Imagery.  It is a most unusual poem for me; I shall check it out at the next Cannon Poets meeting at the beginning of July.