Yesterday in Haiku
Tried some haiku this morning because I haven’t for a while and think it is a good practice.
It’s really difficult to get that special moment or as Cartier Bresson called it ‘ that decisive moment’. But I do think it can help if you can write like a photographer. By that I mean is only describe what you see. Of course as a writer you can also put down what you hear, feel, and smell; use all the senses just don’t start interrupting, explaining …
One last thought. It doesn’t have to be perfect. These aren’t. I think one is quite good. Bit of a numbers game.
Oh and seeing as I’m talking pictures I thought I’d pop one in up top for colour.
Yesterda in Haiku
Gerald the cat
In his large saucer eyes
A questioning
Standing on the edge
Of a rippling pool
Waving not swimming
The banter
Flying back and forth
In the handball game
Cold water
There’s a bite
To the old girl’s massage
In the cubicle
A fresh old face
Talks temperature
After a cold swim
Taking the top seat
In the hot sauna
In the cafe clamour
The smell of burning toast
Diverts the chatter
The art of being
Sitting inside the mind
Of the home maker
A peace of Bach
And then with wine and beer
Sad songs of Rebetika
Day before the day
If you believe in heaven
This song was based on a story told me by my swimming buddy Lee Whelan. It was recorded on my phone in the cafe at Tooting Bec Lido after a refreshing 7 lengths.
Hey Hey
This is a cover of the Big Bill Broonzy song. I was taught it by legendary British folk singer and songwriter, and great accoustic blues guitar player, Wizz Jones. It was recorded on my phone in the cafe at Tooting Bec Lido. Bit rough but at last getting a bit of a groove and snap to the song. It was also covered by many others including Eric Clapton who had these lyrics with the song (I haven’t managed to sing and play at the same time yet :))
Hey hey. Hey hey, baby, hey.
Hey hey. Hey hey, baby, hey.
I love you baby,
Sure ain’t gonna be your dog.
Hey hey. Hey hey, baby, hey.
Hey hey. Hey hey, baby, hey.
My arms around you baby,
All I can say is hey.
Hey hey. Hey hey, baby, hey.
Hey hey. Hey hey, baby, hey.
I love you baby,
Sure ain’t gonna be your dog.
Hey hey. You lost your good thing now.
Hey hey. You lost your good thing now.
You had me fooled,
I found it out somehow.
Swimming Song for All Seasons
Loudon Wainwright’s Swimming Song with a few more verses to take into account the joys of winter swimming at Tooting Bec Lido in South London. Recorded on phone in the cafe after a refreshing swim in November – temperature around 12 dgrees centigrade.