Please welcome to barganews a new name – Siona Dunn from Filecchio. Siona writes poetry – good poetry and is brave enough to put her work in front of an audience. Not only can you read one of her latest works – a poem called “Go right, no, left at the crossroads near the park” but by clicking on the link at the bottom of this article you can hear her reciting this poem for you.
Go right, no, left at the crossroads near the park,
Follow the sign to the village past ours,
Turn into the lay-by opposite the bar,
Then you’ll be on foot.
…..There’s normally a pack of dogs on the road
…..But they only attack strangers.
We’re usually at home for friends.
Some friends need to call first.
…..I’ll say I’m scrambling eggs,
…..Dashing to catch the last train,
…..Have a client waiting in the other room.
But I want to see you soon, for certain.
I might, in these circumstances, pass you over
And you’ll speak to him. He’s more wordy
Than me, in these cases, more polite,
Sounds like he’s got all the time in the world
And the best reasons for making it short.
…..You’re interrupting his painting.
…..Though he’d never say it outright,
…..You’ll get the picture.
If it’s sunny, we might be in the garden
And we won’t hear the bell.
We won’t hear your strained voices
And the side gate is locked.
…..Don’t bother trying to climb over.
…..The last friend to do that
…..Slipped badly and tore a thigh.
…..The risk is very high.
Sometimes friends clamber down to the lane below
And peer up through the nettles.
…..We won’t see you if that’s what you’re expecting.
…..We’re totally blind in that direction.
Walk on back to the bar.
You might want a refreshing cola
After that long hike.
…..Tip. Don’t flash your smiles or legs around.
The road down is actually safest in the dark
When you can better see the headlamps
Of speeding junkie boy racers.
…..They’re used to the bumps and potholes
…..And their motors are antiquated and battered,
…..So they won’t mind adding to the colours on their fenders
…..When you manage to scrape by at the very last moment.
If the diversion is still fully operating,
If they’re still rebuilding the collapsing sewers,
And replacing the barriers to the gorge,
…..They’re always having to do that.
You’ll have to detour via the backwoods estate
…..And as long as you’ve still got doors on your car to lock
…..And you don’t slow down or look to left or right,
You should probably be back at the junction
In, what, say an hour or so.
It can take a while to turn across the endless stream of traffic
…..But don’t give up, don’t despair.
I’m sure it was an interesting day out.
…..Just sorry we weren’t there.
Click on the link below to hear this poem
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A new and distinctive voice. That voice is soft, but immensely powerful. I was lucky enough to have been among those who heard Sunday’s reading of “Crossroads” and other poems by Siona Dunn. Like Kerry, whose work strikes a frequent grace note on Barganews, Ms. Dunn has that rare ability to frame metaphysical ponderings in the earthy landscape of “ordinary life” — reminding us that the ordinary is often far more profound than it seems. Let’s hope we hear more from her, soon and often.
A very fresh perspective. And thanks m., you’re too kind.
Kerry
Its actually very funny Siona,Well Done! George is so diplomatic.Thousands of miles away in Herefordshire I can picture the frustration, visiting friends who did not ring ,feel !