The Thorn With Me (Poems by Neil Stewart McLeod Book 9)

 

Here are the earliest poems ever written by this author. Reservations about their suitability and immaturity impaired a willingness to share them. However, at the end of producing a series of volumes of poetry, “Dawning Oxford” and “Timeless Oxford” needed somewhere to go. They are from those student days when we spend time sorting out our priorities, working late, and reflecting on what lies ahead. In “The Going” consideration of leaving cheap digs in London provided the canvas for melancholy reminiscence. Then there are the fanciful love poems like so many poured forth on poetry.com everyday. Finally, “The View” and “The Open Fire” are the most recent and give some dimension to the collection.The title, “The Thorn With Me” obviously comes from Burns “Ye Banks and Braes” or more correctly “The Banks of Doon”. These reflections all have a lingering sting. They can not be remembered without sensing again the twinge of emotion and even embarrassment. Yet here they are heart aches and all.

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Dawning Oxford

One of the homes we lived in was on William Street in Marston, up at the top of the hill. My room was in the attic, and I could look down on the City of Oxford. Mornings were striking at dawn when the plain was mist-covered and only the college spires could be seen protruding through the thick blanket hanging over the river.

The old city is darkly hid beneath night's heavy gown,

And nothing stirs below in our medieval town.

The sun's first rays like golden spears come shining through,

Pale first, then brighter, lighting trees and sparkling dew.

At once the dawning chorus breaks and echoes all around,

Cuckoo, thrush and blackbird all fill the air with sound.

The winding river's rising mist, pool and hollow fills

Hiding towers and rooting spires, seen from yonder hills.

The tall stone facets buried there blending with the green,

Changing not in war or peace a testimony seen

Of the constancy there built in every learned hall,

While round about inconstant men come and rise and fall.