May News: Speaky Blinders, Stanza Extravaganza and Jim Morrison.

It’s a been a while – because life sometimes gets in the way. However, such breaks can allow for ideas to germinate and for inspiration to hit. Firstly the news I have is that the second Speaky Blinders is happening on May 24th. It is going to be headlined by the very exciting Jason Vegas Butler, a Spoken Word wizard who has been successful on the Slam circuits. The evening will be hosted by myself and so far -there are some great poets lined up to perform -with open mic slots also available. Jason Vegas Butler (Headliner at Speaky Blinders)

Amongst the poets there will be spots by Robert Garnham, Melanie Crump, Charles Hopton, and the comedic and surreal Steve “O” . Other performers will be confirmed on the evening, but with the standard of those that came to the first evening. Rest assured you will be treated to a very entertaining night. So by Order Of The Speaky Blinders I hope to see you at Peaky Blinders Bar, Paignton, Devon on the evening of May 24th.

Fast forward to Tuesday May 29th.

It’s Stanza Extravaganza time again. This month it is being headlined by the awesome Ross Bryant , whose delivery of spoken word is both breathtaking and marvellous in equal measure. The night’s host is yet again, the charismatic and lovely Shelley Szender.

Now to some inspiration and a man whose work I admire: Jim Morrison. As many will know, he was an American poet, Rock Star and a tortured individual. His looks, antics and songwriting have made him a legend. I have been an admirer of his writing ever since I was about thirteen years old.

Jim Morrison

I recently wrote a poem about him. His writing has inspired my style of writing every bit as much as the writing of the Beat Generation writers. I am not sure why I wrote it. It came Spontaneously and I thought I would share it with you. Here is the poem:

Lizard King

Frustrated dreamer

An unbelievable believer

With concise rambling

Juxtaposed with emotions

Heightened

By

Discord

Sensory overloads

Or

Apathy

Fighting to be heard

Not wanting to be left behind

But

At the front

Pack opens

Contents spill

Like

A trail on a broken path

Stones fly

Whilst Beetles shield their behinds with natures natural armour

The lizard reigns

Basking in darkness

Being misunderstood

And yearning for the

Sleeping Samaritan to awake

What happened to the harmonious

Lessons

That speak volumes

What happened to the honest benediction

That feels like an embrace

Why do my empty thoughts race

Who

What

Where

Why

I need to sit beneath an azure sky

Whilst the rider on the storm

Glides

Then

Maybe

Another door will open

Welcoming and wide.

Jason Disley (May14, 2018)

Jim Morrison is often quoted and here is one that has been attributed too him.

Now, like many things he would say – controversy would often follow. Whereas this quote isn’t one I totally agree with -as poetry can often have something to say – I also agree that poetry can open doors. It certainly has for me! Anyway I recommend that if you haven’t read his work, or listened to his music you should. There are some literary gems amongst his poetry and lyrics and maybe he can inspire you as much as he has inspired me. 🤓