09 Sunday Feb 2014
Posted in Denny's Diary, Poetry
We need to look to the future for many reasons, but let’s not ignore the past with its richness and variety and beauty. On Love the 17th century poet Andrew Marvell finishes his poem defining love with such enigmatic longing:
Therefore the Love which us doth bind
But Fate so enviously debars,
Is the conjunction of the Mind,
and Opposition to the Stars.
I think that is beautiful.
Very best wishes, Denny Bradbury
26 Sunday Jan 2014
Posted in Denny's Diary, Poetry
I have recently discovered George Herbert and his poetry. He lived through the early 17th century, was well connected and humble. I find his version of the 23rd psalm very moving:
He leads me to the tender grass,
Where I both feed and rest;
Then to the streams that gently pass:
In both I have the best
Best wishes for a peaceful day
Denny Bradbury
02 Thursday Jan 2014
Posted in Denny's Diary, fairytales
My Grandmother would always insist on the Christmas decorations being taken down before or on 12th Night. She would tell stories of how bad luck would come to those who flouted this rule by means of Goblins jumping from the picture rails and bringing mayhem to the New Year. If one decoration was left up by accident it had to stay there all year then the Goblins would be appeased, somehow. Whether as a consequence of this from my childhood or because the weak winter sun makes things look grubby after the festivities I don’t know but I have always taken my decorations down on the day after New Year, perhaps just to be on the safe side!
Whatever you do with your decorations I wish you a peaceful and joy filled 2014. Should misfortune attend you I wish you the inner strength and familial love to cope with it.
Denny Bradbury
20 Friday Dec 2013
Posted in Denny's Diary
Within one week I went from Winchester Cathedral and the splendid Cathedral Chamber Choir to the Cadogan Hall last night and the Rat Pack at Christmas. The first concert, Advent sacred music including the rather wonderful Taverner ‘Magnificat’ and the beautiful Godlschmidt ‘A tender shoot’ lifted the soul to a special place. The second musical experience touched the innate sense of fun and release of Christmas tension. The portrayal of Dean Martin was especially good although ‘Sammy Davis’ rendition of Mr BoJangles was electric. Both ends of the musical spectrum have their place and I enjoy the wide variety, much as I hope we can all fit in the love for the fundamental idea of Christmas as a time of peace and goodwill.
While we were fixated on Frank and friends we were unaware of the tragedy unfolding at the Apollo Theatre. I pray that the people injured will all make a full recovery. Thanks emergency services, what would we do without you all.
Whatever your preference I hope you have a happy and peaceful Christmas.
Very best wishes
Denny Bradbury
06 Wednesday Nov 2013
Posted in Denny's Diary, Poetry
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Some days have random moments of discovery. Today is such a day. Idly I picked up my book of Rilke and it fell open at ‘The Gazelle’. The following is a snatch of his poem and for me captures the wonder of the animal.
Enchanted thing …only to look upon you: so impelled
as though each limb of yours with leaps were laden,
and held its fire but while the neck upheld
the head in hearkening: …
Very best wishes
Denny Bradbury
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