Poetry Prize Presentation

Poetry Prize Presentation

Back in November, I entered a poetry competition, writing a poem on the theme of Play; this subject was set by the National Poetry Society. I always like a challenge, and looking at things from l different angle than what might be expected, and it turned out to be one of those occasions when I was really inspired. The words just flowed; poem submitted; and then followed the long wait to hear the results... 

Come February, an e-mail suddenly landed in my inbox, with the brilliant news I had won! I was so chuffed, delighted, thrilled to bits... it is always an honour to have your work recognised as having some merit, and I was asked if I'd be free on 11th March for a presentation? 

Oh, yes, please! It was a great day.

My poem has been reproduced on large posters and displayed in all the libraries. There were also winners in the children's categories, so all ages were catered for and encouraged. 

 

PLAY

 

Play me a song 

On the radio

Push me high on the swings;

See how far I can go!

 

Play on my feelings – 

No-one will see

If it’s joy or distress

You’re inflicting on me

 

What an amazing show! 

The critics may say

Well written, well-acted,

A memorable play

 

But some theatre-goers

Return home at night

Confused and dejected,

Their emotions played out

 

When the sport is too much

The players collapse

They’ve played their last shot

And run their last laps

 

Sometimes simplicity 

Is all that we need

Not a search for distraction

Played at top speed

 

So play on my feelings

Like a six-string guitar;

Strumming soft, gentle chords

Is much better by far.

 

 

Alexandra Wilde

 

 

A Happy Memory: Playing Schubert's Piano

A Happy Memory: Playing Schubert's Piano

I recently found a photo of me, taken in February 1958, when I was still 11 years old. We were on our way back to England, via sea from Dar-es-Salaam on a Lloyd Triestino vessel (either the Europa or the Africa - I can’t remember which!) to Trieste, and then driving through Austria, Germany and France, before landing back in Blighty. In Vienna, we visited the Schubert Museum, and the curator must have seen me casting longing glances at the piano; she said, “I am going to go out of this room. What I don’t see, I know nothing about!” and made it clear I was allowed to play it. 

There were notices everywhere, with “Do Not Touch!” printed on them; rules shouldn’t be broken, but they can be bent a little, and I remember that moment to this day.

One of my Grandma’s cousins had her LRAM diploma in music, and taught piano for years. When we were in Africa, I took both Royal Academy of Music and Trinity College of Music exams; I think the RAM examiners came out just once a year, so you had only one chance to get it right! but Trinity College people came out twice a year, which took the pressure off. 

During our voyage to Trieste, our ship also called in at Venice. My Mum and I went ashore, and I was thrilled to see how Venice was built on so many islands, with the bridges across the canals connecting the houses and shops. I remember the Grand Canal and the Rialto Bridge, and lines of gondolas, some beautifully decorated, all waiting with their gondolieri, ready to ferry passengers from one place to another. 

As we walked around Venice, we saw a little shop selling jewellery, and went in to see what was on display. I fell in love with a little silver and marcasite gondola brooch, and my Mum, bless her, bought it for me. 

If you look carefully at the photo of me playing Schubert's piano, you can see the brooch, pinned on the right side of my coat; I still have it, and it is a treasured piece not just of jewellery, but of all the memories with which it has been imbued. Thank you, Mum, for recognising it would become an important part of items in my Happy Memory Chest!