We will soon be losing a dear friend, Richard Taylor (Richie), whose lovely words form the U.K. graced our Poetry Pages, as well as, a number of other online poetry websites, including his own critique forums. Richard's contributions to Poetry Pages were many, including serving as a Moderator and as a contributor to Poetry Pages: A Collections of Voices from Around the World. Richard for many years fought a brave battle with Bells Palsy, continuing to share both his poetry and critique despite his illness. He was meant to fight an even harder battle with cancer and though he is not winning this current battle in body, rest assured that he is winning it in spirit.
I'd like to thank maggie (cusick) for keeping us updated on Richard.
Maggie wrote me:
Richard's love for poetry of form and rhyme will be remembered...especially by this poet whose very first attempts at classical forms was due to his encouragement and inspiration.This is an email from annie jeanne trying to get in touch with all who knew Richard. I have sent it to heinzs.
Hi Maggie,
I posted something on the site about Richard. His sister contacted me and Richard has only a few weeks at most to live. He is dying of cancer and is at home on heavy morphine. I spoke to him for a couple minutes today....all he could manage.
Anyway he wanted me to let the poetry sites, he used to go to, to know about this. I told him I would contact you, as you both went to many of the same sites.
Below you will find a selection of Richard's poems after Debbe's tribute to Richard. Heinz has edited Richard's archive and you will find many more of his poems at:
Richard Taylor - Poetry
When you read Richard's poetry, I am sure you will discover his unconquerable spirit and his undying faith.
I hope you will post a message here for Richard. Richard is currently being cared for by his sister, and I will be forwarding your messages to his family.
Thank you Richard for your words, your time, your critique .... your friendship. Rest easy, dear gentle man.
God Bless you, our poet friend.
.jeanne.
Debbie wrote this lovely tribute to Richard:
*The Poetry of Richard Taylor*My Fellow Poet
And Friend
You are my dear friend Richard
because I chose you to be,
This friendship all started,
when I read your poetry.
Your words were full of meaning
and so eloquently written,
Some were full of emotion,
speaking of a heart so smitten.
Much of your work was spiritual,
you shared with us God Almighty above,
Your faith shone brightly,
as you expressed His love.
How many times I wished
you were back in the pages writing,
I enjoyed each new poem,
and your many comments so encouraging.
For as long as this world turns,
I’ll have a gift greater than wealth,
That gift is you Richie,
a lasting friendship that I gave to myself.
While family, friends and fellow poets,
hold in their hearts your memory,
The gift of you Richard that I gave myself that day,
will forever be cherished by me,
I’ll not say good by to you Richard Taylor,
my fellow poet and friend,
Only a farewell will be uttered by me,
for I know we shall meet again.
Today I pray Richie,
the same faith you shared with us,
Will be unwavering in the days to come,
as you prepare to meet the welcoming arms of Jesus.
© A Rose Garden Collection Author Debbie R. Forest July 6, 2007
For those who know and love you Richard Taylor,
you leave a legacy and you shall live forever in our hearts and your poetry.
Love In Christ Jesus Debbie Forest
GOD
many names
different faces
only one
*
Triolet
OH SUSANNE
Susanne Sedgwick was such a beauty
with her hazel eyes, and auburn hair.
We all fell for Suzanne, it was our duty,
Susanne Sedgwick was such a beauty.
The lads thought there none as fruity
As Susanne, for never was one so fair.
Susanne Sedgwick was such a beauty
with her hazel eyes and auburn hair.
*
Triolet
The First Time
The first time I saw her standing there
Beside me in the warm spring rain,
she was so flushed; she was so fair
the first time I saw her standing there.
The smile she smiled beyond compare
and nothing would ever be the same.
The first I saw her standing there
beside me in the warm spring rain.
*
Triolet
Bonny Lass
So goodbye to you my bonny lass;
Be kind when you next think of me,
The days we shared are gone, alas,
So goodbye to you my bonny lass,
Our love like shadows as they pass,
Just dreams, never meant to be.
So goodbye to you my bonny lass;
be kind when you next think of me.
*
THE HIGHWAYMAN
Being the sad tale of Jim Larkin
Gentleman Jim, and bonny bess
Robbed the rich to leave them less,
and none could catch them as they ran
so say a Prayer for the highwayman.
It happened on a rainy night
a single rider, strong and bold.
The highwayman rode out of sight
For in Death his fate be told.
The robbery planned, had gone astray
and a gunshot made a parting,
now the hangman waits in dismay
to end the life of one Jim Larkin.
For Jim it was to all that knew
a gentleman rider until then,
who robbed the rich swiftly he flew?
Into the hands of the gallows men.
Gentleman Jim and bonny bess
robbed the rich to leave them less,
and none could catch them as they ran
so say a Prayer for the highwayman.
A merry dance Jim lead them all
for these four-year, he rode and well,
around old London’s by-ways the call
as night descends what tales we'll tell.
No goal could hold him, not a one
for none were as bold and brave as he,
And bess, would wait far from the throng
Then carry Jim, once more to flee.
The children rhymed a song for him
with his trusty steed, a great white mare,
the bonny horse that carried Jim
for none could catch the pair.
Gentleman Jim, and bonny bess
Robbed the rich, to leave them less,
and none could catch them as they ran
so say a Prayer for the highwayman.
Now guilt did haunt him and he knew
For noble in his own way was he,
The time for parting for those that do
The penance that sets all men free.
They found him in a grove of trees
He waited so that all would know,
For Jim, his spirit broken did grieve
“Sir take me, and my gallows show”.
The goal house was dirty and cold
He gave an audience to one and all
the best in food and wine they sold
For Jim, waiting for his Death to call.
Gentleman Jim, and bonny bess
Robbed the rich to leave them less,
and none could catch them as they ran
so say a Prayer for the highwayman.
He ordered a suit of silk and lace
Ruby red, scarlet and white cockade,
Black leather boots, and a powdered face
and a bonny hat for Jim they made.
All London came to meet and stare
Jim asked forgiveness for his sin,
for one now lost but knowing where
the thirteen steps awaited him.
Standing tall on his scaffold high
a gentleman to the last for them,
one last look up to the sky
then to his maker goes the highwayman.
Gentleman Jim and bonny bess
they robbed the rich to leave them less,
and none could catch them as they ran
so say a Prayer for the highwayman.
"Sir leave a shilling for the ferryman"
I’ve paid my dues to one and all,
Forgive my sins, and the course I ran
Then I bow my head and take my fall.
Gentleman Jim and bonny bess
they robbed the rich to leave them less,
and none could catch them as they ran
so say a Prayer for the highwayman.
*
My England
I must return to the place I love
to the windswept Dales Rising high above,
the yorkshire town below.
Encircling all old England’s industrial Might.
To walk again those high roads,
up to the rising of the light.
To the rising of the light again,
that melts into this haunting scene.
For none can match or dream,
the wonders there I’ve seen.
I must Go back once more
to wait the rising of the light.
Of the hearts of all Who’ve drunk in this sight,
against each evernings sunsets twilight.
Upon the Dales Of England,
as I wander my earthly home.
Where my heart forever Longs for,
those Yorkshire Dales of home.
*
Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things, which escape those who dream only by night.
Edgar Allan Poe
Those who dream
Dim the light, and fading fast
His appearance like a globe-orb past,
my chamber, strangely radiating from
this suffocating stillness, descending on.
As the illuminating moon, where spirits roam
while I ponder the letters on my tombstone.
“Come now the Demon, seemed to say”
Through the ghastly mist, as I gently lay.
Then the stranger, appeared as from a dream,
Proceeding to absorb, all that I’d been.
My Riotous heart, once expressed and proud
now prays for the morrow, silent as a shroud.
Then drift in the shadows, all doom and gloom,
this ecstatic silence, pray departing soon
”I ask for time, and beg his grace”
Though no pity shows upon his face.
“Sir hold thy hand, and stay thy ground”
Unchain my soul, now curled around.
For those who've rested in Heavens grace,
that impending beauty, grasping Gods embrace.
He turns quietly smiling, and walks from me,
back to dreamland, each departing peacefully.
*
THE POET
Dedicated to all who strive to create poetry
Tell me your tales, and fill me with awe
Lose me in your imagery, and beauty once more.
Show me the wonder, flow it deep in my heart,
Leaving my sorrows aside, in your words and your art.
With tales of brave hector, and Achilles so bold
the stories of legend let your pen now unfold.
Lift my emotions, tears fears and pain,
with the joys of tomorrow, left now to remain.
Take me to dreamland, and lead me once more
through the fields of my memories, again to explore.
Leave me enchanted, with distant echoes as they flow
in the hearts of the lonely, where the brave dare not go.
Through the pathways we tread, laid down by our way
where the shadow lands meet, and only lovers may stay.
As I journey undaunted, while you write line-by-line
in the words of the poet, in the truth of his rhyme.
*
Lady
Me-thinks I saw my love soar
swiftly high as before.
Perhaps sleepily now the world
I’ve left in dreams and echoes hurled.
Lady it will be my pleasure
to fit you through my tiny chamber
oh lady dear, have no fear
slumbering gently, dreamily here.
My room is gloomy and so melancholy,
we’ll reach those heights, as angles only.
And through your golden hair I'll grasp
tighter now, as one they clasp.
The trembling flow imbued your beauty
imposing love, oh heavenly duty.
And rise with fervour, in perfect bliss,
two Tantalized spirits, then gently-kiss..
*
EARTH SEASONS
Waking In our good earth every day that I
as the seasons pass, in my thoughts I try,
to live without vanity or pride.
waching each season as its gently cast aside.
Treasure its beauty, as a poet’s rhyme,
of each seasons change, restless yet sublime.
Long summer hours, softened every scene
the dew of cypress, field’s replenished green.
And lingering flowers, swaying gently there
slowly passing on to autumns golden air.
Acquainted brown painted leaves gently shake,
as nature ever smiling, and beguiling make.
Delivered autumn, now quickly fades
to winters dying daylight feigned, frosted laid.
Faded memories, affecting greets the snow
blighted remembrance, loveliness' then quickly go.
Family sits around crackling fires warming voice,
with friends gathered good spirits drink rejoice.
Springs coming circle, returns beneath the poets voice.
Rejoice.
*
Echoes
Walking again where the clear pure water flows
by that stream, still crystal clear and rushing by,
where the shadowlands meet, and forever goes
through each memory, beneath this florescent sky.
And did the fates whose mysteries once unfold
Enchanted by her presence a pathway set aside,
Those echoes still find me on this lonely road
In a perfect garden as the moonlight slowly dies.
And did the swaying cypress; by the oak
Call out her name standing silent there,
among such beauty with each word she spoke
once murmured by the Angles, who came for her.
And did they hear a poor mans heart cry with pain
As the mighty eagle in the nights shadows flies,
And would these fleeting moments still remain
Locked in my memory, safe and unopened lies.
The water is silent now by the lake
As the dew drips green, sad yet serene,
The grey trees melancholy shrouded as they shake,
Life’s mysteries hidden as I walk Eden’s evergreen.
And the forest ancient, his secrets obscuring the sky
I’ll meet you darling as the sunset’s by-and-by.
*
This poem is dedicated to Olga Banareo. Who leaving her child in safety, was sent to Ravensbruck, the woman’s Death camp in 1941-2 She was murdered there in 1942, Olga spent her time helping others and was often punished for it, but her spirit was never broken and her humanity will never die.
STRONG I AM
Child crying, not understanding why
left behind within safe walls of home.
She gently lifts spirits of lost souls,
bringing life back to them for one more day,
to the sisters of Ravensbruck.
Though cruel men, who have cast God aside,
and made her cry, yet cannot break,
or for a moment take, her humanity,
shines within dark walls of Ravensbruck.
Though terrified and broken, she would
not give way to terror. And her memory
will not dim, it lives today as it did then,
and remains with the sisters of Ravensbruck.
“Selected”. Buses waiting, God taking her to him,
Head held high, she never bowed to them.
No tears to shed. Consoling others whom she always led
to live another day in Ravensbruck.
*
My Prayer
Father though I’ve walked where poor men go
Encumbered by my vanity and my pride,
Release my selfish spirit that it may again flow,
into the path that leads forever to your side.
Oh Father I will always love thee and adore
Walking in your grace, throughout life’s great quest.
Each day seeking the eternity, where all spirits sour
through life’s struggles, in your strong arms rest.
Oh Father as I fall withered hurt, and torn
Casting aside my sin's, replenished now before,
Keeping always your council, awakened and reborn
Bringing my poor soul, at last to heavens door.
Oh Father who is greater than thee
Wide the door open still to your Eternity.
***
All of the above poems were written by Richard Taylor
God love ... God Bless[/img]
