A Window in Time

 

(From Roger’s friend, Graham)

 

Hi everyone,

Over the years I’ve attended many of Roger’s poetry readings. Many took place in public libraries or art centres. Occasionally they were part of an events programme for LGBT+ History Month (February, here in the UK). Often, friends and old colleagues would attend.

I recently discovered a sound recording among Roger’s personal effects. A reading at the Society of Genealogists hire space, London, back in March 2017. Hearing his voice again was evocative. It made me recount those many convivial evenings enjoying poetry and wine. More interestingly though, it offers the listener an extra dimension. They’re more expressive and nuanced than mere lines of printed verse. The added intonation and emphasis illuminates and counter-shades the narrative.

I’ve opted to add some imagery. A simple slideshow really, which hopefully provides a suitable backdrop. My plan is to publish the entire reading in full on Roger’s YouTube channel. For now though, I’m including a link to the first part here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2klMtjNWuSQ

Happy listening and thanks for reading.

Graham

 

*  *  *

 

ROGER TABER - POETRY READING

Tuesday, 21 March 2017

 

PART 1

Close Friends, Distant Lives

A Short History of London

The Busker or Music, Spirit of Life

Last Take on Multiculturalism

Whatever Happened To Love?

The Ballad of Neighbour Joe

Darkness, The Poetry of Mixed Feelings or The Scenic Route To Daylight

View From A Church Window

Life At The Shallow End or Keeping Up Appearances

The Zen Of Counting Beans

A Family Connection or Time Travel Firsthand

Harvesting Imagination

Looking For Answers or Passing Comment On The Human Psyche

Mother Love

The Guardian

 

(CC) R N. Taber 2017

Going with the Music OR Play On...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R._N._Taber

Don’t we all have our eye on the main chance where falling in love is concerned? Gay or straight, we can’t afford to be caught out wearing blinkers …

At the same time, of course, we need to learn the best steps likely to find ourselves a partner in life if not for life; it's no fun engaging with shadows in a closet.

As classic playwright William Shakespeare frequently comments, one way or another, in many of his his plays: - 'If music be the food of love, play on... 'Twelfth Night (1602) 

GOING WITH THE MUSIC

Shirt open,

muscles rippling,

slim fit jeans

defying mutual desires

to pussyfoot

around each other

like politicians

with an eye on the

main chance

while not wanting

to queer

their pitch with any

second

(or third) choices

likely game

for second (or third)

chances

Body going

with the music,

in time

with, oh, so playful toes

winking

back at mine,

suggesting

we leave the floor,

head for

the bar, see where

it leads...

(your place or mine?)

anxious to play

the cool customer

while making the case

for sex

Mind getting

lost in the music,

reaching out

to you for a helping hand,

sensing

your piano fingers

playing mine

(a familiar enough tune)

its subtleties

stirring memories

of times

when spirit and flesh

both equal

to the greater task,

making more

of one-night stands

than sex

Shirts off,

muscles rippling,

hairy legs

taking mutual desires

full on,

no pussy footing

around

each other

like politicians,

but an eye on the

main chance

with no intention

of queering

our pitch with any

second

(or third) choices,

only game

(this time) for staying

the course

Copyright R. N. Taber 2016

Somebody To Love

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R._N._Taber

Today’s post appears on both blogs as Queen has fans everywhere. The poem takes its title from the hit song first recorded by the rock band on their album A Day at the Races. Written by Freddy Mercury at the piano, "Somebody to Love" is a soul-searching piece that questions God's role in a life without love.

If God is love and a life without love - in all its shapes and forms - is no life at all, where does that leave those of us who don’t believe in a God as expounded by various religions? And who’s to say any religion or religion per se has a monopoly on its understanding of God? Perhaps it is the other way around and Love is God? Who knows…?

I love nature. Perhaps nature is God. Perhaps I am mistaken when I say I don’t believe in God and what I really mean is that I cannot take anything religions have to say literally, preferring a metaphorical take on Holy Books, but… if Love is God…Well, yes, I sure do believe in love.

As for gay love…Love does not discriminate and if God is Love it follows that no God would either so never but never let anyone tell you that gay people in love share anything less beautiful or less godly than their heterosexual counterparts.

What’s that? I’ve said this before? True, nothing new here. Ah, but as my dear, late mother told me once, if something is worth saying it has to be worth repeating.

SOMEBODY TO LOVE

Somebody to love, my life, my dream

wherever I go;

I am the cat that got the cream

(as well you know)

Apollo makes light of our fears

wherever we go,

soul mates swimming the world’s tears

(seas of joy and sorrow)

We’ll rise above all prejudice

wherever we go,

holding hands, pausing for a kiss

(let everyone know)

We’ll prove them all mistaken

wherever we go,

who say gay sex can’t exist but as a sin

(what do they know?)

Waking beside you every day,

wherever we go,

I feel much blessed for being gay

(sunbeam on my pillow)

Passion’s fire will see us right

wherever we go,

blazing a trail through the darkest night

(for others to follow)

Somebody to love, my life, my dream

wherever I go;

I am the cat that got the cream

(as well you know)

Copyright R. N. Taber 197-; 2012