Clive La Pensée

Poetry Evening – Hull University. 18/08/17

The Assembled The usual suspects from the English Department Assemble, Levitically, as romantic as Monday morning. Late, crusty defensive years and ears hear Sunny but arid words. Brynmor evenings thwart noon’s thirst for torpor, But siestas can be a moveable feasts. Midday slumbers threaten the evening air. The Readings Gangs of knowing smiles Show pinchedContinue reading “Poetry Evening – Hull University. 18/08/17”

International Women’s Day – two women’s firsts

I first heard the term ‘Women’s lib,’ sometime in the late 60s or early 70s. At the time we dreamt of men becoming more like women and to a certain extent, some men have softened their approach. It was never going to be enough to make a difference and so the outcome is understandable, but I don’t think anyone expected women to become more like men. E.g. Play rugby, football or cricket, box or wrestle.

How to write your novel – Ask a brewer!

Ask ten brewers how to brew beer and get eleven opinions. Ask ten brewers – get eleven opinions. As a brewer and a writer and a one-time writer on brewing, I have always been fascinated by the truth of this brewers’ paradigm. More interesting is applying the idea to other creative areas, such as writingContinue reading “How to write your novel – Ask a brewer!”

The Ring Cycle – will it never end?

Another daft portrayal of mighty Brünnhilde. A night to remember – Wagner – Will It Never End? The Ring Cycle, – full name ‘the Ring of the Nibelungen,’ finished its Gateshead run and made that night in 2016, one to remember. Sixteen hours of drama spread over four nights, two long intervals each night –Continue reading “The Ring Cycle – will it never end?”

Keeping sane – lockdown trauma

The news is full articles about increased suicide rates. (France24 – lead article). I decided to act. Around 30 years ago, I wrote a novella on the impact of poverty and isolation on mental health. After a thorough revision I asked beta reader friend for an opinion. She has come back from addiction, prostitution andContinue reading “Keeping sane – lockdown trauma”

Breweries, Supermarket Shelves and Marketing Deception?

Lift the fog of deception This is quite a controversial title, but I don’t expect to get sued. I’ve just seen an advert on Instagram for an IPA (India pale ale), which showed a picture of a brown beer. I’ve seen a stout with an OG of 1040. I have bought a porter, so sweetContinue reading “Breweries, Supermarket Shelves and Marketing Deception?”

Malt like an Egyptian. Get a craftbrew buzz.

‘History is more or less, bunk,’ claimed Henry Ford. ‘We don’t want tradition. We want to live in the present.’ We all have an agenda, and Henry Ford’s was not to go back to the horse and cart. As brewers, we might want to see things differently. The best beers ever were brewed 200 yearsContinue reading “Malt like an Egyptian. Get a craftbrew buzz.”

Let life be a game! Gustav Meyrink and Covid

Time to reflect on a monotony of days, repeating a pattern as never before in my lifetime. Here is a bit of unpretentious light verse, to cheer the day. It should be read as quickly as possible. I apologise in advance for any rhymes that offend the modernists,but any creativity is good for the soul.Continue reading “Let life be a game! Gustav Meyrink and Covid”

Old Age – Taken apart by Goethe

I visited a museum in Weimar. There was a quote from Goethe. ‘Ich bin zu alt um nur zu spielen, und zu jung um ohne Wunsch zu sein.’ The greatest lines can be an inspiration to writers and get the block out the way. ‘I am too old to only play and too young toContinue reading “Old Age – Taken apart by Goethe”