Generally Random

Written June 2024

The inspiration; We've all seen those TV shows where they drone on about "how great the 60s/70s/80s were." Displaying all the fashions, toys, food and drink and often the music from days gone by, these shows are designed to provide a sense of nostalgia. And unfortunately, with myself being something of a retrophile, (if that's even a word?) that plays right into my own psyche. 

It did however inspire me to put together my own personal trip down memory lane to a time when life was so 'simple;' The good old 1970s. 

With this, I've tried to capture as many of the TV shows I remember from by childhood days (I was born near the start of the decade,) that always cause me to smile a little, laugh a little and often to cringe a lot!!

I hope you enjoy my little trip down memory lane and that you too can recall some of the great TV which we used to enjoy, whether as a child or as a child in an adult's body..

Written July 2024

The inspiration; Every year. both Helen and I try to get at least 1 day at the seaside. It's a great way to clear the mind, and the airways as well. Plus a little dip in the sea does wonders for your sense of wellbeing. 

Generally, we aim to mix up locations so the destination will usually be either Felixstowe in Suffolk, (great bars,) Hunstanton in Norfolk (great fish & chips) or Walton-On-The-Naze in Essex (fantastic beach.)

On the particular occasion which inspired "Sand In Between," the excursion was a coach trip to Felixstowe. The trip was organised as part of one of the groups Helen is a member of and is a regular annual event. There tends to be some structure to the day, including a F & C lunch, a prize draw and the customary cuppa and cakes during the afternoon. We do get a certain amount of free time so like to explore and make the most of what is usually a fairly warm, sunny day. 

Needless to say, you can read all about it below..

Written July 2024

The inspiration; When it comes to dining out, I'm very much a creature of habit. I see the opportunity to try interesting and exotic new flavours something of a demon, mainly driven by the fear of opting for something as yet untried, only to find you don't like it but still having to pay for it.

Often, I'll choose the 'Beer Battered Cod,' or Scampi and very occasionally, Lasagne, if available. If we go to an Indian restaurant, I'll always play it safe with a very mild Chicken Tikka Korma, because I'm safe in the knowledge that my delicate taste buds will cope with the mildness of the dish.

Having recently been to a restaurant where the menu was so vast and it was incredibly difficult finding something suitable from the 'library' of dishes, I almost found myself plumping for something from the children's section. 

And that got me thinking, what if you found yourself in a dilemma such as the one here..?

Written April 2025

The inspiration; When I moved to the village of Burwell in 2021, I only had the support of a very small group of friends, and of course my partner. I'm very fortunate that over the last 4 years, my list of friends has grown incredibly. This poem was written as my acknowledgement of that, but also of "The One" person who has been most supportive, and that of course is Helen.

Written May 2025

The inspiration; Aside from my poetry, one of my other interests is performing at Karaoke. And let's face it, on that subject, there's just so much useful content available. Which led me to write 'For One Night Only,' a phrase made famous in many areas of entertainment. "Tonight Matthew, I'm going to be..."

*Disclaimer; not all of the songs/ artists mentioned feature in my repertoire.

Written May 2026

The inspiration; Whilst exploring the great outdoors on one of our many weekend getaways in our 'New to us' caravan, I found myself inspired to create something completely different to the norm, in fact, vastly removed from my usual style of poetry. A 3 mile walk presented me with a range of senses, emotions and experiences, all of which I hope is encapsulated in this rather emotive work, titled 'By the reed-beds.'