THOM THE WORLD POET: The Daily Poem

Rob Ayling, yer Gonzo Grande Fromage, writes: 

"Thom the World poet is an old mate of mine from way back in my history. Even pre-dating Voiceprint, when I was running "Otter Songs" and Thom's poetry tapes and guest appearances with Daevid Allen, Gilli Smyth and Mother Gong are well known and highly regarded. It just felt right to include a daily poem from Thom on our Gonzo blog and when I approached him to do so, he replied within seconds!!! Thom is a great talent and just wants to spread poetry, light and positive energy across the globe. If we at Gonzo can help him do that - why not?"

WHEN THEY ASKED THE STUDENTS

HOW MANY CAME FROM SINGLE PARENT FAMILIES

Hands shot up-a forest of signals.They stayed up

when asked who witnessed abuse/violence.When asked to write

most dwelt upon their broken family units/stained with divorce

and the consequences of neglect.Nothing to hide.They unleashed

Dragons of Truth and Power.No "pretty picture postcard"poetry.

More a drive into stuck relationships/a dive into consequences/

and a trust that some amelioration may exist(provisionally)

The room was brown and black and a few vanilla.

Their unity and solidarity charged when each poet was scored.

The loyalty of jocks and nerds to their clan was admirable

There were two judges(neither impartial).Question the awarding of prizes

but you can never take away the magic felt by all

when they heard stories of their own lives,projected via their own peers.

If there is to be a future,it will be based here-where students are seeking

to add to and consolidate all that has been taught them-and to work together

co-operatively-to make a real difference-via active listening,support and encouragement