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?

WHO I AM (by Pete Townsend)

I READ BIOGRAPHIES OF THOSE I LOVE &RESPECT

I remember confusing Pete Townsend @the SXSW Music Awards

by handing him a pile of poetry books out of respect and reverence

When living folk speak truth,it cuts my art to the quick.When he said-

"Do not attempt to go back-but if you missed Jimi Hendrix

you missed a genuine shaman.."(Takes one to know one)

His devotion to that silent guru Meher Baba,who kept a poet

to explain his world to those who would not believe mere prose

made me more respectful of both.I read  and re-read more often now-

steal back time to examine the lives and examples of others

who have gone ahead in the front lines,and are still brave and shining.

Many i have seen alive in concert.Those days are gone.

Young with laminates and tickets devote themselves to their New Young Gods

I read Tales of Brave Ulysses,and feel grateful for Pete Townsend,Eric Clapton,Van Morrison

Eric Burdon-and you.