What unprecedented times we are living in. Wherever you are, social distancing or self-isolating, this is just to let you know that our thoughts go out to all of you who are affected by what’s going on.

What can we do to keep our mind and body together?

There are lots and lots of things to keep the body fit and moving and for those active souls, Mr Motivator is back on TV and so is the Green Goddess! But what about things to keep your mind fit and active?

This month, I thought it would be nice to have a poem or two to think about and to help keep your voice exercised. Perhaps a poem that could even be memorised by heart? I found it really tricky trying to identify a positive, happy poem. Most poets from the days of yore were quite a melancholy lot and I’m definitely steering away from anything downbeat!

I came across this modern poem and loved it for its potential relevance to every family that finds itself in social distancing and/or self-isolation at these bewildering times of loo roll shortages and absent packets of pasta.

This poem by Kim Moore imagines brawling in a family, a typical ‘domestic’ where even the doors go off in a huff and the bed only just survives collapse! The love of the family shines through in the last lines.

In Praise of Arguing
by Kim Moore

And the vacuum cleaner flew

down the stairs like a song
and the hiking boots
launched themselves

along the landing.

And one half of the house
hated the other half
and the blinds
wound themselves around
each other.

And the doors flung

themselves into the street
and flounced away
and the washing gathered
in corners and sulked.

And the bed collapsed
and was held up by books
and the walls developed
scars and it was a glorious,
glorious year.

A more traditional poem, Sea Fever, by John Masefield, describes the pull of the sea and the adventures he longs for once again. Like everyone today, confined in or close to our homes, this is to inspire using memories of fabulous former times and imagining a future full of promise once more.

Sea Fever
By John Masefield

I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,

And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by;

And the wheel’s kick and the wind’s song and the white sail’s shaking,
And a grey mist on the sea’s face, and a grey dawn breaking.

I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide

Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;

And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,

And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.

I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,

To the gull’s way and the whale’s way where the wind’s like a whetted knife;
And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover,

And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick’s over.

I hope you enjoy reading these poems aloud, even memorising them. Poetry is a wonderful way to use words full of sounds, emotions and tone to express yourself. You could even try your hand at a poem yourself. It would be lovely to hear from you with your works.

We are continuing to voice coach, but of course, remotely by Skype.

Wherever you are, stay well and keep your spirits up. Sing, speak and stay in touch with each other.