Will the hawthorn tree recover from this sculpting?

I’m pleased to have a sequence of three linked poems in the September issue of Chainlink.

www.openbook.org.uk/chainlink/ta...

Thanks to the editors.

I am not usually moved to tears by music but as Andras Schiff played Bach’s Art of Fugue at yesterday morning’s prom, I dissolved. I was caught up in the music and again and again let my tears fall silently while the music went on. I have never known a concert so wonderful or so moving.

I particularly loved the second half of the first night of the proms: a new composition by Errollyn Wallen followed by a massive Vaughan Williams work of which I was previously unaware.

Enormous metal spider created by Louise Bourgeois, with affection and admiration.

Bonjour, Maman

Bertha Ryland’s damage to property certainly broke the law. Would it also be labelled terrorism if it happened today - and would support for her action and the suffragette campaign send people who merely sympathised to jail?

A fine poem too.

My latest cinema visit was to see Kurosawa’s Lear-derived film Ran - nearly three hours long, bloody, spectacular and bleak. It’s definitely one of the best films I know and, forty years after its first release, seems more relevant than ever.

I’m enjoying the new issue of @magmapoetry.bsky.social which includes poems by friends and introduces me to some very good poets who I hadn’t previously read. I have two poems in it too! Thanks to the editors.

Unheard works by Erik Satie to premiere 100 years after his death Pianist Alexandre Tharaud performs previously lost material by experimental French composer on a new album

These new Satie recordings sound wonderful but why aren’t they on a cd for old-fashioned people like me? www.theguardian.com/music/2025/j...

Hidden (Caché) is still on until Thursday at Nottingham’s Broadway Cinema. I first saw it when it came out - perhaps twenty years ago - and, having seen it again, I still think it an outstandingly brilliant and thought-provoking work. Catch it if you can - and if you’re prepared to be disturbed.

I’ll keep hoping. Thanks.

Ooh - good to see Stevie Davies there - didn’t know who else read her.

Is there a waiting list, please, and if so can you please add me?

Two badges: one says Peace in English, Hebrew and Arabic (in support of Standing Together) and the other says simply “Trans Ally.”

Badges from @fiveleavesbooks.bsky.social in Nottingham

I chose the Belgian film Julie Keeps Quiet and, at the weekend, the Belgian-Japanese (Studio Ghibli) collaboration, The Red Turtle. Both were good choices.

My local indie cinema is offering both Holy Cow and Julie Keeps Quiet this week - and I hear good things of both.

As a frequent cinema-goer, I’m happy to respond to Trump’s tariffs by watching only films produced outside the USA. I think I might find a wider variety of films that way.

I like dandelions.

Some sunshine happened

One of the daffodils in my garden has bloomed.

Hyacinth by night

Glasgow scenery

Today’s joy - a hyacinth starts to open.

A remarkable sky

I expect many people enjoyed your work. Selling depends on people having enough money and a suitable place to display the art.

Time for reflection. (I have a bad cold.)

I’m sad to feel strengthened in my vote for the Green candidate, even though I was, until recently, a Labour Party member. My mistrust in the party under Keir Starmer’s leadership has been borne out by recent events and policy statements.

Dusk. Have a happy evening.

Art trouvé