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Reflections of my lover dancing on the frozen lake echoed every night on the walls of the grey scullery. The Ice Queen watched each pirouette and veil cast until enraged by the neon sunshine stood and speared the screen twice. Spring arrived and with her first swallow my lover's passions lay wild on the sawdust floor. She flies with white doves on the edge of a faded mirror until she embraces Snow White in a field of blood-red poppies. Holding her like the Holy Crucifix she takes her on a journey into a world of narrow fires until they shiver in the heat and scream for mercy. Enchanted by such a wondrous spectacle I anchor my yellow boat on a mound of melting ice and indulge in this daring love story. We listen to the sermons of a wise sage, and dancing to the songs of eastern troubadours we hail the return of Happy floating on a cloud of purple haze. A few words about the poem… Unveiling Societal Constructs in “Looking for Snow White” | A Coming-of-Age Poem In the realm of surrealist poetry, the coming-of-age poem "Looking for Snow White" stands as a nuanced exploration of the journey from youth to maturity, scrutinizing the societal expectations imposed on the individual. Τhis introduction endeavours to dissect the poem, delving into its surrealist elements and situating them within the broader context of surrealism in poetry. The verses commence with a vivid depiction of the poet’s lover's reflections dancing on a frozen lake, setting the stage for a narrative that unfolds in a surrealist tapestry. The frozen lake, a metaphorical stage, becomes a symbolic representation of the constraints and rigidity of societal norms. The lover's reflections echo on its surface, suggesting the repetitive nature of such expectations that reverberate through one's formative years. The Ice Queen, a fantastical figure, watches the lover's dance with a critical eye, embodying the societal gaze that scrutinizes and judges. The neon sunshine, enraged by the unconventional dance, further emphasizes the clash between individuality and the norm. This surrealist portrayal serves as a metaphor for the pressures exerted on young people to conform to expectations, even when pursuing personal passions. As the narrative progresses into spring, a season traditionally associated with renewal and growth, the lover's passions lay wild on the sawdust floor. This transition marks the tumultuous journey from adolescence to adulthood, where societal expectations clash with individual desires. The mention of a faded mirror and the embrace of Snow White in a field of blood-red poppies introduce surrealistic imagery that symbolizes the distorted reflections of self and the allure of preset ideals. The Holy Crucifix becomes a potent symbol, signalling the imposition of values on the lover's journey. The narrow fires and the plea for mercy evoke a surreal landscape of internal conflicts and the struggle to conform. The yellow boat anchored on melting ice symbolizes the fragility of existing structures and the pursuit of happiness and daring love, creating a surreal juxtaposition of stability and instability. In surrealist tradition, the poem unfolds like a dream, embracing unconventional associations and juxtapositions. The sermons of a wise sage, the songs of an eastern troubadour, and the return of Happy floating on a cloud of purple haze contribute to the dreamlike quality. The marmalade flower in the sky adds another layer of surrealism, creating a sense of the fantastical and the otherworldly. In the final moments, gratitude is expressed for Happy's cigarette, symbolizing a shared moment of rebellion and camaraderie. The poem, while navigating through surreal landscapes, ultimately reflects the resilience of individuality in the face of societal pressures. In conclusion, "Looking for Snow White" employs surrealist elements to dissect the pressures on young individuals navigating the journey from youth to maturity. The frozen lake, the Ice Queen, and the surreal imagery serve as powerful metaphors, offering a poignant commentary on the clash between personal desires and general expectations. The poem, in its surrealist tapestry, invites readers to contemplate the complexities of growing up in a world that often demands conformity.

Perhaps she tried Johnny but she couldn’t love you. Did you struggle when your lungs began to burn until oblivion came? Maybe you called for help but the Thames is such a lonely place at three a.m. You drifted on the water, grey bloated and alone with murky water in your glazed eyes. No one can do dying Johnny better than a man betrayed in love. You are in a fridge cold and grey now, with a number on your toe and a scar along your chest. It’s nearly four a.m. The Half-Moon is about to close and all your friends are here to mourn you. Speak to us Johnny, was Veronica worth the price? A few words about the poem…   Veronica - Exploring Despair and Betrayal in the “Poems of Despair”   “Veronica” paints a vivid picture of a tragic love story with strong undertones of despair and betrayal. Set against the backdrop of London’s dark and enigmatic Thames River, this narrative poem portrays the final moments of a protagonist named Johnny. Throughout the work, the imagery and structure reflect the quintessential elements found in poems of despair, presenting a raw and poignant depiction of love gone awry.   The poem opens with a direct address, implying a possible attempt by Veronica to love Johnny. The stark reality of her inability to reciprocate his affection is evident, setting the tone for the rest of the poem. This unrequited love, a common theme in poems of despair, leads to Johnny’s fatal decision. The imagery of burning lungs and oblivion hints at his final struggle, creating a haunting picture of his last moments.   As the poem progresses, the reader is presented with the desolate scene of Johnny’s body in the Thames. Described as “grey, bloated, and alone,” Johnny’s lifeless form symbolizes the ultimate consequence of despair. The reference to his glazed eyes filled with murky water not only evokes a chilling visual but also underscores the emotional and physical toll of betrayal. Here, the poem expertly captures the essence of despair, where hope is lost and death becomes the only refuge.   The poem’s setting at three a.m. enhances the theme of isolation and loneliness. The stillness of the night, juxtaposed with the bustling life of the Half-Moon club about to close, reflects the contrasting realities of life and death. The mourners, Johnny’s friends, are portrayed as gathering at the club, highlighting the communal aspect of grief and the human tendency to seek solace in shared experiences. This gathering serves as a stark reminder of Johnny’s absence, intensifying the sense of despair.   A notable aspect of the poem is the juxtaposition of life and death. Johnny’s lifeless body at the mortuary, now a cold, grey presence with a number on his toe and a scar on his chest, contrasts sharply with the lively club atmosphere where his friends mourn. This stark imagery serves as a powerful metaphor for the inevitable end that awaits everyone, regardless of the vibrancy of their lives. The poem suggests that despair and betrayal can lead to a tragic and premature end.   The closing lines pose a direct question to Johnny, asking if Veronica was worth the price. This rhetorical question leaves the reader contemplating the cost of unrequited love and the impact of betrayal. It underscores the central theme of the poem, where the consequences of despair and betrayal are explored through the lens of a tragic love story.   In summary, “Veronica” through vivid imagery and poignant themes, explores the depths of human emotion, highlighting the devastating impact of unrequited love and betrayal. The poem serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring pain of despair.

Hail our bridge the tallest bridge in the whole world. Made of white marzipan —beautiful, mouth-watering marzipan— it stands in the waters of the river on giant stilts of fruit and cake. On this bridge each night grey men in suits of wasted lives scurry for the trains to suburban hell. A painter in a bowler hat sat on its stairs of fruit and cake and began to paint pictures of little swallows and bulldogs on the walls of Cardboard City. A woman sitting on the floor offered him some Boursin cheese and a glass of French wine. Dear Lord! French cheese and wine! Surely, she mistook him for a tramp and not the world's greatest artist. He was aghast! In a spree of righteous anger he murdered all the swallows and fed them to the smiling bulldogs. A plain-clothes policeman walked out through a painted door from underneath the greatest bridge and seeing such a scene of carnage he took his pistol from its holster and shot the vagrant dead. A missionary hearing the gunshot came running to the murder scene. He saw a woman besides herself with grief weeping over the body of her dying brother. He assumed she was drunk on French wine —you can never trust the morals of the French— and she had stabbed that man to death. But he also knew this was not his fight. Things became clear that night and the young TV reporter knew at last, he had found enlightenment. He looked with pride at the bridge made of marzipan and cake —the best and whitest marzipan except perhaps in Arizona— and took a giant bite from its leg. The leg wobbled back and forth and then collapsed into the river. It was reported on TV that night, a rotund man cycling on the water was crashed then drowned. 'London Bridge is falling down falling down, falling down London Bridge is falling down my fair lady' Patriots asked if they could scatter the obese man's ashes on the river but the judge refused to give permission. In a ceremony of pomp and circumstance they were scattered in the Channel and they drifted all the way to France. 'What a great story' —thought the young reporter with much pride— 'This must be the greatest story in the world'. A few words about the poem…   Political Poems: Unveiling the Surreal Irony of "Little England"   In the realm of political poems, where satire and surrealism intertwine, the poem "The Tallest Bridge in the World" offers a compelling critique of the ultra-nationalist ideology often encapsulated in the notion of "Little England." The poem's vivid and absurd imagery serves to highlight the irrational pride and contradictory values held by those who fervently believe in their nation's unparalleled superiority.   The poem opens with the grandiose declaration of possessing the tallest bridge in the world, made entirely of white marzipan and standing on stilts of fruit and cake. This fantastical construction sets the stage for the surreal narrative that unfolds. The marzipan bridge, beautiful and mouth-watering, symbolizes the fragile and artificial nature of the nationalistic pride it represents.   As night falls, grey-suited men with wasted lives scurry across the bridge, a metaphor for the monotonous and unfulfilled existence that nationalism often perpetuates. The presence of a painter in a bowler hat, who begins to paint swallows and bulldogs on the walls of Cardboard City, introduces a layer of irony. The artist's work is interrupted by a woman offering French cheese and wine, a gesture that leads to a violent and irrational reaction. This encounter reflects the xenophobic tendencies that underlie the ultra-nationalist mindset, where foreign influence is met with hostility.   The poem's absurdity reaches a peak with the appearance of a plain-clothes policeman who misinterprets the scene and shoots the painter. A missionary's arrival and subsequent misjudgement of the situation further underscore the poem's critique of the misguided morality that often accompanies nationalist fervour. The young TV reporter's enlightenment, achieved through the chaos and carnage, satirizes the superficial and sensationalist nature of media coverage.   The poem concludes with the collapse of the marzipan bridge, a literal and metaphorical representation of the inevitable downfall of such hollow pride. The reporter's pride in reporting the bridge's collapse as the "greatest story in the world" mirrors the misplaced pride of the nationalists. The scattering of the obese man's ashes, a satirical reference to a well-known politician, which drift to France, serves as a final ironic twist, highlighting the futility and absurdity of the ultra-nationalist worldview.   In examining "The Tallest Bridge in the World," it becomes evident that political poems like this use surrealism and irony to deconstruct the illogical and often hypocritical nature of ultra-nationalist beliefs. The poem's imagery and narrative invite readers to question the validity of such pride and to reflect on the broader implications of a worldview that elevates one's nation above all others without rational justification.

The rabbit swam down the river with a bag of onions on his back. He was tired but had no choice. Thomas, in the guise of a staring sun was on the lookout for a lazy rabbit. Rabbit stew was his mantra for the day. The giant rabbit was furious. 'Why not humans for the grill' the rabbit thought, 'this is not fair' but the bunch of onions floating on the water was not tall enough to hide in. He pondered, 'Would diving under the water help?' Alas, it was not to be; onions go well with rabbit. Rabbit stew was on the menu for the day. A few words about the poem…   Political Poems: A Surreal Allegory   Political poems often serve as a subtle yet powerful medium for critiquing societal structures. "The Fate of the Giant Rabbit" is one such poem that uses surreal imagery to offer a nuanced commentary on power and injustice. This piece presents a narrative where the protagonist, a rabbit, is subjected to a fate dictated by forces beyond its control, mirroring the often arbitrary and self-serving nature of political authority.   The poem opens with the rabbit swimming down a river, burdened by a bag of onions. This image sets a tone of struggle and inevitability. The rabbit’s exhaustion and lack of alternatives reflect a broader human experience under oppressive systems. Political poems like this one often use such metaphorical journeys to illustrate the heavy loads carried by individuals within societal constructs.   Thomas, depicted as a sun, searches for a lazy rabbit with "rabbit stew" as his mantra. The use of "mantra" implies a mindless repetition of an agenda, characteristic of self-serving political motives. The sun's guise suggests an omnipresent power, observing and waiting to impose its will. This portrayal aligns with how political poems typically critique the relentless nature of political surveillance and control.   The rabbit's fury at the unfairness of its predicament—questioning why humans are not subjected to the same fate—introduces a poignant moment of rebellion. Yet, this rebellion is undercut by the rabbit’s realisation that the onions, inadequate for concealment, symbolise the futility of resistance. In political poems, such moments often highlight the disparity between the governed and the governing, emphasising the powerlessness felt by those at the mercy of authority.   The rabbit's contemplation of diving underwater in a bid for escape represents a desperate search for solutions within an oppressive framework. However, the finality of the situation is underscored by the declaration that "onions go well with rabbit," a statement from Thomas that cements the rabbit's doomed fate. This grim conclusion reflects the inescapable realities often depicted in political poems, where the outcomes are predetermined by those in power.   "The Fate of the Giant Rabbit" uses its surreal narrative to draw attention to the arbitrary nature of political decrees and the often-absurd rationales behind them. By framing the poem within a fantastical context, it invites readers to reflect on the real-world implications of such power dynamics. Political poems like this one excel in using allegory to reveal the underlying truths of societal hierarchies.   In conclusion, this poem exemplifies how political poems can utilise surrealism to critique and reflect upon the nature of political power. The rabbit’s journey, its futile resistance, and the ultimate declaration of its fate all serve to illustrate the poem's deeper commentary on authority and injustice. Through its imaginative narrative, "The Fate of the Giant Rabbit" contributes to the tradition of political poems that challenge readers to consider the often-unseen mechanisms of power in society.

Delirium rules.   The soldiers of the tainted goat are dancing at the white altar, depravity is a virtue and the Sultan of Seville rules the holy kingdom.   Guinevere, seduced by promises of a candy-floss existence, abandons all pretence of wisdom and her modest words of red and white drowned at the bottom of the sea.   King Arthur 's dead and Camelot lies in ruins. A few words about the poem…   Political Poems: The Tainted Goat   Political poems frequently serve as reflections of societal and political dynamics, using metaphor and symbolism to critique and reflect on the times. "The Tainted Goat" exemplifies this genre, presenting a surreal yet incisive commentary on the nature of power and corruption. Through vivid imagery and allegorical narrative, the poem explores themes of moral decay, a subject often encountered in political discourse.   The opening line, "Delirium rules," establishes a chaotic tone, suggesting a world where reason and order have been upended. This disarray is further depicted through the "soldiers of the tainted goat" who dance at the "white altar," symbolising a perversion of sanctity and virtue. The goat, traditionally associated with lechery and uncleanliness, here becomes a central figure representing leadership. The altar, typically a site of purity, now serves as a stage for moral corruption.   The following stanza introduces Guinevere, historically a figure of wisdom and purity, who is seduced by "promises of a candy-floss existence." This seduction underscores the allure of superficial pleasures leading to the abandonment of deeper values. Guinevere's forsaking of her wisdom resonates with contemporary political narratives, where integrity is often sacrificed for immediate gratification. Her "modest words of red and white," likely symbolising sincerity and purity, are ultimately "drowned at the bottom of the sea," suggesting a complete loss of these virtues.   The poem's conclusion reflects a grim aftermath. King Arthur's death and the ruin of Camelot encapsulate the downfall of a once-glorious civilisation, echoing themes of decline common in political poems. Camelot, emblematic of utopian ideals, lies in shambles, portraying the devastating consequences of unchecked power and moral failure.   "The Tainted Goat" employs rich, surrealistic imagery to convey its message. It fits within the tradition of political poems that use allegory to subtly critique contemporary issues. This poem, while avoiding direct references, implicitly critiques modern leadership and societal values, offering a nuanced exploration of the intersections of poetry and politics.

Ithaca, Ithaca, Ithaca. Behind your iron gates I was once a prisoner. Beyond your high walls were lands I had to see, new faiths I had to embrace and old Gods I had to bury. From far away I could hear the Siren's Cry —the angst of Youth wistful and enchanting. In spring, she came to me, an untamed wild beast who embraced me in her light and I fell in love with my Siren and her song. Together we laid siege to old cities until their walls came crashing down and a new world was breaking in. Our beautiful Circe came in June and loving Circe was so easy. My Siren strummed her love songs and soon we were lost in her as she was lost in us. Now she is gone and I miss her love. The Siren too vanished by September but the memory of her love song still echoes in my mind. Ithaca, Ithaca, Ithaca my beloved land. I’m back, my journey now is almost over. A few words about the poem... A Coming-of-Age Poem: A Lyrical Odyssey of Passion and Self-Discovery In this allegorical coming-of-age poem from the series Cyprus Poems by Chris Zachariou, we embark on a transformative journey alongside Odysseus, the protagonist of the ancient Greek epic, as he navigates the realms of passion, longing, and self-discovery. Set against the backdrop of Ithaca, his homeland, Odysseus finds himself imprisoned by the iron gates and high walls that confine his spirit. Driven by an insatiable desire to explore the unknown, Odysseus is lured by the mesmerizing calls of the Sirens. Their enchanting melodies beckon him, promising new experiences and enticing possibilities. Succumbing to their allure, he ventures forth, leaving the familiar shores of Ithaca behind. As Odysseus embarks on his odyssey, he encounters Circe in June, a captivating enchantress whose love is effortless and intoxicating, who becomes his lover and guide. In the embrace of her light, he discovers newfound strength and courage, and together they lay siege to old cities, dismantling the walls of tradition and convention. Odysseus falls under her spell, while the echoes of the Siren's song from his youth still linger in his mind. But by September, both Circe and the Siren have vanished, leaving Odysseus yearning for their love and companionship. With the echoes of their enchantment fading, Odysseus realizes that his heart longs for the familiar shores of Ithaca, his beloved homeland. The journey, filled with both triumphs and heartaches, draws him back to where it all began. Through the trials and tribulations, Odysseus undergoes a profound transformation—a true coming-of-age, where the pursuit of freedom and self-discovery intertwines with the depths of passion and longing. As the narrative of this poem unfolds, the reader is invited to immerse themselves in the evocative imagery and poetic language that paints vivid landscapes of Odysseus' Odyssey. It offers a mesmerizing exploration of human emotions, the power of love, and the eternal quest for personal growth and liberation, capturing the essence of the human spirit and the timeless pursuit of finding one's true self.

Our wise goddess, you craved sainthood but doubts racked your body. A tortured mind, you lived a sinless life in your books and abstinence. An example to us all you drank juice without ice and resisted thoughts of sinning. You talked of God and of an old friend but every time you said her name a yearning danced across your eyes; b ut you married a diploma instead. Now, y our two diplomas framed hand in hand on your bedroom wall, look down aghast at your weekly and joyless fumblings. I wonder though virtuous owl. W hen your eyes are closed and you whine that final cry, whose face do you see? Is it perhaps that old school friend, her wistful voice still a vacuum in your life? If only you had a little courage. We would have loved you no less. A few words about the poem… A Coming-of-Age Poem: The Inner Turmoil of “The Virtuous Owl”   "The Virtuous Owl" presents itself as a Coming-of-Age poem that delves into the complexities of self-discovery, repression, and the conflicts between societal expectations and personal desires. Through its exploration of the inner life of its protagonist, the poem captures the quiet yet profound struggles that accompany the journey from youth to adulthood, where choices made under pressure can lead to a life of regret and unfulfilled longing.   The poem begins by addressing the central figure as a "wise goddess," a title that suggests both reverence and expectation. This figure, however, is immediately revealed to be beset by doubts, a "tortured mind" that struggles to reconcile the desire for sainthood with the uncertainties that accompany it. This duality is central to the poem’s theme of coming-of-age, as the protagonist grapples with the tension between her aspirations and the reality of her inner life. The mention of living a "sinless life / in your books and abstinence" underscores the pressures placed on her to conform to an ideal of purity and virtue, even as it hints at the emotional and psychological cost of such a life.   As a Coming-of-Age poem, "The Virtuous Owl" also highlights the societal influences that shape the protagonist's decisions. The emphasis on "juice without ice" and the resistance to "thoughts of sinning" serve as metaphors for the self-imposed restrictions that define her existence. These small details reflect the ways in which societal norms and expectations can manifest in even the most mundane aspects of life, illustrating the protagonist's internalisation of these values. Her conversations about God and an "old friend" further suggest a yearning for connection and a struggle with unacknowledged desires that conflict with her carefully maintained image of virtue.   The poem’s central conflict becomes most apparent in the lines describing the protagonist's choice to "marry / a diploma instead." Here, the decision to prioritise academic and social achievements over personal fulfilment is portrayed as a significant moment in her coming-of-age journey. The image of the two diplomas "framed hand in hand / on your bedroom wall" serves as a poignant symbol of the life she has chosen, a life marked by adherence to external measures of success rather than the pursuit of authentic happiness.   Yet, despite the outward appearance of accomplishment, the protagonist is depicted as haunted by the choices she has made. The diplomas "look down aghast" at her "weekly and joyless fumblings," suggesting a deep-seated dissatisfaction and a sense of regret that permeates her existence. The poem’s closing stanzas bring this internal struggle to the forefront, as the speaker wonders whose face the protagonist sees in her final moments. The suggestion that it might be the "old school friend" with a "wistful voice" introduces the idea of lost opportunities and unfulfilled potential, central themes in many Coming-of-Age poems.   Ultimately, "The Virtuous Owl" serves as a reflective exploration of the protagonist's journey towards self-realisation. The final lines—"If only you had a little courage. / We would have loved you no less."—offer a poignant commentary on the pressures to conform and the fear of disappointing others that often accompany the transition to adulthood. The poem subtly critiques the societal structures that encourage individuals to sacrifice personal desires for the sake of outward respectability, suggesting that true coming-of-age involves the courage to embrace one's authentic self, even in the face of doubt and uncertainty.   "The Virtuous Owl" encapsulates the essence of a Coming-of-Age poem by delving into the internal conflicts and choices that define the transition from youth to adulthood. Through its exploration of themes such as repression, societal expectation, and regret, the poem offers a nuanced reflection on the complexities of growing up, making it a compelling addition to the tradition of Coming-of-Age literature.

an avalanche of death slid down the mountain crying.. screaming.. choking.. voices fading mummy it's dark it hurts help me their light goes out Aberfan grows dim and a taste of death lingers in the town innocence destroyed now you pretend there is no one there maybe you even fooled me for a while but I will find you soon I will cross the river I know your name i t's been written in the book for years

a mother cradles her tiny baby girl but in her tiny chest there is no more breath and all that’s left around is the smell of death

Icarus has flown too high he has eclipsed the stars. The Sun-God has decreed the youth must die.

An impish light tiptoes in through the queen’s window falling on her open lips like a thief at midnight. Naked on her scarlet bed her hands reach out to her aching breasts. Remembering her night of sin she writhes and sighs full of lust surrendering her moist lovelands to her hungry touch.

today she has the sadness of November in her eyes tomorrow she will have the smile of May and the world will be more beautiful