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I've been creative writing all my life, though with various haitus(es) along the way. IFrom 2010 I started this blog and enjoyed sharing writing and other information with everyone. illness and bereavement supplied the more recent hiatus.

Monday, 29 November 2010

Groan if you must!

I wonder have you read Ray Mears' Outdoor survival? I thoroughly recommend that you do
I have and wondered how I could remember his marvellous advice, so I decided to put some of it into a quick rhyme, I dare not call it a poem. BTW The lee side is the sheltered side away from wind.
Okay so this is the first draft, so groan if you must:


THIS WEEK'S THEME: Nature: Plants, Creatures and the Cosmos

Apologies for the obvious or non-rhymes, but it does include all the elements of the week's theme, even if it's not my best poem.

Nature’s Compass by Madeleine Maddocks

Horizontal branches pointing out
Direct all travellers to the South
Watch the ones with a brush-like sweep
They’ll be nodding towards North East
Reed heads bending to the lee
Lean away from the winds, you see.
Make your camp on the flattest ground
Avoid those depressions in the mound,
For they collect the moisture there.
And stagnant pools you must beware
Those biting insects will collect,
While dead over-branches you mustn’t neglect,
For they may fall within the night
And you’d be left with a nasty fright.
Finally camp near a source of water
Oh yes, of course, you really oughta!

21 comments:

  1. I'm impressed! And hey, I learned something too. Great job.

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  2. I'm exceedingly pleased to say I've never been camping! LOL :)

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  3. Madeleine, I think this is wonderful! Loved the flow, and although I have not yet been camping, it's something I am hopeful for in the future, and so not only do I have the pleasure of reading your words, but also some good knowledge as well. Thank you :)

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  4. You're much braver than I; I never let anyone see my attempts at poetry;-) But you did a fabulous job!

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  5. i think its beautiful and they all rhymed IMHO, I did some camping in my YA days, if I ever move back to LND I know my church kids will drag me camping.

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  6. I think Ray Mears would be most impressed with this!!! It's brilliant! I loved reading it - and I have learnt something too - must always camp on the flat and near water!!! :-) Take care
    x

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  7. I loved it! As a seasoned camper I found myself nodding as well as enjoying the verse.

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  8. Nice flow! I picture myself in the forest, following your advice...

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  9. I enjoyed that, thanks Madeleine.

    ... and sound advice too!

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  10. my dear friend, this is brilliant.
    love your wisdom and the efforts in inspiring us with this...

    way to go.
    enjoy your talent!
    xxx

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  11. It rhymed to me! Great poem and great advice! thanks :0) christy

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  12. My favorite line:
    "Finally camp near a source of water
    Oh yes, of course, you really oughta!"
    =)
    Write1Sub1

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  13. I luv this. Now I know how to survive in the wild...thank you :)

    cheers

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  14. Everything Rhymed ... and well, too! Nice job.

    Michael

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  15. I really love that - and it's so full of sound advice too!

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  16. Good advice! And I loved the final rhyme!

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  17. I really enjoyed this; an excellent flowing rhythm coupled with perfect rhymes.
    The enigmatic, masked blogger

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  18. Dear Madeleine

    Great advise which I am sure will help me in my travels... and travails.. I liked this one..its so sweet and beautiful.


    ॐ नमः शिवाय
    Om Namah Shivaya
    Twitter: @VerseEveryDay
    Blog: http://shadowdancingwithmind.blogspot.com

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