Builder Bloke has a good friend who is a plumber. Plumber Bloke. Builder Bloke says that is not technically correct and that I should call him “Heating Engineer Bloke”, but that sounds stupid. They have been good mates for years. They work together, but more than that when both their lives were falling apart big time they spent a lot of time supporting each other. In fact he moved in with BB for a while when he first separated from his wife.
Plumber Bloke also happens to be a poet and I’m really pleased to hear that he has JUST had a book of his poems published. Completely brilliant. Here’s the Amazon link in case anybody wants to buy it. It costs £10. Come on. Lets help support our grass roots poets. Amazon.co.uk
I asked him to send me the details and he’s sent me a couple of his poems. The blurb on the back of the book says:-
“In this book of contemporary poems and prose, author Cliff Britten shares his thoughts and sentiments on life, loss and love. Sometimes dark, sometimes funny but always honest, “The kiss and The bite” is truly a thought-provoking read. Without being self-important, this collection is all about feelings and imagery brought to life through poetic verses and an engaging plot.
I love this poem – very powerful and sad:-
THE PAIN I’VE FELT
By Cliff Britten
The pain I’ve felt in life is as follows
3 car crashes, 2 broken noses
Nose job to rectify, cracked sternum
Bit off tip of tongue, smashed teeth into lips
Fractured wrist, many burns
Torn ligaments, numerous cuts
Many bruises, fingertip sliced
Attacked with snooker cue
Caught finger in jigsaw (motor on)
Metal rod poked in eye (accident)
Multiple stitches, cycle crash
Motorbike crash, scraped skin off back
Stones embedded in knee
Few scars… Clearly
The pain caused is all down to friction
One force against another
How ironic then,
The most pain I’ve ever felt
When your hand left mine
Eclipse
October 4, 2010That’s so sweet and so sad. The last two lines brought a tear to my eye…
Family Affairs
October 4, 2010I know. Same Lx
Expat Mum
October 5, 2010Ooh, blimey. I love deep guys like that!
LoopyLu
October 5, 2010Wow! I love his poem! x
Family Affairs
October 6, 2010A friend emailed her comment in:
Just read the ‘plumbers’ poem on your blog – that was so moving I loved it. What a great guy to have around – emotionally switched on and can fix blocked pipes!
Should reply on your blog but am a simpleton when it comes to pc’s etc so anything other than what I know at present creates an anxiety in me – pathetic I know.
Cliff Britten
October 6, 2010Thank you
I am the Author/ poet
Your comments are well appreciated except I am not a plumber but a heating engineer (very important that)
Cliff
Family Affairs
October 7, 2010So sorry, BB said the distinction was really important but I had no idea you felt that way Lx
Rojer Isaacson
October 29, 2010Nice work Cliff, long time no see! Good luck with the book (Mick Mead just told me) Talented sod you!
paul watson
December 27, 2014wow. blasts from the past,hi all
Sandra Courtney
October 12, 2010Well done Cliff, I’m the Sandra who doesn’t keep in touch with your lovely wife enough!! Claire posted saying you had this published so thought I’d have a look in t’tinternet for it and found this. Congrats and love to you and yours x
Claire McNamara
October 12, 2010It’s a great poem, I would defiantly recommend the book. Well done Cliff!
Geraldine McNamara
October 12, 2010It’s a great poem, I would defiantly recommend the poet! Well done Cliff! Caoilinn shall treasure it. Thank you xxx
Geraldine McNamara
October 12, 2010aha! We have the same dilemma as with series/serious…Definitely or defiantly? You see, it IS all about the interpretation after all…! 😉
tony newlyn
October 26, 2010great poem from a great poet….nice one cliff,,,(james)
Herman Krzal
December 1, 2010Amazing writing!! I am going to need a decent amount of time to toy with your website.
tezzy boo boo
May 4, 2011was one of those car crashes in that old anglia we used to go to work in