The Royal Oak, poem Options

[Guest_Jox_*]

© James Oxenholme, 2005. I, James Oxenholme, do assert my right to be identified as the author of this work in accordance with Sections 77 and 78 of The Copyrights, Designs And Patents Act, 1988. (Laws of Cymru & England, as recognised by international treaties). This work was simultaneously copyrighted in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America. This work is posted as an unpublished work in order to elicit critical assistance, only.

Ref: MB 0261 AD

The Royal Oak
by MB

Warming Interior;
log-burning fire.

What are you drinking, Sir?
The landlord, Charles -
imposing chap of
thick bole and
magnificent tousled crown.
A pint please...
straight from the wood.

His branch extends
to pluck a glass from the
forest canopy.

(end)

Final verse of Ver AC- "extended" became "extends"
New version AD - thanks Alan.

[Guest_Cathy_*]

I like this James.  It's so warm and friendly.  Just the kind of feel to brighten the middle of winter.

Cathy

[Guest_Nina_*]

Hi James

I loved the twist at the end.  It was totally unexpected.  You painted a lovely picture of a cosy evening down at your local, then suddenly you are answereing a talking  tree in the forest.  Very sureal.  I must look out for a tree with pint glasses in its foliage next time I go walking in Epping Forest.

thanks for making me laugh

Nina

[Guest_Toumai_*]

Hi James,

This is very hobbitty (I know you'll object, but it is! ): a cosy shire scene ....

I can almost imagine a King Charles spaniel snoozing by the hearth - in which case the landlord would be called Charles, too (sorry, very bad pun).

But (she whispers), isn't it a bit caniballistic having a log fire?

Cheers! I'll have a pint of Best Badger, please.

Fran

[Guest_Jox_*]

Hi Cathy,

Thanks t'was the idea, so I'm delighted that you took that meaning, too.

Best wishes, James.

[Guest_Jox_*]

Hi Nina,

Glad you liked this, also.

I wrote this about a week ago whilst actually sitting in the pub. I was watching the log fire ablaze and imagined the logs flying around (who needs drugs!) and, from there, it emerged. The pub is very old fashioned with settles and stone floor.

For those pubbies amongst you (cheers!) the pub is "The Pub With No Name" AKA "The White Horse" (There is no pub sigh) out in the Hampshire sticks (Prior's Dean, Nr Petersfield). In "The Good Pub Guide" it was one of only two pubs in the UK to have three stars (though the new guides only go up to two stars and there are far more pubs with that ranking). The pub is somewhere between 400-500 years old, so has a tale or several to tell.

James.

[Guest__*]

Dear Jox,

Loved it, but a very abrupt ending.

His branch extended -- from the previous lines I'd say it should be extendS ?
to pluck a glass from the
forest canopy.

Could go on :

And the pulsating sound of gurgling nectar
fills the air, and the glass
and soon I am refreshed
if not inebriate.

If you don't like this, toss it, and I'll see yu in the car park, Jummy (please note I hail partially from Glasgow)

I learned the trick of writing Glasgow accent from Paul Gallico, all he did was replace all the "i"s with "u"s !

Love
Alan

[Guest_Jox_*]

Hi Alan...

Two poems critted in such a short time - I'm honoured; thank you - appreciated.

>>His branch extended -- from the previous lines I'd say it should be extendS ?

Quite right! Thanks - I switched tenses; didn't spot that. Much appreciated.

I shall change that.

An ambusing extension, thanks. Doesn't say much about a wooded pub nor King Charles (my two subjects) but amusing, nonetheless.

>>I learned the trick of writing Glasgow accent from Paul Gallico, all he did was replace all the "i"s with "u"s !

Who u lookun' at Jummy? (Glasgow kisses all round maybe?)

Which part is from Glasgow? (Answers on a postcard, please)

All the best and thanks, James.

[Cybele]

Good morning James,

Loved it!  But I thought you were a ginger beer man?

I loved Fran's mention of the King Charles spaniel - did she know you had once had such a companion?

Sounds like a very friendly petrified forest to me James.  See you there at 12.30pm. First pint's on me.      

[Guest_Jox_*]

Hi Grace,

Excellent to see you again; you are like Shakespeare's Dark Lady at the moment; very elusive. Hope you are feeling fine now?

Ginger Beer is my second favourite soft drink (after water) but my real passion is real ales - just can't drink too many and drive.

Yes, Fran knew about Hugo.

OK, Grace, thanks! I'm setting off now...

James.