Author Archives: Bartholomew Barker
In Praise of Mushy Peas
The first draft of this poem was written at the Chelsea Pensioner pub back in June during my vacation in London. In Praise of Mushy Peas Green as spring Birthed in the garden Plucked by man Bred for the task … Continue reading
Poetry Reading and Prizes
This quickly approaching Sunday afternoon at 2pm, I’ll be one of the featured readers performing at McIntyre’s Books as part of the North Carolina Poetry Society Reading in Fearrington Village. I won’t just be reading from my latest book, Milkshakes and … Continue reading
The Sorting Hat
We had a Sorting Hat at the Harry Potter workshop Saturday and I wrote down what it whispered in my ear when I put it on. Try to remember what you heard and post in the comments below. We’ll be … Continue reading
Magical Poetry
A few months ago, I received an owl from Hogwarts. Secrecy being what it is, I could not reveal the true reason for my recent trip to Britain until now. I have been recalled to my position as Poetics Master … Continue reading
Mused: Portrait in Violet
While I was in London, I was a little distracted so I missed that my poem Portrait in Violet had been accepted and published in Mused – the BellaOnline Literary Review. I wrote this poem on April 2nd as part … Continue reading
Blue Plaques
This will be my last post from London. One of the reasons I decided to come here and explore the city was because of the history. In addition to the usual statues and monuments, there are almost a thousand little … Continue reading
The Royal Observatory
I took a little boat ride on the Thames to the Royal Observatory Greenwich and wandered into the Eastern Hemisphere. My Oyster Card, which is what I’ve been using to ride the Underground all over London, also covers their river … Continue reading
Poetry Unplugged Open Mic
Now I can claim to have an international audience since I’ve read poetry in England. I participated in Poetry Unplugged, the Poetry Society’s weekly open mic at their Poetry Cafe. Our host, Mr. Niall O’Sullivan did a great job of … Continue reading
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey was underwhelming but I’m still glad I paid my fee and got inside. This nasty English weather meant I had to stand in the bright hot sun in a long line for almost an hour but the guides … Continue reading
Old Bunhill Fields Burial Ground
Old Bunhill Fields Burial Ground How old is this tree under whose branches I write? What’s left of George Fox is somewhere nearby. Maybe his flesh fed the tree whose leaves form a dome of green protecting me from this … Continue reading
