On New Years Day I typically share W. H. Auden’s poem New Year Letter, a truly imaginative and insightful piece I commend to you once again. This year however, I want to share something different, a sort of what I got for Christmas this year kind of report. I have almost finished "Joyride: A Memoir"... Continue Reading →
Another in a series by me. For other chapters see below “What clipper did I use last time? Number three, or number four?” I had procrastinated long enough. Looking like a modern day Einstein, my hair scrambled madly off in all directions, a sort of Labradoodle look with a dry, scratchy beard attached. It was... Continue Reading →
It is indeed ages since I have read or heard this poem. A marvellous presentation by Louis Armstrong (Sachmo). Not sure of the piano accompanist but might have been Marian McPartland. Brilliant and sensitive playing. Other great seasonal links in the Youtube comments and description. Happy Christmas to all. https://youtu.be/cmt2TZWGoO8
“NOEL” by J.R.R. Tolkien was written in 1936, amidst the gathering gloom of national socialism in Germany. At the time, it provided an antidote to social and political anxiety. May it provide some relief for us now. Grim was the world and grey last night:The moon and stars were fled,The hall was dark without song... Continue Reading →
The politics of humiliation and the God who listened to Mary Many thanks to Betty-Ann Xenis for this suggestion. Derek Penwell on Substack - Dec 12, 2025 Mary asked, “How can this be?” but heaven didn’t call her nasty. Quiet, piggy. Ugly inside and out. Stupid and nasty. Can you hear the beat? Say the... Continue Reading →
What will they think of next? Can’t people just let dogs be dogs? Oh no. For some folks it’s not enough to just select a breed, find a good breeder, and invite a new dog into a household. Worked for me, so very well, for many years, and still does. No need for imitations; just... Continue Reading →
Originally published on Facebook A great friend was visiting from the East Coast last week and we took a walk in rain jackets under a pitiless blue sky. There was not a cloud in sight, although the weather app said there would be soon be rain. You really didn’t know whom to trust these days,... Continue Reading →
It is hard to identify to which English carols Robert Herrick (1591-1674) refers in his nativity text, What Sweeter Music: What sweeter music can we bringThan a carol, for to singThe birth of this our heavenly King?Awake the voice! Awake the string! When children would reach for their stockingsAnd open the presents they foundThe lights... Continue Reading →
From Following Jesus: A life of faith in a postmodern world - on Facebook from where these images also appear. With thanks to Imelda Kedge for the link From Kurt at followingJesus.org I wrote this for US Thanksgiving in 2013 when our table included those born in the USA, Iraq, Korea, and Ethiopia. With Christians,... Continue Reading →
A short story by Ken Gray From a distance, the amber box on the shelf before me tells no story whatsoever. A beautifully crafted box of coloured strips is no mere bookend. Someone had taken a lot of time to assemble something beautiful for . . . God? Possibly hollow, I have no idea what... Continue Reading →
Take Note - Reflections on life, music, politics, retirement and more by Ken Gray 