Reflected Lines is a Haiku Trail of 13 pieces around Hebden Bridge to give both dwellers and visitors pause for thought in the aftermath of the floods as the town regrows with greater strength, beauty and sense of community than before. The poems started life in my journal as a simple way to reflect on something each day artistically. It has been astonishing seeing how something can move from the artist's notebook into reality when powered by integrity and love from the writer's side, coupled with respect, trust and support for his art by his wider society.
I have a very strong sense of the poet (the artist) being as much a part of society as the post office, library, greengrocer, butcher, hardware store and the bookshop. I know many towns no longer have these, and the role of the artist is all but forgotten or has been terminally downgraded, especially by artists and those in the arts themselves. The fact that we haven't lost those values in Hebden is one of the things I love so much about the place.
A side effect of the destruction of the summer floods was that our community spirit raised by innumerable degrees. I felt that wanted to contribute to the town's well-being and so I did what I do.. Wrote.. and amazingly the town gave me some of its windows so that passers by can be give pause for thought as they go about their days.
The independence of the town is usually discussed with a view to the more artisan shops and to the lesbian population, but this area has always had a fiery side, which I too have benefitted from my years here. I have always felt like I can just be the man, and the writer I am in this place, that it acts as a base from which I can boldly venture.
The words around town give a layer of meaning to our everyday goings on of shopping and moving about in our own lives. Real poetry never forces its way into people's faces, it is there to be discovered by each reader alone speaking only to them when they are ready, then it causes brings about the reflection and connection the reader needs.
I have a very strong sense of the poet (the artist) being as much a part of society as the post office, library, greengrocer, butcher, hardware store and the bookshop. I know many towns no longer have these, and the role of the artist is all but forgotten or has been terminally downgraded, especially by artists and those in the arts themselves. The fact that we haven't lost those values in Hebden is one of the things I love so much about the place.
A side effect of the destruction of the summer floods was that our community spirit raised by innumerable degrees. I felt that wanted to contribute to the town's well-being and so I did what I do.. Wrote.. and amazingly the town gave me some of its windows so that passers by can be give pause for thought as they go about their days.
The independence of the town is usually discussed with a view to the more artisan shops and to the lesbian population, but this area has always had a fiery side, which I too have benefitted from my years here. I have always felt like I can just be the man, and the writer I am in this place, that it acts as a base from which I can boldly venture.
The words around town give a layer of meaning to our everyday goings on of shopping and moving about in our own lives. Real poetry never forces its way into people's faces, it is there to be discovered by each reader alone speaking only to them when they are ready, then it causes brings about the reflection and connection the reader needs.
Please feel free to copy, distribute and share these poems.
Reflected Lines #0
We are closer now,
though there are always miles to
go – water and fire.
By John Siddique
Travel through story.
Travelling through the darkness,
come out more ourselves.
By John Siddique
Reflected Lines #2
(Ribbon Circus Sewing Shop)
Hebden is twined
together – threaded often
around humble yarns.
By John Siddique
Reflected Lines #3
Hebden is twined
together – threaded often
around humble yarns.
By John Siddique
(Colour Yorkshire)
Graduations of
colour – sometimes it is all
about the surface.
By John Siddique
Reflected Lines # 4
Graduations of
colour – sometimes it is all
about the surface.
By John Siddique
(On Reflection - Hairdresser)
In between the sound
of women’s voices, the real
stories of the toll.
By John Siddique
Reflected Lines #5
(Harold Crabtree)
Window reflections,
our faces, our hopes – dressing
imagination.
By John Siddique
In between the sound
of women’s voices, the real
stories of the toll.
By John Siddique
(Harold Crabtree)
Window reflections,
our faces, our hopes – dressing
imagination.
By John Siddique
(Fleur de Lys)
There’s a question
in the scent of life - lilies
open for themselves.
By John Siddique
Reflected Lines #7
(Nathan’s Barbershop)Dads ‘n’ Lads engage
in Saturday rituals
of love and of life.
By John Siddique
(The Town Hall)
After the flooding
of a lost summer - the true
kindness of strangers.
By John Siddique
Reflected Lines #9
(Holt's The Greengrocer)
There is a seed in
each fruit - some kind of answer
ready to begin.
By John Siddique
(Café Solo)
Old woman passing
by window. For a moment
she was my mother.
By John Siddique
Reflected Lines #11
(The Bookcase)
I come here to pray,
it looks just like I’m browsing
or buying a book.
By John Siddique
(Snug Gallery)
Recording light on
paper, shadow and substance
- Inseparable.
By John Siddique
***
All Photos, Design & Coffee by Ed Chadwick at SNUG Galley
Love, Support & Grins from Hebden Town Hall
Thanks to all the shops and businesses for getting onboard
to help create a thing of beauty in the town.
Sponsorship by Hebden Spirit
Love, Support & Grins from Hebden Town Hall
Thanks to all the shops and businesses for getting onboard
to help create a thing of beauty in the town.
Sponsorship by Hebden Spirit
For More Information contact Amy Leader at Hebden Bridge Town Hall
01422 845261 amy@hebdentownhall.org.uk
***
3 comments:
So wonderful, John.
Excellent, John; I love both the haiku and the way they are integral to your community. Thank you. Harry
My reader has no sludge filter & sometimes I overlook my gems... been missing you.
This project -- what a wonderful way to be in relationship with the neighborhood!
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