In this episode of Elixir, Helen is talking to Tom, our producer, about one of his own poems, ‘Sharp Edges’. The poem is read twice with a musical underscore on the second reading. You can find the text of the poem below.
They discuss:
- Seamus Heaney
- Tom's cycling accident and lucky escape
- How and why he started writing poetry after the accident
- How time slows down in a moment of survival
- Applying poetry writing to songwriting
- The importance of allowing your brain to wander
- Viewing the body and the mind as separate entities
Let us know what you think of the episodes by replying to our emails or in the comments or our DMs on Instagram @elixirpoetry.podcast
Tom Platts taken by Fin Nichols
Text of the poem:
Sharp Edges
The whirling vortex of late nights
that are not planned but still arise.
I fall into one day and find myself sharp.
The next day I have a sharp fall.
My alarm doesn't mean to punish me.
It just follows orders. My orders.
Submerged below full consciousness
I robotically, ironically
Awake for a doctors’ appointment.
Time wafts by, beyond when I should leave
On my road bike. It'll be a push and a breeze
I think, as I peddle with weary power
Down the beaten track, a tickling pebble shower.
A lean and a turn and here we go,
Over the brow, dripping down towards the Styx.
To eternally baffle, in my edgy rush,
I speed for show, lifting my possessed body
Off the saddle and low... outstandingly misjudged:
Slip, wobble. I'm going down. Instinct avoids concrete
Nudging me onto the thorn-riddled, rimmed bank.
A dressing of barbed wire. I am no tank.
If only for a shallower incline -
To not grate my temple on the devil's spine.
Yet how grateful I am to the stars
For just some peripheral scars
For warning my body: the key to life,
Against balancing oneself on a knife.
(Event: 19/10/2017)
About the poet:
Tom Platts works with Helen as the Producer of The Elixir Poetry Podcast, as well as some other podcasts. Find out more about his podcast productions: soundsapien.com
He is also a jazz singer and saxophonist who gigs around London. He is in the process of preparing a body of original songs to release - Helen asks Tom about his songwriting process in the episode.
To follow Tom’s music you can find him on Instagram: @tomplattzs