Henry Normal

10 hours ago

A few people have asked me to post the final poem on my latest BBC Radio 4 show 'A Normal Universe'. It's a list of reasons why I choose to live - written to my wife Angela. Perhaps you could write your own list for someone you love.

STARING DIRECTLY AT THE ECLIPSE

Your feet on my lap
as we settle for the night

A shoreline to ourselves
Sunlight on water

Nature catching the eye unexpected
Fresh air intoxicating

Getting lost in art or endeavour
Music that carries and caresses

Food presented as a gift
Being surprised by genius or kindness

Your face flush and immediate
A friendly soul at my window

Hope in all forms however tiny
The comforting mundanity of doing nothing much

The absence of pain and fear
however fleeting

A familiar arm around my shoulder
The satisfaction of something done well

Loyalty and honour embraced
Minor revelations of perception

The defiance within spirit against overwhelming odds
Valour and grace in the face of the inevitable

To spite death
and make his victory hollow ... See MoreSee Less

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Henry Normal

20 hours ago

My latest BBC Radio 4 show 'A Normal Universe' will be transmitted today - Tuesday March 31st 6.30pm and will be available on BBC Sounds after that. Here's me and my producer Carl Cooper before the recording, putting back in the script any jokes the BBC thought too risky. ... See MoreSee Less

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Henry Normal

2 days ago

It's Autism Awareness Week 30th March - 5th April. My son, Johnny is severely autistic. He's not adept at verbal or written communication as yet & prefers painting. I'm told his paintings bring some joy to people. See more on Facebook
@ArtByJohnny & Instagram @johnnycarrollpell ... See MoreSee Less

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Henry Normal

2 days ago

NO FENCE WILL KEEP OUT TOMORROW

There must be millions
of abandoned fences in the world

There was a time when each was newly built
People motivated by purpose

When you put up a fence
you don't think about it falling into disrepair

The effects of age and inherent weakness
are not at the front of your mind

I look out on my trap of Earth
and fence after fence beyond

I know bigger men than me
have been trodden into this mulch

I see fools fighting over fences
that don't even exist

I wonder who built the first fence
and how he lived before

I hope there will be a last fence
and souls left to learn from it ... See MoreSee Less

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