Tapestry Poetry
Tapestry poetry requires two poems of nine lines each in length. Two poets write their unique version to a title decided by one of them (I came up with the title this time). When the poems are writ, they disclose their individual poem to the ‘partner in rhyme’ to weave into a different poem eighteen lines long. They exchange drafts and emails back-and-forth until mutual happiness reigns with the woven words.
This is my third tapestry poem with maestro poet, David Bogomolny! We both wrote nine lines each, and then we wove them together into one complete poem of eighteen lines.
The Marathon Runner
The Marathon Runner by David
It's not that I've not what to do
Besides scribbling the whole day through
But still, I'm praying something true
May come but once of the words I share
The trick's to write continuously
Pace the rhythm carefully, painstakingly
For over some years, I've come to see
Sprinting through lines won't get me there
I'm versing 'till my soul's worn bare
David Bogomolny, April 2024
The Marathon Runner by me
Feet pounding streets, Left and right, left and right,
Lung's pumping, in and out, in and out,
Steady rhythm round the block, Check a time against the clock,
He is in his zone, on his own. Alone. His mind set free,
His running shirt clings with sweat, he wants to pee,
Twenty miles he’s run. He feels the hurt and he feels done.
Muscles straining, paining feet pounding slow…
And yet… only six and a half miles to go…
With a determined face to finish the race and win his run. He carries on.
Lesley Scoble, April 2024
I’m so pleased and proud to present to you our latest collaboration, The Marathon Runner.
On your marks… Get set… Go!
The Marathon Runner
by
David Bogomolny and Lesley Scoble
He is in his zone, on his own. Alone. His mind set free,
He's versing 'till his soul's worn bare
Muscles straining, paining feet pounding slow…
His running shirt clings with sweat, he wants to pee,
(It's not that he hasn't what to do!)
The trick is to write continuously…
Feet pounding streets, left and right, left and right,
Lungs pumping, in and out, in and out,
Pacing the rhythm carefully, painstakingly,
Steady rhythm round the block, checking the time against the clock.
Over some years, he's come to see
Sprinting through lines won't get him there
Scribbling the whole day through,
Twenty miles he’s run. He feels the hurt and he feels done,
And yet… only six and a half miles to go…
He's praying something true
May come but once of the words he shares;
With a determined face to finish the race and win his run… he carries on
David Bogomolny and Lesley Scoble, April 2024
This is my third tapestry poem with David Bogomolny! Thank you so much for writing poetry with me, David.
(You may read our first collaboration, Shadows in the Park here and our second tapestry poem, The Story’s Other Half, here)
I hope you enjoyed the poems. I’m off now for a jog! 🏃♀️
Post Script
Running to save wildlife!
I’m a proud mum today. My eldest son is running to help save wildlife for the WWF (World Wildlife Fund) in the Brighton Marathon.
Dan did it! He ran 26.2 miles (42.6 k) for the WWF UK save the wildlife. Here’s a pic of Daniel with his well earned medal.
Lesley lives in the City of London Square Mile. An artist, actor and sculptor (her first ceramic sculpture won the V&A inspired by… Award). Scenic artist & book illustrator, playwright (her musical play, Rapscallion performed in inner city schools and theatre school); TV dancer; Animator and illustrator for TV production. Set up Pinecone Studios Ltd and IIMSI Ltd drama and filmmaking workshops in London – producing award-winning films made by children.
LesleyScoble.com 
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