Well, I looked it up, and there's barely ten artists that begin with X! Haha. I have one ready, though. I've never heard of XXXtentacion. It sounds like an adult video store. This is a really great arrangement of their songs, though. I will definitely be looking into these more... 😎
Adult video store? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA Chris.... you're at the wrong site! Thank you for liking this. I randomly found this artist. Listened to a couple of songs and thought this is good! I loved the titles so put this together.
She had been on a night out at a friend's PARTY, and it was CRYSTAL CLEAR that the mixture of cheap cocktails and CIGARETTES she had over-indulged in had not agreed with her at her youthful AGE and she was about to be very ill.
So as I drove her home, I gave her a PLASTIC BAG to hold. Just in case.
I'd completely forgotten they punch holes in them... 😎
Hahahahhahaha oh no, double bag it, double bag it! This was great! Funny! Do they write songs with those titles and expect anything but this? This was great!
May 24·edited May 24Liked by Writer Pilgrim by So Elite
Haha! Double bag it! I knew a couple of their songs, but I was amazed they had all these titles that fit the theme of this story perfectly. I'm glad you enjoyed it... 😎
Have you done all from A? hahahahahahhahaha I will have a challenge going on for the rest of the month. I also run other stuff so keep eyes peeled. I will miss this for sure.
You don’t need to anything! But…. Dick goes back and does them all I think. He does extra to. But no pressure! Seriously, you do what feels right for you! The option is there, the choice all yours!
Clearly so! I don't even know what I was thinking when I came up with the idea one evening. I thought people are gonna laugh at this. Then I thought no.... someone's not gonna laugh! A few of you are here so that means a lot!
May 24·edited May 24Liked by Writer Pilgrim by So Elite
Whew - wasn't sure I would think of anyone for X - was struggling. But then I had a faint memory of an avant-garde Greek composer I got into years ago, and haven't listened to in ages: Iannis Xenakis!! Still wasn't easy, his titled are in French, German, and Greek, and sometimes blend the languages in unusual ways, so I had to translate bit and pieces. But I got something in the end. This is the piece I listened to while writing it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vrz6-eO8Ug
YES!!! Xenakis! Artist! Why did I not think of him?This a great poem Dick! Your work is a true inspiration. What that means is that we’re jealous for not creating this ourselves! Hahahahahahaha got that out of the honesty bag. Seriously, amazing work!
Awww dam - thanks so much Pilgrim. That is a really touching thing to say, and I appreciate it deeply. Lotsa feels. Me and my writing partner Laurence were having a big chat today and we both talked about exactly that - knowing when we really loved one of each other's poems, cause we felt jealous of it, cause we wished we wrote it ourselves haha. So yeah, your comment hits hard for me. 💜
Hehe - go for it! I come from tanka and haikai traditions where it is both entirely acceptable and a sign of respect to reuse a line from another poet in a new context. :-)
Thanks so much Chris - yeah, I am so glad I persisted in looking at lists of musicians whose names start with X, otherwise I would never have come across him again!
Yes, it's amazing how many artists I've rediscovered because of this Event as well. I've dug out a lot of old CDs, and reaquainted myself with some absolute magic... 😎
Parasite is what this poem makes me think of. I'll be back soon, is that part of the poem or the Unamed artist popping in? Great work as always Fotini!
That encapsulates the power of dance really well. How it can bring joy, how it can heal, and how it can make you forget about the outside world for a while. Very nice... 😎
'Making Plans For Nigel'. Wow, that's another one I haven't listened to for a long time. I think Robbie Williams did a cover of it, too. Very nice... 😎
You made me listen to that Chris... I only managed a few seconds... love Nouvelle Vague's cover and the original. I am no fan of Robbified covers. He's great at doing originals.
It was the B-Side on his first single, I think, so he hadn't really found his feet yet. He ended up doing some really great original songs later on, though, yes... 😎
Absolutely! That's been such a wonderful bonus that's come out of taking part in this Event. I've rediscovered so many amazing artists and songs, some of which I'd completely forgotten about. And I've learnt about quite a few new artists, too... 😎
I didn't know the name of the band. Plans for Nigel what an amazing song. Treasa you've aced this one as well as many of hte before ones. 1000 umbrellas for a rainy day! An image like no other. Makes me think the umbrellas dance like Harry, aka Jack Nicholson in as good as it gets with Diane Keaton... I don't know how that image creeped in. Am no listening to Dear God by XTC... what happened to these guys then?
They never got their share from the profits and went into debt. Some music company made millions and their band eventually disinterested. Their music is so original.
XXXtentacion
I don’t want to do this anymore
Sad
Snow
I don’t let go
Bad vibes everywhere
Moonlight
The remedy for a broken heart
Falling down
Numb
I don’t want to do this anymore
I don’t let go
The remedy for a broken heart
Well, I looked it up, and there's barely ten artists that begin with X! Haha. I have one ready, though. I've never heard of XXXtentacion. It sounds like an adult video store. This is a really great arrangement of their songs, though. I will definitely be looking into these more... 😎
Adult video store? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA Chris.... you're at the wrong site! Thank you for liking this. I randomly found this artist. Listened to a couple of songs and thought this is good! I loved the titles so put this together.
It kind of sounded like one, with the 'XXX' and everything. Not that I know anything about those sort of places, of couse! Haha... 😎
I looked him up now and read a bit about his life. Sadly, gone too soon, too much trouble in his life. Only 20 years old.
How terrible. It's such a shame it ends like that for so many artists from the hip-hop world. Absolutely tragic... 😎
They die young… but look at other artists… George Michael, Prince, MJ, Whitney, Jimi H, Jim Morisson, Billie, Janus, and more.
This has such good moments - this was the only X I could think of to begin with, but you already did it so well, I had to keep thinking...
I'm sorry to say I didn't know of this artist before X-Day! Thank you kindly!
Yeah, I only know one song - but can't really remember it haha.
He had one big hit at least.
🖤 🖤 🖤
The remedy to a broken heart falling down numb. this is a great line and also so true.
X-RAY SPEX
SOPHIA was very drunk.
She had been on a night out at a friend's PARTY, and it was CRYSTAL CLEAR that the mixture of cheap cocktails and CIGARETTES she had over-indulged in had not agreed with her at her youthful AGE and she was about to be very ill.
So as I drove her home, I gave her a PLASTIC BAG to hold. Just in case.
I'd completely forgotten they punch holes in them... 😎
I think I knew Sophie back in the day!
Haha! 😎
Hahahahhahaha oh no, double bag it, double bag it! This was great! Funny! Do they write songs with those titles and expect anything but this? This was great!
😂
Haha! Double bag it! I knew a couple of their songs, but I was amazed they had all these titles that fit the theme of this story perfectly. I'm glad you enjoyed it... 😎
Haha - well told. Funny is hard! And you make it seem effortless.
Humor is the hardest to achieve in the right way and this top writing, natural and no forced laughs!
Agree 100% :-)
Thanks! This was a really fun one to work on... 😎
Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it. It's always fun working on humorous things and trying to find the comedy in situations... 😎
Love this, Chris!!!
Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it... 😎
Oops for Sophia. I've been caught out by punch holes a few times too.
Absolutely! You can't always see them... Until it's too late! 😎
X is for Xavier Rudd
Edge of the moon
🌔
Stargaze
Pockets of peace
Where we do we fit
✨
Come back
Gather the hands
Feet on the ground
🌚
Whispers
Conceal me
We deserve to dream
🌈
Flower in rain
Come, let go
Follow the sun
☀️
Wonderful - you've nailed this one! Just wonderful.
Beautiful Darienne!
Thank you! I am having so much fun with these. Shame there’s only two more letters left.
Have you done all from A? hahahahahahhahaha I will have a challenge going on for the rest of the month. I also run other stuff so keep eyes peeled. I will miss this for sure.
I do need to start from the beginning, don't I? Think I started around P so...
Or, I'll just be super ready for next May.
You don’t need to anything! But…. Dick goes back and does them all I think. He does extra to. But no pressure! Seriously, you do what feels right for you! The option is there, the choice all yours!
...and thank you for the re-stack!
Just beautiful!!!
Perfect from edge of the moon to follow the sun. 'we deserve to dream' at least we can in our poetry.
I honestly thought we were all going to struggle to find something viable for X. But these have been so good today. Absolutely lovely job... 😎
Thanks so much Dick. Am really enjoying the discipline of making someone else’s words fit a different narrative.
Same! It's a lot more compelling than I initially thought it would be. Now I'm hooked haha.
Clearly so! I don't even know what I was thinking when I came up with the idea one evening. I thought people are gonna laugh at this. Then I thought no.... someone's not gonna laugh! A few of you are here so that means a lot!
Hahahaha - good on you for doing it anyway - it's a winner! I feel like it could be an annual event or something. :-)
It should! I’ll do it again next year in May! Until then we’d all forgotten what we’ve done and do it again!
Yussssss!
Oooooo yes please!!!
Whew - wasn't sure I would think of anyone for X - was struggling. But then I had a faint memory of an avant-garde Greek composer I got into years ago, and haven't listened to in ages: Iannis Xenakis!! Still wasn't easy, his titled are in French, German, and Greek, and sometimes blend the languages in unusual ways, so I had to translate bit and pieces. But I got something in the end. This is the piece I listened to while writing it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vrz6-eO8Ug
.
-: Knots: A Ballet (For Iannis Xenakis) :-
.
In memory of
Night,
Straw in the wind,
.
Turning, returns
Rebounds—
.
Tracing a rustic
Mist.
.
.
.
YES!!! Xenakis! Artist! Why did I not think of him?This a great poem Dick! Your work is a true inspiration. What that means is that we’re jealous for not creating this ourselves! Hahahahahahaha got that out of the honesty bag. Seriously, amazing work!
Awww dam - thanks so much Pilgrim. That is a really touching thing to say, and I appreciate it deeply. Lotsa feels. Me and my writing partner Laurence were having a big chat today and we both talked about exactly that - knowing when we really loved one of each other's poems, cause we felt jealous of it, cause we wished we wrote it ourselves haha. So yeah, your comment hits hard for me. 💜
I mean it in the best possible way. Thank you for reading me right! You deserve it! Well done!
🙏🏻💜
Sublime! 🖤
Aw thanks! 💜
'Tracing a rustic mist,' I want to steal this line so bad.
Hehe - go for it! I come from tanka and haikai traditions where it is both entirely acceptable and a sign of respect to reuse a line from another poet in a new context. :-)
Well I too shall have to honour the tradition :)
Yussss! :-)
That is a fantasic choice. Beautiful work. Or to use a bit of French and German: Tres bien! Sehr Gut! Haha... 😎
Thanks so much Chris - yeah, I am so glad I persisted in looking at lists of musicians whose names start with X, otherwise I would never have come across him again!
Yes, it's amazing how many artists I've rediscovered because of this Event as well. I've dug out a lot of old CDs, and reaquainted myself with some absolute magic... 😎
X-Ray Spex
.
I live off you.
Obsessed with you, I
can’t do anything, melancholy.
.
I am a cliché.
.
.
And something extra is on the way!!!
I'll be back soon :)
Parasite is what this poem makes me think of. I'll be back soon, is that part of the poem or the Unamed artist popping in? Great work as always Fotini!
I hadn't that image in my mind when I wrote it, but if that works for you, who am I to disagree? 😂
Niiiiiice - this is so good!
Thanks!!!!!!
Makes me wonder what the something extra is?! I don't trust this guy.
I think the last couple of lines are Fotini saying she’s going to be posting another poem… an extra!?
Ahh, some more X-Ray Spex. A second pair, I guess you could say! Haha. This is great... 😎
X
----
Your phone’s off the hook but you’re not,
Los Angeles.
I’m coming over,
riding with Mary.
In this house that I call home,
we’re desperate,
we’re having much more fun
under the big black sun.
----
I see red,
painting the town blue.
What’s wrong with me?
I’ll stand up for you,
drawn in the dark
Alphabetland.
----
Are we really seeing the same song titles? Yes we are! Not missing a beat Jonathan! Wonderful song poem, thank you!
"Alphabetland" would be a good title for your anthology of all these poems.
Good idea! Or… there’s an or, should we come up with a name of our own for this?
Really dig this! Especially love the flow here:
.
In this house that I call home,
we’re desperate,
we’re having much more fun
under the big black sun.
.
Wonderful!
Thanks, Dick. I'd forgotten how much I used to like this band back in the day.
This month has been good for that - really made me re-engage with music I had forgotten I loved too. The gift that keeps of giving . . .
yes, it's amazing how many dimensions this project taps into
This is so great, Jonathan!!!
Thank you, Fotini
What a great compilation. Where do I apply for a visa for Alphabetland.
Another stunning piece of work... 😎
Here is an extra poem for the day, one with a Greek tune :)
https://tomasikaki.substack.com/p/the-waltz-of-lost-dreams
Love your poem! Love Hatzidakis!
Thanks, Pilgrim 🙏
Perfection!
Thank you for the praise, Dick and for the restack!!!
Pleasure! :-)
WRITER PILGRIM SUBSTACK
May 24- song title poetry challenge - letter X
“Xanny” by Billie
Xanny's Canteen, 1944
Xanny's joint, where the broads come to play,
Escaping the daily grind, the monotony of the day.
Their men are off fighting, bleeding in some distant land,
But tonight, these dames are taking a stand.
.
They swing their hips, paint their lips, let their hair down,
In silk and sweat, they're the queens of this town.
The music's thumping, the booze is flowing,
In Xanny's embrace, their spirits are glowing.
.
They dance for themselves, for each other, for life,
A defiant cry against the world's endless strife.
They're factory girls, secretaries, nurses too,
But here, they're free, they're wild, they're true.
.
The air's thick with smoke, with perfume and musk,
Outside, the war rages, but here, they trust
In the power of laughter, of touch, of desire,
In Xanny's den, they're a chorus of fire.
.
They know the telegram could come any day,
A brother, a lover, a friend, snatched away,
But tonight, they're alive, they're fierce, they're real,
In Xanny's arms, they can finally heal.
.
So they dance, they kiss, they hold each other tight,
Celebrating survival, defying the night.
They are warriors, goddesses, drunk on the thrill,
Of being together, of being alive still.
.
Xanny's walls keep them safe, keep them whole,
A sanctuary for the body, the heart, and the soul.
They'll face the world tomorrow, with all its sorrow and pain,
But tonight, they're invincible, they're wild, they're untamed.
.
So pour another drink, light another smoke,
Let the music take you, let yourself go broke.
For in Xanny's realm, you're rich beyond measure,
A sisterhood of strength, of love, of pleasure.
.
The war can't touch you, not here, not tonight,
In Xanny's club, everything is alright.
So dance, you beautiful women, dance until dawn,
For in this moment, you're free, you're reborn.
That encapsulates the power of dance really well. How it can bring joy, how it can heal, and how it can make you forget about the outside world for a while. Very nice... 😎
Thank you. They were mighty strong people.
XTC
.
Plans for Nigel
.
The man who sailed
around a soul,
miniature sun.
Then she appeared,
rocket from a bottle,
humble daisy pink thing.
Senses working overtime.
Seagulls screaming
kiss her, kiss her.
Mermaid smiled.
Dear God, I'd like
that wonderland.
1000 umbrellas ballet
for a rainy day.
I can't own her.
'Making Plans For Nigel'. Wow, that's another one I haven't listened to for a long time. I think Robbie Williams did a cover of it, too. Very nice... 😎
You made me listen to that Chris... I only managed a few seconds... love Nouvelle Vague's cover and the original. I am no fan of Robbified covers. He's great at doing originals.
It was the B-Side on his first single, I think, so he hadn't really found his feet yet. He ended up doing some really great original songs later on, though, yes... 😎
I'd forgotten how good XTC were. Spotify is feeling the pressure searching for artists at the arse end of the alphabet.
Absolutely! I was amazed while listening yesterday. I picked up a few songs that I've never heard before. Thank you Treasa.
Absolutely! That's been such a wonderful bonus that's come out of taking part in this Event. I've rediscovered so many amazing artists and songs, some of which I'd completely forgotten about. And I've learnt about quite a few new artists, too... 😎
I didn't know the name of the band. Plans for Nigel what an amazing song. Treasa you've aced this one as well as many of hte before ones. 1000 umbrellas for a rainy day! An image like no other. Makes me think the umbrellas dance like Harry, aka Jack Nicholson in as good as it gets with Diane Keaton... I don't know how that image creeped in. Am no listening to Dear God by XTC... what happened to these guys then?
They never got their share from the profits and went into debt. Some music company made millions and their band eventually disinterested. Their music is so original.
What a shame.
Were they British?
Yep from Swindon.
Now that's a place!
XARHTNA
(Mirror, Mirror on the wall
Ain’t your T-shirt on backwards?)
CaUGht iN A MoSh — Which way you going?
Talking with you is like clap-
-ping with one hand— Which of these words
don’t you understand?
you Bring The Noise, my lips’re sealed
Medusa’s stilled my Madhouse tongue
Metal Thrashing Mad
Breathing Lighting for A.I.R.
under my Blood Eagle Wings
Make Me Laugh, make me cry
Indians Indians Indians Indians!
A cry for the Indians, because we tend to forget
I’m only a second class citizen
with Time and a feather
And no Safe Home to go to, no grounds,
unrooted, muted, upset
Fight Em ’Til You Can’t
Keep On Winning
Be All, End All, time to live your catcher’s dreams, stand up
You Gotta Believe
Fight Em ’Til You Can’t
Keep On Winning