Martin Powell

UK Tour, in association with Amnesty International

2011-12-01T04:18:00.006Z

After performing for Amnesty International's top 250 student activists last week, I've decided to offer a free set to any university who would like to run a fundraising event for Amnesty International.

Martin Powell UK Tour - In Association with Amnesty International

Birmingham University - 8th December 2011

York University - 12th December 2011

Royal Holloway, University of London TBC

Exeter University - 3rd February 2012

Lincoln University - 8th March 2012

Oxford Brookes University - TBC

Hull University TBC

York University (again!) TBC

Brighton University TBC

If you would like me to perform for your university just contact me for details - more dates coming soon!

The Power of Young People

2011-05-08T10:21:00.005+01:00

We know how it goes when we’re in our youth; we’re strong, we belong, but we long for the truth.

The fires burn brightly as we dare to dream of the way things should be, not the way that they seem.

Aware of the issues and misuse of power, as our love is unfurled for a world that is ours.

But as we proceed through the times and ingest all the values we’re sold, what we’re told is “progress”,

Distracted with life’s many strife’s to digest, our appetite for what’s right is then put to the test.

Until we reach a stage where our rage is suppressed, our hopes and our dreams they are slowly undressed,

And it seems we’re too busy to even protest. This is why in young people we must now invest.

And reach out to those ruling the schooling majority,

Put pressure on those who have the authority to implement change and make kids a priority.

And tackle the issues concerning their learning; provide coal for the soul to keep the fires burning.

We’ve got to show up to help and assist them before they grow up and get lost in the system.

And prepare them to fight for the dreams that they chase, without losing sight of what’s right for this race.

And with efforts combined we’ll find the tools we need for schools to succeed.

Feeding minds and planting seeds to grow the kind of lives these children need.

A system redesigned with no child left behind.

For what if our tutors they changed with the times and encouraged our kids to colour outside the lines?

What if we taught them to work as a whole?

To enrol in elections? That they’re in control?

And opened their eyes up to each opportunity,

To strengthen the ties up within their community?

Would philanthropic topics affect their perceptions?

Alive with the drive for whole new directions?

With vision revision and classes of clarity?

On good wholesome living and giving to charity?

What if we were to show how their vocal ability,

Could bring about local and global stability?

And build on a future where no one stops caring -

Where passion is fashionable, not what you’re wearing.

What if they learned the true value of laughter?

That our Planet Earth it is worth looking after?

And with greener ambitions we can pioneer,

A new way in cleaner emissions that’s clear?

What if we each did what we have to do?

To enlist, to resist, to persist and pursue?

If we each raised a fist, then what would ensue?

For change is the future, and that change is you.

You are the next leaders, and misleaders.

But will you be greeders? Or world feeders?

You are the next teachers and political preachers.

But will they be great speeches inclined to combine and collaborate?

Or hate speeches designed to divide and discriminate?

Writers? Inciters? Fighters for a cause?

Whole hearted martyrs? Or starters of wars?

Evangelical saints or clerical sinners?

Noble beginners or Nobel Peace Prize winners?

Philosophic conceivers? Devout disbelievers?

On the dole? On parole? Or the highest achievers?

Binge drinking boozers or free thinking choosers?

You don’t have to grow up and become McLosers.

We are the generation to have this realisation.

With will and skill we can fulfil our social obligations; to build rapports, to open doors and lead investigations,

Into every clause of current laws of rules and legislation, so everybody has the right to insight and information.

And through our new communion of communal communication,

We’ll march streets across the nation, trust in transformation,

And get these corporations cooperating together; for a future that’s bright, whatever the weather.

Let us atone, and carve in stone the people’s new decree.

Let us make our affirmations known, so repeat after me:

I swear to take care of the air that I breathe.

I declare to fight for what I believe.

I guarantee to be the best I can be.

I vow to help others to be just as free.

I promise to never be consumed by greed.

I pledge my allegiance to all those in need.

I assure my assistance so suffering may cease.

& I give my word to speak only of peace.

So let us stand together now and start this revolution,

And work with institutions building permanent solutions,

For the sake of civilisations educational evolution.

© Martin James Powell 2010

Dear Mrs Marlboro

2009-07-31T19:34:00.003+01:00

Dear Mrs Marlboro,
I think I’m in love with you
When I wake up in the morning, you’re the first thing that I think about
Your white complexion and slim line figure
Every time I touch you with my lips, your love filters straight through me
I take a deep breath in and relax, remember what it feels like to be alive
People tell me that we shouldn’t be together
They tell me its wrong, that your dangerous
But I don’t listen to them
I’m blinded by the intoxicating power of our love
It burns deep inside my soul
I will be with you forever
Even if it kills me…

© Martin James Powell 2008

The power of love

2009-07-31T19:25:00.004+01:00

So here they stand, both hand in hand, the blushing bride and groom
To learn and grow and each to show just how their love can bloom
This is the start of binding hearts as two now become one
Stood so proud with gathered crowd their new life has begun

Forever bound in what they’ve found, the lucky ones are few
Who chance a glance of pure entrance and dance on moonlit due
So let us celebrate their fate here in the month of May
Together now to state their vows upon this special day

So pleased to find an equal mind and know that it won’t fail
Someone so kind to stand behind and let your love prevail
Someone with which you can impart the feelings in your heart
And gently go with rivers flow ‘till death it does do part

To love, to care, be there and share the good times and the bad
To have and hold in warmth or cold if they’re happy or sad
A guide with which to ride the tide, a light within the dark
So put your hands together now for Julie and for Mark

"My friend Kerry asked me to write a poem for her mother Julies wedding day. I was really touched and wrote this a couple of days later"

E-Ville

2009-07-31T18:52:00.003+01:00

Do you like your stories compiled and sorted?
Perhaps you prefer them deformed and distorted?
The place that I speak of, beyond Pumpkin Hill
Is the weird and wonderful town of E-Ville!

The sky is cat black, there’s no day there, just night
The weather is bleak and the moon shines no light
Shadowy splinters shine on in full fright
And all the trees branches are twisted and tight!

Not much goes on in this desolate town
A clock tower is guarded by Hubert, the clown
A lovely old chap, lived down Linger Lane
Before he went crazy and…ate half his brain!

Now he just sits there, alone in his clock
Straight jacket madness, a door with 5 locks
Yet nobody visits and nobody knocks…

And nobody knows that down Deadwood Road
A phone in a box rings out endless tone
For no one will answer, not no one at all!
Who knows what banter awaits on that call?

And cautiously creeping around every corner
Are the woeful and weeping they’re named Midnight Mourners!
Crying out loud to the sound of their fate
Praying for death at the cemetery gates!

But death will not find them, no not in this place!
You can scream till the colour does run from your face
But the problem you’ll find that indeed must be said
Is the people of E-Vile are already dead!

The President

2009-07-31T18:44:00.003+01:00

The President awakes in bed, outside a gentle wind blows
With mornings pace his feet then tread up to his chambers windows
With curtains drawn the light then pours upon his marble floor
And his whole room bursts into bloom with gilded gold décor

He worries not for his wellbeing; he does not have to fight
So every night he can sleep tight inside his house of white
If one thing's in his dreams it seems to be the act of war
Whilst people die, he rests his eyes just like each night before

When others wake the dead instead are scattered all around
With hurried pace outside they race, aghast at what they’ve found
Buildings blown, towns overthrown and bullet-holes in walls
Their bodies bashed, the army’s trashed their only market stalls

Now subdued and without food their only hopes to pray
The tortured skies must heed their cries to make it past each day
One might think their faith would sink with loved ones dead and gone
As wars unfurled in their third world the people must stand strong

The temporary solution

2009-07-31T18:40:00.002+01:00

Lost in a daze of purple haze
Paranoia upon my mind it plays
Each week is bleak with no way through
Smoking green yet feeling blue
I light my spliff, it drifts away...
Atleast untill another day

Stonehenge Summer Solstice

2009-07-31T18:32:00.005+01:00

Standing stones in Salisbury sun
The solstice show has now begun
On the horizon, find the rise
Northeast’s a feast for spiritual eyes
Each year, the 21st of June
Hail the earth, our sun and moon
Engrossed in energies of old
Now released from winters cold
God and goddess unionized
Eternal cycles realized

Jas

2009-07-31T18:26:00.004+01:00

I’ll scale the highest mountains and set sail through open seas
I’ll open doors to distant shores and self discoveries
And through the breeze i’ll glide with ease a I ride with the tide
Its easy with my best friend by my side

I’ll bathe in springs and fountains as I travel ‘bout this place
And grow concerned the more I learn about the human race
I know no town will drag me down, i’ll take things in my stride
Its easy with my best friend by my side

When things are tough i’m strong enough to battle my dismay
I’ll fight the night with all my might and keep the clouds at bay
And once i’ve won the rising sun will dry the tears i’ve cried
Its easy with my best friend by my side

So here’s to loving living life with you to lead or follow
I understand that hand in hand we’ll walk right through tomorrow
And so to start an open heart is all I need inside

Its easy now I have you by my side

"Written for the best of best friends"

Spiritual ritual

2009-07-31T18:20:00.004+01:00

Bongo drums beating alive with the sound
African chanting vibrating the ground
Great fires burning in festival air
Spiritual ritual free from despair

Children all dancing beneath the full moon
To rhythmic sensations and melodic tune
Celebrations so social combine them as one
The community’s spiritual rituals done

The Butterfly effect

2009-07-31T18:04:00.003+01:00

Sometimes it feels as though the walls are closing in
Shrouded in doubt, no way out
And there’s no way of knowing of this cell you’re placed within
You scream and shout, no ones about

Your limbs they all feel twisted and entangled in your tomb
So tight your chest, you cannot rest
Your body feeling mangled as you lay in your cocoon
Can’t catch a breath, this must be death

You feel there is no hope for you for all you see is black
When without sight, there is no light
No wonder you’re defenceless when the whole world does attack
To weak to fight, this isn’t right

A tiny dot of light appears upon the farthest wall
You barley see, what can it be?
Little known to you will soon be big enough to crawl
It holds the key, to set you free

Over time the dot expands and light comes pouring in
Something rare, the open air
As you gaze round your surrounding things are not looking so dim
You simply stare, what is out there?

You creep out of the darkness overwhelmed by such a sight
Your saving grace, a whole new place
Your wings are now unfolding to allow you to take flight
With quickening pace, your heart does race

Taking off you’re leaving all your problems way behind
And breathe a sigh, with open eyes
You see the bigger picture and are amazed at what you find
For now you fly, a butterfly

Modern reflection and self perfection

2009-07-31T17:35:00.002+01:00

Take a good look at the life you’re living
Are you forsaking more than you’re forgiving?
Love your fellow man and with him stand
With women as your equal, hand in hand

Listen hard to things that people preach
But be aware of all religious speach
Though good and guided lessons they can teach
There are things to grasp beyond their reach

You see there’s really no such thing as sin
Whats really right and wrong comes from within
So look inside and you should find you know
Which path to take, to learn, to love, and grow

Wholly unholy

2009-07-31T17:31:00.001+01:00

These shattered men lay in pieces on the floor
For they’ve been fighting in someone else’s war
Should you survive this world of evil men
Remember that the devil calls for them

The angel

2009-07-31T17:29:00.002+01:00

The angels harp has broken strings that choke the life of man
His voice box torn he could not sing the songs that he did plan
His halo sold by trade for gold by world’s most evil minds
His soul was whole or so I’m told before he met mankind

Down he came with pure intent of leading to salvation
Met he was with discontent by leaders of our nations
The angel claimed we could repent and showed us all the light
A shame is was that he was sent to die for such a plight

Nailed he was to wooden cross, and held for all to see
And now we mourn our greatest loss, he could have set us free

G-echo

2009-07-31T17:26:00.002+01:00

The gecko’s echo can be heard across the spanish plains
As the sound your ears have found is cast across the vast terrain
They run in summers sun with padded feet to beat the heat
Then lay in shade till sun does fade in rocks where they retreat

And when they crawl up high and tall on top of window frames
The cabins walls will echo calls from which they got their names
The geckos famous cry will fly throughout the starlit skies
Heard at best when Spaniards rest and close their sunkissed eyes

Funky brother funeral

2009-07-31T16:45:00.002+01:00

This is the funky brother funeral
All of your efforts are inconsequensial
We got potential, and the credentials
To give your mouth some emergencey dental
Full frontal, coming at you so tumble
But stumble into our land we’ll rumble
What? You stupid?
Can’t mess with the cool kids

You’ll skid and take a fall
The funky brother funeral

Yes we got protection from the best section
A portion of the blame is with self reflection
Look inwards my brother beyond ya complexion
the true self lies in all
and if your charasmatic you’ll see that the static
television airwaves can’t determine your tactic
and if you attack it you’ll see that sporadic patterns are systematic
and if you take dem mould dem shape dem
you will find you can play them
at their own game
conquer your brain

the strentgh is in us all
the funky brother funeral

so here’s where we finish, at last its ended
all of the concepts now been blended
and if you are feeling super splendid
it only means that your mind is mended

its so basic, once you taste it
freedom is for those who take it!
so clasp it grasp it dont contemplate it!

for now you stand so tall
the funky brother funeral

"This was written to be a reggae song not a poem, something like 'Welcome to Jamrock' by Damian Marley...who knows"

Brighton (where the people make it bright)

2009-07-31T16:27:00.002+01:00

When you’re walking down the street
Just clap your hands and move your feet
Search deep inside your soul and find the beat
And whatever you feel is right
Take that beat to the club and dance all night
In Brighton, where the people make it bright

And when you’re strolling through the laines
There’s no two people quite the same
You always win in Brighton’s fashion game
And everything you see – in sight
Is different, there are no look-alikes
In Brighton, where the people make it bright

And when you’re laying on the beach
The waves crash down but don’t quite reach
You sit there and you stare right out to see
And there’s no place you’d rather be
So far away from misery
In Brighton, the people are the key

My mushroom friend

2009-07-31T16:24:00.003+01:00

I’m going on a trip with my mushroom friend
to the ends of the earth and back
Cause there’s no sense sittin’ on a fence
No it’s time I made my tracks

I’m going away for a day tomorrow
So far across the sea
Gonna set sail and drown my sorrow
Find out where I should be

So i’ll carve my boat and set afloat
Yeah make my way downstream
Left out the docks, right round the rocks
And head for sunshine beams

And through the bright white morning light
I know i’ll find my way
If I hang tight then I just might
Fight off the cool sea’s spray

And should you hear that I have died
Capsized at the highest tide
Just know my little mushroom friend
Is sleeping by my side

Questions

2009-07-21T17:26:00.003+01:00

Is what I see reality or just product of thought?
When I buy I product is it me who’s truly bought?
I dwell in hell inside my shell where nothing’s crystal clear
If everything is matter does it matter why I’m here?

Should I go to work today? And is there any point?
Sure I could slave right to the grave but what I crave's a joint
This life at best it seems to test my senses and my soul
Must I strive to be alive? To reach some sort of goal?

Is there a god? And if there is then does he care at all?
For who would glance this circumstance and watch whilst people fall?
Does he live beyond the clouds as many do obsess?
Or is he found within ourselves as a shared consciousness?

These questions that I ask, will they be answered in due coarse?
Will I find that peace of mind to save me from remorse?
Will accept that it is so, that I may never know?
Or will I die just wondering why the answers failed to show?

The L.H.C

2009-07-21T17:20:00.003+01:00

I’m blinded by her majesty, the large hadron collider
And dream in cosmic fantasy, of what goes on inside her
Particles ‘a’ whizzing round at near the speed of light
Buried deep down underground and hidden from our sight

The more I read, the more I find, the more I wish to learn
And explore the very core of what goes on at CERN
Where beams collide and atoms smash so scientists can see
What lies inside and does reside in resulting debris

They’re looking for the answers to the questions that we ask
About the nature of our universe, an overwhelming task!
Scouring ancient histories for mysteries of old
For probing so persistently is how problems are solved

What they may find is grand design and beauty to behold
And they may know just how it’s so, and how it did unfold
Make sense of singularity and how it all began
Hence bringing some clarity upon the minds of man

Earth, Air, Fire, Water

2009-07-21T17:09:00.004+01:00

Earth it hangs in outer space
Keeping each of us in place
Floating in a sea of stars
And endless time to heal your scars

With valley’s deep and mountains grand
This precious sphere on which we stand
Has soil rich with life anew
Fields of green and oceans blue

So as you walk do so with pride
Take in the life that it provides
Human beings both pure and true
Earth with always nurture you

Although when cold you may have cried
When warm your worries wilt and die
So sit in still and silent thought
Remember things that you’ve been taught

For wind it blows and rustles leaves
That gently fall from autumn trees
Your mind at one with changing breeze
You can relax and feel at ease

Inhale the beauty of each day
As wisps of cloud form great display
Skies alive with natural art
Air will purify your heart

Candles flicker in the dark
Feelings flow and memories spark
And as the flames before you dance
With eyes aglow you stare entranced

Gazing deep into the blue
Know the path that you must choose
Regrets that lay within you gone
Embrace the past and then move on

The energy ignites your soul
Fears crushed like crumbling coal
Emotions deep inside you burn
Fire is a lesson learned

Rain it falls from open air
And wipes the tears of your despair
Fears in reflection stay
Your troubles have been washed away

The moon controls the cosmic tides
Waves depleting side by side
And as they crash upon the beach
It is your soul they long to reach

So let the oceans flood your heart
Don’t spend your time just tides apart
Dance on strands of moonlit dew
Water will look after you

She lives within

2009-07-21T16:35:00.002+01:00

As the sun sinks behind the sea, my troubles sink with her
And as the moon rises to be, my emotions rise with her

As rivers flow their way downstream, my feelings flow with them
And as the winds they howl and scream, my soul screams with them

As waves across the ocean race, my heart races with them
And as tides turn and change their pace, I change with them

As flowers grow in summers care, I grow with them
And when they wilt in winters air, I die with them

Drifting through the picture

2009-07-21T16:30:00.004+01:00

Drifting through the picture, there’s a puncture in my brain
I’m trying to find some clarity before I go insane
I can’t controll my thoughts, a constant migraine haunts my head
If I can’t find solidarity I may as well be dead

Sifting through the symmetry, the imagery is clear
Symbolic chronic energy will spark my darkest fear
It seems that absolutions absolutely out of reach
If I cant find mind sollution then my cover will be breached

For the sin I hold within has left a mark upon my soul
If I cant find the future then the past will take its toll
I dont know if i’ll make it if I break it once again
For picking up the pieces is much harder than the pen

Solace in the sunrise and somber sunsets

2009-07-21T16:20:00.003+01:00

For solace I sit by the sunrise
My souls takes its flight like a dove
I’m seeing all the light in my life
And i’m feeling the presence of love

When somber I sink by the sunsets
And question in deep and dark thought
As I see my reflection I realise
Both my heart and my soul they feel wrought

The Break Up

2009-07-21T16:06:00.006+01:00

I can’t describe this feeling, is it something that I’ve lost?
I feel I’ve paid the greatest price for everything its cost
This hollow hole inside prevents my soul from being whole
If this is life I wish I’d die

I wish that I could fix us, but it seems that I cannot
I’ve tried to do the best I can and give you all I’ve got
These tears I cannot cry leave me to sigh and wonder why
If this is love then I want out

I’m sure that I have failed you, when I nailed you to the floor
Do you feel like I’ve impaled you with my feeling insecure?
If we can’t cope and there’s no hope then I’ll smoke dope again
If this is sight I’ll drug my eyes

It pains me just to know that I’m now losing all my faith
I thought that we would conquer all, that love would keep us safe
The feelings rife just like a knife that carves a scar upon my life
If this is it what can I say?

I don’t know if it’s my fault or it’s your fault that you cried
All I know is that I’m angry and I know you are inside
Will it stop the end if we befriend then can we mend?
I hope it does because if not…

Poetic prose

2009-07-16T02:39:00.000+01:00

Forget your woes poetic prose is written on the rainbows
And whirling storms where lyrics form and whistling word-filled wind blows
Reels of rhyme are trapped in time and rest on rays of light
Poems live in the world to give us all strength for the fight

Heroin my heroine

2009-07-16T02:30:00.001+01:00

I close my eyes and my soul flies across the astral plain
I’m dancing with my dragons now and I forget my pain
I have my fix, these drugs I mix will always set me free
For heroin’s my heroine, she does what’s right by me

She takes away the hurt inside and sweeps me off my feet
She wipes away the tears I’ve cried upon these city streets
When darkness in my life resides and I can’t find the day
She is the light that stands beside to guide me on my way

I close my eyes and my soul flies so far beyond the stars
I’m dancing with my demons now as I add to my scars
If this is hell I might as well accept it is my fate
For heroin, my heroine to meet me at that gate

She’ll save me from my troubled life and take away my sorrow
She’ll bleed me dry during my high and I’ll be gone tomorrow
And as I die I won’t ask why, I know that she knows best
For heroin, my heroine will lay me down to rest

"I wrote this poem whilst staying at a backpackers hostel in Brighton which was located next to a rehabilitation center prescribing methadone for heroin addicts. I was trying to get into the mind-set of this addictive behaviour"

Message to the masses

2009-07-16T02:19:00.000+01:00

Do you believe in anything and everything you’re told?
Will you sell your soul and purchase products being sold?
Remember its their job to take, to fake and make you buy
Into their lies disguised, designed to pull wool over eyes

You shouldn’t swallow everything and follow what they say
Yourself you have to trust that there must be a different way
If we stand together they can never take our sight
If we fight forever for the things we know are right

Brighton (where the people make it bright)

2009-07-16T02:09:00.000+01:00

When you’re walking down the street
Just clap your hands and move your feet
Search deep inside your soul and find the beat
And whatever you feel is right
Take that beat to the club and dance all night
In Brighton, where the people make it bright

And when you’re strolling through the laines
There’s no two people quite the same
You always win in Brighton’s fashion game
And everything you see – in sight
Is different, there are no look-alikes
In Brighton, where the people make it bright

And when you’re laying on the beach
The waves crash down but don’t quite reach
You sit there and you stare right out to sea
And there’s no place you’d rather be
So far away from misery
In Brighton, the people are the key

Dare to dream

2009-07-16T01:52:00.000+01:00

Drift off in a place where once you slept
Revisit the space where wants are kept
Easily you’ll find your way
And keep your tears and fears at bay
Manifest your hearts desire, in
Slumbers state, your fate enquire

Because your thoughts they become things
Even those which negativity brings so
Close your eyes and trust this verse
Omit love to our universe
Master this and you shall see, how
Energies can set you free

Realise your full potential
Every atom’s influential
All is one and one is all
Life’s for living, standing tall
In yourself it’s fixed and true, your
Thoughts are what become of
You

When the buildings fall

2009-07-16T01:45:00.000+01:00

I know THE WORLD is over
When the buildings start to fall
There was a time they stood sublime
Their presence felt by all

Workers came in day by day
And made their TRADE through calls
Secure they were, but were they safe
Inside those structures tall?

One grim day in September
From the CENTER of those walls
I always will remember

End.

2009-07-16T01:23:00.000+01:00

Happiness it seems to me is never out of reach
If you look deep into your dreams the lessons they can teach
Can help you be and fly so free away from troubled lands
And as you flee you then shall see the whole worlds in your hands!

Life is good despite the bad and love will conquer all
So when you could be feeling sad remember to stand tall
For all the planets problems there are pleasures to be had
It won’t take drastic measures to make change and make you glad!

So off you run, smile, have fun, embrace the life you lead!
Dance through hills, enjoy life’s thrills and grow just like “The Seed”
This beauty-ridden world so round – your soul it serves to feed
And in yourself you should have found you are a tree indeed.