Tony Wyld used his passion for poetry to get him through the COVID pandemic and raise money for charity.
Tony lives in Vale da Telha with his wife Sarah and two Portuguese water dogs, having moved to the western Algarve during the COVID Pandemic. “It was a strange time to move to a foreign country for obvious reasons, but it did mean I had lots of time to write, which I guess was true for many writers.”
Many of his books have been written for charity or to raise awareness for a cause. His book, The Covid Collection, raised money for NHS Charities Together and featured some of his work and other poets and short story writers who were invited to participate. “My poetry passion is one that I try to share. You see, anyone, really anyone, can write a poem – you just need a pen and paper, or nowadays merely a mobile phone!”
During the second lockdown, with his long-suffering wife’s support (she feels obliged to listen to each new poem!) they produced another book of poetry called For the love of … to raise both money and the profile of Animal Rescue Algarve. He says that this was their most successful book to date and, again, friends and other successful writers collaborated in this exciting and worthwhile project.
“This time local schools in the Loulé area were invited to participate and we were bowled over by the Portuguese youngsters’ mind-boggling poetry skills and beautiful accompanying illustrations.” The book, priced at 10€, is available from Animal Rescue Algarve. Tony tells us that he is always looking for new charities to raise money for and you are welcome to contact him with any suggestions.
He started writing as a hobby when he semi-retired from the ‘chalk face’ (interactive whiteboard) ten years ago, although he has always dabbled in verse for as long as he can remember. “Now that my wife and I live in Portugal, she paints and sings while I write and play tennis – or walking football. But that is another story – or at least another poem! I find there is always something to write about, hopefully in an interesting and unique way. But unlike a novel (which requires absolute dedication), poetry can be created in the strangest location and at the ‘ungodliest hour’, and is easy to get back to if your muse temporarily abandons you.”
As a former foreign language and English teacher, Tony has always had a fascination for words and the way they have the potential to be either wasted or savoured. “What I love about poetry is that each word is carefully chosen and savoured like a fine wine to create something unique and meaningful.”
He says he finds it easier to write in Portugal than at his previous home, Cornwall, possibly due to the Cornish ‘dretly’ state of mind, which means ‘I will do it sometime later’!! Yet St Austell, where he lived, famous for the Eden Project set imposingly in the China Clay country, produced the great poet Jack Clemo, who, like many other poets, inspired him. “And, of course, Portugal is a land of poetry blessed with so many fabulous poets, including the genius Pessoa, and this is probably another reason why I find it such a motivating place to write, as it sometimes feels like they are looking down and giving encouragement.”
Tony always welcomes contact with other poets and, if anyone is interested, he would like to hear from you, possibly to collaborate in his next project. He is available for poetry readings and enjoys writing for special events. Below is a sample to whet your appetite!
Main image Tony with Fernando Pessoa
Pastel de Nata
Shouldn’t be allowed
It makes you fatter
Stand out in the crowd!
As soon as folk start
To bite into the pastry
This fine, filo tart
Is by far too tasty
The cream starts to ooze
Sweet nata so nice
All self-control you lose
For you’re in paradise
The trickle of custard
As your tongue is caressed
Feeling faintly flustered
Infatuated, obsessed!
With a galão consumed
Taste buds will tickle
All dieting now doomed
Feeling helpless and fickle
But what does it matter?
Oh, Portuguese treasure
My flaky pastel de nata
My guiltiest pleasure
Your caramelised top
You melt in my mouth
I really can’t stop
Then it all heads south!
With the coffee combined
The explosive flavour
Drives me out of my mind
Sweet nothings to savour
Dainty and sensual
Momentary release
Always consensual
I am your mouthpiece!
And when you feel at odds
What could be cosier?
Divine food of the gods
Heaven-sent ambrosia
I hear …
I’ve heard ‘most expats are ‘on the run’
Who come to Portugal for guaranteed sun
They don’t integrate or learn Portuguese
Except ‘hello, can I have a beer please?’
I hear ‘the Portuguese are hard to know
That drivers here refuse to drive cars slow
That the dogs are treated in ways so cruel’
But is any of this true as a golden rule?
We know the perils of flaky fake news
Being contaminated by stereotypical views
So may Portugal remain an open melting pot
And of nationality or race, it matters not
So seize the day and pay good heed
To Fernando Pessoa, a great poet indeed:
‘What we see isn’t what we see, but what we are.’
And if you grasp this idea you’ll always go far!
