Jan Allison Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

Ekphrasis on Album cover Art Poetry Contest sponsored by Di11y Da11y 03/29/25

My favourite all time album - over the years I have listened to it so many times I am word perfect! A  couple of years ago we were lucky enough to see the stage show in Birmingham UK) - the plane tickets, train tickets,  hotel and show tickets cost us a fortune but the musical was beyond my wildest dreams so if you get the chance just do it!

 

Thinking about Jeff Wayne’s War of the Worlds

“The chances against anything manlike on Mars are a million to one,” he said. (Excerpt from the book by H G Wells.)

WATCH OUT, run for your lives ...the Martians are coming!
Well on October 30, 1938
Terrified listeners truly thought the world was ending
When a radio broadcast 
Of H G Wells book ‘The War of the Worlds’ was aired

Jeff Wayne turn the book into an epic musical story
Well over 40 years have passed since it was released
Millions have listened to the double album
And seen a Martian monster recreated in the stage show

Though the Martians first invade dry land
The album cover focuses on the war at sea …

Terror stricken sea travellers try to escape
 A massive menacing metal monster
With bulging green bug like eyes
Its gleaming silver body perched high upon
Three spindly chop stick like tripod legs 
It stalks the steamer like a spider eying its prey
The brave captain tries to steer the ship to safely 
but it’s is tossed on stormy seas
like a rag doll thrown by a petulant toddler

Suddenly, the ebon sky is illuminated
By an intense golden beam - a death ray
Which pierces the bow of steamer
with pinpoint accuracy
White smoke billows, fire rages 
Countless lives will be lost

Will the Martians conquer the world?
I won’t spoil it for you…
Just listen to the album story to find out
Believe me you won’t regret it!!

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Duke Beaufort April 1, 2025 at 9:43 AM Great story Jan. Wondering if the real massacre is yet to come. Hopefully not. We are so fortunate to have life. Amazing really. Jan Allison April 4, 2025 at 8:08 AM well Terump is hell bent on destroying the world - we have a lot to be afraid of and it is not little green men it is the orange faced moron:-( hugs jan xx

Terry Flood March 31, 2025 at 4:22 PM But still they came. Brilliant album. Listened so many times on a borrowed copy, then bought my own… and haven’t played it since… weird. How strange is it that we presume that mega hit records were global hits, only to discover, 40 years later, that no-one outside of Blighty has heard of it. Smashing write, Jan. Jan Allison April 1, 2025 at 4:10 AM I listened to it yesterday Terry - those opening words set the scene and then the dramatic music starts - my favourite album ever and it is so surprising so few here have even heard of it which doesn't bode well for me with the sponsor but then again she is from the UK! fingers crossed! hugs jan xx

Lin Lane March 29, 2025 at 3:33 PM I’ve never heard of this album, Jan but I’d love to hear it. You make it sound exciting! Jan Allison April 1, 2025 at 4:08 AM Listen to terry Lin lol! hugs jan xx Terry Flood March 31, 2025 at 4:26 PM Take Jan’s word for it, Lin. It’s an astounding piece of work. Richard Burton’s intro is enough to make your skin crawl. Bound to be on YouTube, Google or just about any streaming service you use Jan Allison March 29, 2025 at 4:37 PM Oh Lin I am so surprised only Gary is aware of it - listen on headphones, close your eyes and get taken in by the amazing story - I have it on vinyl but also on cd! hugs Jan xx

Gary Radice March 29, 2025 at 3:05 PM “The chances of anything coming from Mars are a million to one, but still they come”. Such a brilliant album Jan and you’ve chosen to feature my favourite track too..”Forever Autumn”. What’s not to like here? Your words have done it all justice. Cheers - Gary Jan Allison March 29, 2025 at 4:36 PM Gary you have restored my faith in soupers lol I am so thrilled you know the album, as soon as i hear Richard Burton's voice and the orchestral music it transports me to another world! hugs Jan xx

Tom Cunningham March 29, 2025 at 12:44 PM Love your interpretation of the album cover Jan, I know about WOTW but not familiar with the music. I must check it out. Best of luck in the contest. Tom Jan Allison March 29, 2025 at 4:35 PM Be warned Tom - you will be hooked! listen on headphones for the full effect - it is amazing! hugs jan xx

Anne-Lise Andresen March 29, 2025 at 11:39 AM - The rough guys at sea drank way too much liquor ... didn't have water to mix with ... could indicate that it was a bit too much :) - Best wishes in the contest :) - Have a lovely weekend, Jan :) - hugs Jan Allison March 29, 2025 at 4:34 PM thanks Anne-Lise. Happy weekend:-) hugs Jan xx

CayCay Godwin March 29, 2025 at 11:27 AM I simply love you, wherever I see you on Soup, you are precious and priceless. You have meaning and matter for so many people, Jan, I want you to know that. While familiar with Orson Well's unwell actions, I have no memory of it leading to an album. Beautiful lines educated me. Hugs ... CayCay Jan Allison March 29, 2025 at 4:34 PM oh do check out the album CayCay it is narrated by Richard Burton - it really gives you the chills! hugs Jan xx