Isle of Man New Year's Festivities

In the lead up to and over New Year’s Eve 2013/14 I enjoyed a wee break of four days, three nights on the Isle of Man (IOM) with my housemate and best friend. For those who do not know, IOM is part of Great Britain but not part of the United Kingdom. It has its very own Manx parliament, considered to be the oldest political moot in Europe.

[Image description: an IOM map taken in Laxey; Castletown marked thereon]

For many a year my godparents - who were also a maternal aunt and her husband, my uncle - resided on the island. I had several holidays staying with them. I cannot honestly say they were happy times, as my godparents were childless and not the most endearing of folk (though in her last years I grew close to my aunt before she was killed by complications from breast cancer). Nonetheless, I have happy memories of exploring alone or with my brother, Silverburn Glen, often bejewelled with primulas in the sodden earth, or of bidding the færies well when travelling over Fairy Bridge, and other such relatively inconsequential tales.

Less happy occasions were wet days which always seemed to entail my brother and I being dropped off at Castle Rushen and left to explore the mediæval edifice on our own, whilst our aunt & uncle went shopping, a.k.a. going to the pub (bar) for a bevy (alcoholic beverage) or two or three! In my mind, Castletown, the former capital of the Isle of Man (IOM) and enclave around the aforesaid fortress, is forever associated with wet, damp and cold. Well, no longer.

[Image description: our lovely friends]

This time I thoroughly enjoyed my sojourn on the IOM: visited with old friends, Steve & Michelle; renewed local acquaintanceships, with Trinia, John & family; and, where and whence I made new chums to boot; as well as bumping into an acquaintance from my hometown, also on her own hols (holidays, vacation).

On New Year’s Eve Eve we feasted at Curry Club Restaurant & I Love Kebab (Takeaway) and on New Year’s Eve itself we dined at The Garrison. Reviews of both these restaurants and our accommodation, The George, will follow in due course. Additionally, I shall be posting a photographic review of contemporary Castletown itself.

Manhood

The poem below includes a list of some forty men; but it should not be considered a definitive roll-call of all the menfolk who have made an impression upon me. Certainly I have only included chaps up to my meeting Richard (my partner 2001 - 2012 but still my best friend); so, none of the male friends / acquaintances I have since made appear. Some men about whom I have written specific poems (though not all [yet] published on this blog) have also been excluded, as I did not feel I had something fresh to add. An example, would be the previous poem about musician Paul. Some names [may] have been altered in order to protect individual men or even myself. Inclusion on the list / in this poem should not be read to mean I had a crush on or fell in love with any specific individual; though most I have loved in the philia sense and some verged on bromance! Bear in mind, these are my recollections and reminiscences and, as such, may not be recognised by all parties concerned - especially those not so confident with their own sense of self &/or sexuality.

*Please note part II of this poem contains sexual imagery & language.*

Manhood

“Tu jahan chalega”

I

thanks to all the men

who added to the man

I was

became

and am

to become

each a step

to my manhood

to my self

facets of the father

I should have known

but never would

of the brother

I might have known

but never could

each hand

each smile

each laugh

leading me on

to adulthood

each failed promise

each dashed hope

each broken heart

played its necessary part

taught me loyalty

though no fealty

to anyone

only me

and now

he

II

Red-headed Simon’s lascivious erubescence and vacillation

Inebriate Simon’s bear-hugs and concupiscent indecision

Policeman Michael’s off-duty hunt and lust declaration

Anglo-Pole Czeslaw’s white-undied romps and motorbike erection

Cousin David’s stolidity and (straight) porn collection

Anglo-Greek Nick’s failed dates and not-to-be-put-off determination

Engineer Jeff’s love affirmation and final rejection

Lorry-driver Brian’s unconventionality and accepting reception

Accountant Denis’ acceptance-with-joy and shoulder-to-cry-on

School-mate Ken’s relaxed heterosexuality and hopeless romanticism

Collegiate Simon-Peter’s constant flirtation and Persian exoticism

Neighbour Jed’s humour, gorgeous spouse and offer of troilism

Fireman Keith’s handy wank and sexual dilettantism

Pater Keith’s drunken distance and illogical stance

Polish Peter’s love-will-find-a-way and perseverance

Gay Paul’s writing-creativity and irrisistible self-confidence

Fire-chief David’s musculature and unconditional acceptance

Grandfather Cyril’s active dislike and standoffishness

Brother Tony’s posturing machismo and neediness

Married, electrician Keith’s bisexual pursuit and doggedness

DSS Trevor’s reddening feathers and solicitous kindness

Taxman David’s quiet charm and nestling flesh

Doctor Paul’s eirenic calm and shared little death

Reverend Mike’s egomania and religious hypocrisy

Dairyman Brett’s rain-drenched snog and self-imposed naïveté

Teacher Chris’ radiant smile, nudity and hirsute tactility

GP Mark’s chipper personality and confidence in me

Fellow churchgoer Chris’ late-night chats and car natter

School-chum Harry’s confirmed bachelor dishevelment and clutter

Privileged Guy’s disdain for personal hygiene and love of literature

Taxman Luther’s best man and doting family guy

Austrian Georg’s everlasting smile and infectious chuckle

Pen-pal Christian’s welcoming family and elder-brother mantle

Grandfather Doug’s eye for a beauty and a quality vehicle

Architect Ivan’s firm thighs and slumber snuggle

Grandfather Horace’s sunday walks and salutatory kiss

On the make drug-dealer Chris and his honeyed dick

Psychologist Graeme’s ego-boost selection and stolen kiss

Salop Carl’s Œdipal fear and self-loathing

“I’m straight” Greg’s passionate Paradise embrace and perfect kiss

And the greatest influence thus far

Rico’s love, patience and long-suffering

He

Believe it or not, this is the video that prompted this poem!

[EDIT: the video has been deleted as at 27.01.21. Try this https://youtu.be/SoC_ZjGBmmg]