Author: Rich

Mad Jack Blackthorn, in the freezing breeze Dancing silhouetted on the cliff Gobbing on the village green Leaping like a wild Morris man (They say) A starling flew down (They say) It told him he was curs-ed (They say) He took the label and wore it (They say) He showed his arse to the parson…

Remember how. even after a full week as your old self – or a wiser and happier new self – just an overheard mention of her name emptied your heart? [Then you’re getting…] Do you wonder if it’s just you, or if everyone – or at least everyone who lets themself – when someone who…

I came into this world, It’s a blank canvas, On which to paint my life. When and where this takes place, Mother Nature takes her course, Who knows how I begin, With whom and how many, What my environment might be like. Born an only child, To two parents… Attend five schools… Move house six…

If I should catch Corona germs and fly To that well stocked superstore in the sky. Don’t spill your grief for me or cry. I’ll crack a can and wish you all Good ‘ealth! And as for that old toilet roll, that greedy guy Who grabbed the last whiskey bottle for himself. I’ll simply shake…

What will the coming seasons bring? An upturn to the gloom in everything? And will the blackthorn, that purple-tinter, Thrive to put forth fruit this winter? ‘Fraid I can’t say –It’s been a sloe day.

Wind and rain throughout December, January, February Buffeted whilst commuting On my bicycle between Seaford and Newhaven – Only three and a quarter miles each way – Felt double that distance, though! Mild winter gives way – to a colder early Spring When the blackthorn blossoms Winter’s holding on! Like a visitor outstaying his welcome…

I’m asked fairly often “Well, what have you done? There are jobs to be finished and errands to run. The lawns all need cutting, the edging’s a mess, What have you been doing?” and I have to confess, There’s nothing I like more than messing around Doing nothing important, thinking nothing profound. So, if you’re…

So how will they fill those endless waking hours? Already it feels like yearsSince friends and family said their last goodbyes Looking on the bright side with lipid eyes. Working all day to hide their fears Is beyond their aging powers. Still young inside, they feel they should be out there: Organising helpers, Delivering food…

The Great British Chorus was such a great idea Singing together with those we can’t be near In practice I’ll explain Why it turned out to be a pain Why I’ve given up on song Because he talked too long My child would rather die Than do warm ups, and asks why We’re muted. But…

Bars Are Reina Globe Bar not far ! Then Slip along to the Banana Club. Or fill up at daStation. No relation to an On the Run petrol creation. Cotton Club small and has an exclusive air. Very busy. Prices fair. Vicks Bar to get a bottle of Corona or a jar. Rothi Shop not…

Such a lot to be remembered, to draw upon in the hours of not just staring into space. It doesn’t all fit in or together, or matter. A smattering of how it was will do. The memories come to me as stars and shadows, not caring much for sense or the story. I could get…

Leaf-litter quiet; hornbeam coppice-spell silence. Rustle-crunch footpad-tread alarms creatures sharp – signal felt – the woodland dim-listens: woodpecker hammer-tat halt, coo-choked wing-beat flap-clap dodge-tree pigeon escapees furrow apprehension  through tepid woodland confidence – response to my fumbled caution, fumbled stealth: human incursion: def-con ten. Two-stroke and twelve-bore: tools of purpose and intent, capable of irrevocable…

Woops – there goes another one. I’m not the first to notice. Hopefully, I’m not the last. I’d hate that, can you imagine? To be the last human to notice Another species going extinct. Just think about where and when that would be. I really don’t want that to be me.

A Republic without a King A country in Dire Straights. Nothing to admire. Not great. Inherent Selection of politicians For the House. Brexit full of Discrepancy and Suspense. Media Starlight not Pertinent. Filling the electorate with Superstition. Dreading another Referendum Election. Tomorrow’s World. Toes curled !! Argh ! Roger P. Read

Aldwick Beauty Tasty and fruity. Sussex Forge On which to gorge. Wadhurst Pippin Just slipped in ! Crawley Reinette Delicious ! Gordon Bennet! Golden Pippin Gets me trippin’. Mareda I’m here to feed yer! Knobby Russet Love it! Golden Bounty Nature’s generosity. Egremont Russet Earthy and rustic. First And Last A mouthwatering blast. Saltcote Pippin…