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…
Poems
Thank Our Lucky Stars, by David Allen
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…
Return of the Dunkirk Spirit, by Mike McBride
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…
Blackthorn Winter, by Chris Goode
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.
Blackthorn Winter, by David Allen
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…
Remembered Days, by Jill O’Doherty
Remembered days of flying kites Our eyes up high Looking at sky, the rumbustious string unrestrained, its dance unruly. Sun up there too Warmth like passion Precarious passion, uncertain fantasy. Made dark as heroic tales become taller
A Self Portrait, by Bob Trinder
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…
Coronavirus: the Home Front, by Mike McBride
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…
Chorus of Disapproval, by Jill Bush
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…
Blue Fish, by Jill O’Doherty
I wonder if other fish feel like this and what does a fish do when she’s blue The net tight. She’s that little fish on a dish caught, going nowhere. Deep down, under the water, She’s that little krill in the lonely chill, Waiting on a whale. Shoals apart,she floats and has an out of…
Bars are Reina, by Roger Read
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 for clothes or…
Bars Are Reina, by Roger Reid
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…
Stars and Shadows, by Jefh Davies
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…
Tree Food, by Rich Hume
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…
A Timely Thought in Isolation, by Bob Trinder
Tick, tock, tick tock, Speed up the clock. Tock, tick, tock, tick Time goes less quick. If I fly into space At a stupendous pace, I’d age less than you The further I flew. Whilst gravity’s pull Will slow time for all, The speed that you fly Also makes it crawl by. So, an hour…