Writing about the creative life and the stories all around us
listen:
They call me vain and self-absorbed. It’s true that I have a face so beautiful it might make angels weep. It’s true I check my face in every mirror I pass, but they don’t understand.
He haunts me day and night, and all I can do is try to please him. I’ll know I’ve done enough the day I look in a mirror and see not a smug, grinning devil, but the face I was born with looking back.
But it’s been so many years, and I don’t know when I will ever repay my debt.
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listen:
Even though casting off your bonds seems
dangerous
and cutting ties that bind seems
most unwise
you should not be afraid.
Shed the leaden coat of history
find your wounds, kiss them tenderly
you do not need to watch them any more.
Trace one finger over your map of ancient hurts
cast it into the forgiving sea
look out to new horizons.
For when your shackles break
when your handcuffs are dust in the wind
you will rise at last
on gossamer wings of hope’s new breath
spreading, beating, growing ever stronger
freed from those Lilliputian troubles
that were never yours.
So cut the cords
fly where the heart leads
and you will see at last
you were always meant for more.
Listen:
“Get off the phone and come home right now,” she said. “I need you.”
“Wow. That’s quite the offer.”
“Don’t make me wait. I’m already in bed.”
He laughed. “That sexy, husky voice can only mean one thing.”
“You know how I’m feeling, don’t you honey?”
“Yeah, I really do. Ibuprofen and throat lozenges, coming right up.”
“And chicken soup?” She sneezed twice, then groaned. “Please?”
“Bless you. Anything for my baby.”
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listen:
She was captivated from the moment they met in a cave at the edge of the ocean. He had the classic swimmer’s build she’d always admired; broad shoulders, strong arms, and narrow waist. His clear blue eyes sparkled like sunlight playing on rippling waves. She melted at the warmth of his shy smile.
Of course they had differences to work out. He absolutely had to swim every day, no matter the weather. The whole fish tail thing took some getting used to, and the scales he shed were annoying. But when he sang his siren’s song everything else was forgotten, and she knew he was all she’d ever wanted.
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listen:
Everything changed after the aliens landed.
You couldn’t trust anyone, not even your own family, once we realised that they were manipulating humans using mind control. It was quite by accident that I found out brain freeze could block the telepathic waves. I’ve learned to love the pain of frozen margaritas, which is good news.
The bad news is, I’m too drunk to walk and this bar just ran out of tequila.
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listen:
The knight braved many tests and hardships to claim his prize. He vanquished the many-headed giant lizard of Hothe, played dice with Death and won, and escaped the siren singers of Warne. Every night he opened the locket he wore close to his heart and sighed again at the portrait of a raven-haired beauty with lips of pink like the dawn sky.
One last climb, and he stood at last at the top of the highest tower in all the nine kingdoms. He knocked on the balcony window.
“Arla, light of my life, loveliest of all, I have proved myself worthy,” he declared. “Let me in, I beg you.”
She opened the window. “Yes, you are indeed worthy. But soon you will be begging me to let you go.”
The knight jumped inside and shook his head. “Never, for I have travelled far to…”
He trailed off, watching Arla’s smile stretch until it split her face, revealing curved yellow fangs stained with red. Smoke curled from her nostrils and she laughed, her voice turned deep and wrong.
“They all do.”
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listen:
She was a beautiful bride.
When she promised to love him until death do us part, she meant it.
When he slipped the ring on her finger, his gaze never leaving hers, she thought he was so romantic.
When she felt the gold band warm on her skin, she thought he’d been carrying it close to his heart.
When a hundred tiny teeth sank deep into her flesh, she looked up into unblinking eyes that reflected her gasp of pain.
“Mine,” he whispered.
And when she cried, everyone thought they were tears of joy.
listen here:
I thought I could carry you with me.
We walked hard roads together
leaning on each other in bad times
laughing side by side in good times
we didn’t know our lines would run parallel
only for so long.
A tiny shift
a tiny space
the lines diverging
and I try
try to hold on
because
after all
we are seen and we are known
we are something to each other
not easily found, I thought.
But since I set my compass to wider horizons
you dig at me with your discomfort
scratch me with your disapproval.
And I try
try to hold on
because
after all
I will miss you too
your sarcasm and tears
your perspective and your fears
the way we huddled together for warmth
long into dark nights.
But with every angry jibe
the chasm grew, so
I placed you tenderly behind a shield of glass
raised for my own protection
seen, not felt
cry if you must
and don’t forget
I love you even as
you shrink in my rear view mirror.
I should be looking forward
and I try
try to hold on
but
after all
time is the great separator.
Almost beyond touching distance
yet it still hurts.
I wish you well
but
I wish I could carry you with me.
listen to this poem here:
I made her favourite dinner.
Onions simmered to vanishing
tiny-chunked tomatoes
meatballs just the right size
absolutely no mushrooms of any kind
no wholegrain healthy pasta
everything the way she likes it.
Then I watched her poke at the sauce and say
too salty
not what she wanted
not hungry anyway.
And I thought
one day
you will make something for someone.
It will not showcase the breadth of your skill.
It will not win any awards.
In days or hours it will likely be forgotten, but
you’ll put heart into every tiny part, regardless.
And when they push it away you’ll tell yourself
it does not matter
not that important
it’s okay.
Some lessons can’t be taught.
Some flavours must be tasted
swallowed, haltingly
bitterness in each regretful bite.
I love her, so I let her walk
from plate untouched and love unspoken
and I spared her the knowledge
that one day
it will be her turn.
(first published by PS I Love You on Medium 1 Sept 2019)
listen here:
I have something to say
so large
so dangerous
it might destroy the world
I swallow it
lava turned granite
elbows my heart aside
crushes my lungs out of existence
graceless under pressure
walk, don’t talk
hold on tight
I’m unexploded
barbs in my throat
(smile)
each breath a haze of pain
acid rains unwept
corroded within
a shiny carapace
I swallow it
my gut twists
in broken glass waves
tiptoeing
careful now
when the bomb blows
only one victim
