The Pedant's burden

At times of stress, you know
before you want to kill,
but after you slam doors
repeat to yourself this
evocation: They may
vacillate but you
insist on time worn rules.
As you calm, look again
to the stupid squiggles
innocently peering
out- a clear sense rotted.
Now your head thumps again,
someone has to say no!

Sadly, you wail in vain
unheard and ignored as
common gutter grammar
kills our Bard's mother tongue.

Waiting too long

Always alone
by the thrown tree—
his moan now woe.

Blue skies his low.
Best was snow or
rain—though love missed.

On death, she kissed.



He waited as he always waited—outside by the fallen tree.

.....The worse days were sunny and blue when the children danced to school. But on

rainy days when the children trudged by he could always imagine her wanting to

come.

.....Not even her death stopped him waiting.

When is mine yours?

The wedding dress was a satin back taffeta
a-line gown with halter-top but the mirror was screaming not good with those shoulders. In any case, the side-draped
waistline with its delicate crystal beading was too tight but what did you expect.
.....Shame his girl friend insisted he wore a morning-suit.

How you treat the least amongst you, is how you shall be judged

It was seeing his neighbour die needlessly
that started his plea, 'Call me crazy but
when was it right to let us suffer in the midst
of plenty?'
.....They did and beat him out of town. But
some listened, and then more, so he died
leaving others able to live.

Revenge is never cold

‘It’s a mystery…’
.....Harry let the minister’s voice
drift, as he looked round struggling the hate
out of his eyes.
.....It wern’t a mystery why she laid there.
The town had killed her with pointing fingers
and sly looks. Reaching inside his jacket, he
pulled and took everybody’s last breath.

When you can’t say no

‘Stop that. I am sorry he can be a right little

monster sometimes,’ Helen said, in an

apologetic tone. Why had she agreed to look

after him, she thought trying to grab

Tommy’s arm.

.....‘Now sit down, the nice lady is talking.’

.....‘Sorry.’ The job interview was not going well

Going beyond

The sea was his last and first memory.

.....Once the smell of a father fresh from the

boats that held and danced him into the

sea, laughing at the waves and fretting

womenfolk.

.....Now as the glass bottom light darkens,

he stops struggling as the voices of his past call.