Thursday 31 December 2015

Morning Poetry 31st December 2015

New Year
with her parents
in windy Manchester.
She misses her friends in Cornwall.
Wild Moors.


© Rachel Green 2015

New Year's Eve
the first daffodil flower
uncommon weather


© Rachel Green 2015

Trickster
doesn't like her basket
prefers the bed
I tell her she can't come up
so she sulks downstairs


© Rachel Green 2015

toy cupboard
crammed with floggers and dildos
musty leather

DK decides
the fate of many hours work
handmade floggers discarded.

charity shop run, perhaps?


© Rachel Green 2015

A bag of toys. Council Tip.

© Rachel Green 2015


Wednesday 30 December 2015

Daily 30th December 2015

probity [proh-bi-tee, prob-i-] noun
1. integrity and uprightness; honesty.

an idealist
respected for probity
still beats up his wife




Facebook Haiku

December 30 exhale

fierce wind
screeches through the beech wood
crow's shout


for NaHaiWriMo



Wiring in the light in the cupboard in the bedroom. Extension cord into the loft and across the eaves.


Something that made me smile today:

Getting the lights back after cutting a live wire.





Lu and I tidied out the toy cupboard. It took hours. We have a lot of toys. Several bags of them discarded. I was tempted to offer them for free but we'll probably just tip them.


You've been reading Of Literary Bent. I thank you.

Morning Poetry 30th December 2015

welcome
from the vicar
he expects her to be
more evangelical than ag-
nostic


© Rachel Green 2015

sun-glittered gulls
soaring in a high wind
bamboo leaves


© Rachel Green 2015

old dog
losing his sight and hearing
and sense of taste
meat treats become unappealing
extra-strong cheddar, please


© Rachel Green 2015

cortizone cream
for his eczema
it terrifies him
but rubbing his back
is reassuring
and he enjoys it
puppy mode


© Rachel Green 2015

home visit. Everybody can panic now.

© Rachel Green 2015

Daily 29th December 2015

stelliferous [ste-lif-er-uh s] adjective
1. having or abounding with stars.

stelliferous night
even the falling missiles
can be beautiful


Into town again for the meds I forgot to get yesterday, plus Tesco.

Dog walking, getting stuff out of the loft with Aimee, Chris, DK and Lu.


Facebook Haiku

December 29 toolbox

screwdrivers and chisels
in my open toolbox
the cat


for NaHaiWriMo



You caught the saga of Lina's lamp, yes?


Something that made me smile today:

The bedside shelf finally fitted. Hurrah.




gaming. TV. Anyone watching 'The Expanse' It's awesome.




Written today:

poem - 259



You've been reading Of Literary Bent. I thank you.

Tuesday 29 December 2015

Poem 2015 / 259 Lina's Bedside Light

eMail from Spearmark International Ltd. after I complained their lamp caught fire:


Dear

My name is [redacted] and I am the Quality Assurance Manager at Spearmark International Ltd.

I have received your email today via our customer services.
Please accept my sincerest apologies that you have experienced problems with our product.

We take product safety extremely seriously and would therefore like to request the product be returned to us for a full investigation if that is possible?
To facilitate the investigation could the product be sent to the following freepost address:- [redacted]

Would it be possible to request further information about the product and the circumstances that resulted in the issue as it would greatly assist in our understanding / investigation.

·         What product from the One Direction range was this?  (Bedside lamp / Clip on bunk light / desk light? Etc...)
·         Was the item using battery power or mains power?
·         If using mains power, did you use an adaptor? (this will depend on the product type as to whether an adaptor is applicable or not)
·         What light bulb was used in the product?
·         Age of child
·         What happened?
  Your email says it ‘caught fire’ if you could provide more details that would be appreciated (i.e.; cable / lamp / was there flames? Blackening???)


I think this answers every question:

Lina's Bedside Light

My daughter's clip-on bunk light from her very favourite band
gave solace in the night-time when darkness ruled the land.
She put it on at one a.m. when the parents were in bed
and chatted on the internet with earphones on her head.
At three a.m. She smelled a smell that smelled of burning acid
(a memory of chemistry though specifics were sporadic.)
She looked around her bedroom and her gaze was caught by flames
appearing from the One-D lamp but with eighteen year-old brains,
she photographed the little blues that flickered in the base
and sent a snapchat to her friend who lived in Inner Space.
Unplugging lamp from socket the adaptor seemed okay
and the LED lights faded as the power went away.
The little fire kept flickering – another snapchap sent
“You'd better call someone,” said friend, “a firegirl or gent.”
“My parents are asleep,” she said. “I dare not wake them up;
they've worked all day and night and can never get enough
sleep. What shall I do before the house burns down complete?”
“Open up the window, then, and throw it in the street.”
“I dare not throw it on the lawn in case it catches fire
I'll toss it out the back door where the yard contains the pyre.”
But parental units long in bed, the back door locked up tight
and so she used the cat flap and threw it to the night.
Her bedroom filled with toxic smells, she opened up the window
and almost froze to death after escaping the inferno.
At least she wrote a note on towel, attached it to the kettle
to make her parents proud their lass had shown such heavy mettle.

Regards,


© Rachel Green 2015


Thank you for stopping by
flint church
full of shadows
and whispers from locals
about the visitor in town.
Black skin.


© Rachel Green 2015

lazy crow
bare-branch scolding
warm feathers


© Rachel Green 2015

let's not talk
let's just lie here
touching in silence
You are so beautiful
but I hate your accent


© Rachel Green 2015

do you ever wonder
if vertical contrails
are nuclear warheads
and  two white lines
against a blue winter sky
is the last thing you'll see?

No? Just me, then.


© Rachel Green 2015

She breaks a nail. He laughs.

© Rachel Green 2015

Daily for 28th December 2015

wing-ding or wing ding [wing-ding] noun, Slang.
1. a noisy, exciting celebration or party.
2. a fit, either induced by drugs or feigned.
3. a fit of anger; a rage.

her invitation
to the wing-ding of the year
etched on an E tab


Walked into town with Lu. Forgot to pick up my meds.






Facebook Haiku

December 28 faux

biker chick
faux leather jacket
black ice


for NaHaiWriMo





Did some more adjustments to yesterday's carpentry. Painting.


Something that made me smile today:

Port and cheese with DK and Lu




Watched 'Suffragette' with Lu. Very good indeed.


Written today:

buggrit. I have no excuses.


You've been reading Of Literary Bent. I thank you.

Monday 28 December 2015

Morning Poetry 28th December 2015

first day
she starts early
and finishes too late
for a celebratory meal
with Bryn


© Rachel Green 2015

brightening sky
above the cathedral
crows


© Rachel Green 2015

Yule gift
the money for a new game
from my grandchild
I feel a bit guilty accepting
as I'm not ready to play it


© Rachel Green 2015

fading light
power tool carpentry
in the garden

In an effort to finish
I forget a vital detail
from careful measurement

maximum width exceeded


© Rachel Green 2015

cut finger. the wound turns black.

© Rachel Green 2015

Sunday 27 December 2015

Daily 27th December 2015

abdominous [ab-dom-uh-nuh s] adjective
1. having a large belly; potbellied.

regretfully reaching
abdominous middle age
I vow to do better








Facebook Haiku

December 27 exhilaration

snow drifts
an excited dog
barking


for NaHaiWriMo



The day spent doing joinery jobs in the bedroom (shelves, spacers etc)


Something that made me smile today:

Not so much DIY as FIY



Walked into town to post parcels but left my purse at home. Drat.


Written today:

aargh


You've been reading Of Literary Bent. I thank you.

Morning, 27th December 2015

Sunday
Everyone goes
to the Methodist church
even the new teacher at school.
Whispers.


© Rachel Green 2015

blackbirds
checking under leaves
hard-working worms


© Rachel Green 2015

quiet house
the other kids away
just for today
I have a list of jobs
requiring attention


© Rachel Green 2015

a long list
of lesbian movies
with a basic critique

I try to find some
that look most promising
minority audience

none are on Netflix


© Rachel Green 2015

alone at last. Her power tools.

© Rachel Green 2015

Saturday 26 December 2015

Daily 26th December 2015

bonhomie [bon-uh-mee, bon-uh-mee; French baw-naw-mee] noun
1. frank and simple good-heartedness; a good-natured manner; friendliness; geniality.

walking dogs
neighbourhood bonhomie
in 'Good Mornings'









photo by DK





Facebook Haiku

December 26 galaxy

four o'clock
in the Triffid nebula
a star called 'Jasfoup'


for NaHaiWriMo



My grandson and his g/f gave me £40 to buy 'Fallout 4" with. Very kind of them, although I'm mired in ESO at present.


Something that made me smile today:

Good friends, good company.




Boat race in Matlock Bath, dreadful chips and home for 2:00. Several friends dropped round.




Written today:

nothing again


You've been reading Of Literary Bent. I thank you.

Morning Poetry 26th December 2015

a gift
for all seasons
if she'd hadn't gone home
to spend the holiday with her
parents


© Rachel Green 2015

lightening sky
a glimpse of sunshine
gathering clouds


© Rachel Green 2015

cold room
and a thin duvet
warm bed
the after effect
of sprouts for dinner


© Rachel Green 2015

beautiful teapot
handmade in stoneware
with woodash raku

it stands out
at the best present of the day
even more than a star

named 'Jasfoup'


© Rachel Green 2015

Warm and tired but too busy

© Rachel Green 2015

Daily 25th December 2015

munificence [myoo-nif-uh-suh ns]
1. the quality of being munificent, or showing unusual generosity:
The museum's collection was greatly increased by the munificence of the family's gift.

Sometimes, munificentness.

buying redemption
a munificence lavished
on a greedy church


20151225_120455



Facebook Haiku

December 25: Xmas

my mother's chi
X for the Greek 'Χριστός'
meaning 'Christ'


for NaHaiWriMo



Mad family morning.


Something that made me smile today:

A new teapot! Plus a weekend in Torquay and a star named after Jasfoup




Editing all afternoon while DK cooked.

Gaming in the evening.



Written today:

Dear Little Poppet (10K Edited) and put up as a gift on Facebook and Blogger.


You've been reading Of Literary Bent. I thank you.

Friday 25 December 2015

Dear Little Poppet

A holiday gift for lovers of The Laverstone Chronicles. I wrote "Dear Little Poppet" after "An Ungodly Child" but before AUC was published. I've spent the afternoon editing this short story for your enjoyment.

Dear Little Poppet (10,000 words)

clicky:


Morning Poetry 25th December 2015

Bernie
in a new suit
given by his brother.
He declines the Top Girl voucher
Da gave.


© Rachel Green 2015

golden ivy
tumbling over the wall
robin red-breast


© Rachel Green 2015

new beds
the dogs denied access
dog beds
a few false starts
before they settle


© Rachel Green 2015

dog walking
the one day of the year
where people smile back
except for one woman
who doesn't pick up
after her labrador.
She scurries away


© Rachel Green 2015

The morning after Christmas Eve. Tired.

© Rachel Green 2015

Thursday 24 December 2015

Daily 24th December 2015

merrythought [mer-ee-thawt] noun, Chiefly British.
1. the wishbone or furcula of a fowl.

Christmas relatives
arguments turn to brawls to
pull the merrythought









Facebook Haiku

December 24: pixie

morning light
through window-hung prisms
fleeting rainbows


for NaHaiWriMo



A very wet trip into town for a couple of odds and ends and a pair of curtains that have to go back.


Something that made me smile today:

DK and Lu and Lina getting the presents, the food and the wrapping done.




The afternoon spent DIYing. The shelf at the back of the bed, a shelf in my room, repairing the serious design flaw in the beds and a shelf in Lina's room.


Written today:

nowt


You've been reading Of Literary Bent. I thank you.

Morning Poetry 24th December 2015

tempted
to follow him
and see just where he goes
maybe warn his new lady friend
he drinks


© Rachel Green 2015

wet tarmac
under a pool of rainwater
drowned worms


© Rachel Green 2015

editing
a short story
as a ebook gift
Dear Little Poppet
is seriously dated.


© Rachel Green 2015

Christmas Eve
jobs for today include
wrapping gifts

and hanging shelves
and perhaps making a box
to hold Lu's toys

if the rain holds off


© Rachel Green 2015

she tries hard to forget something

© Rachel Green 2015

Wednesday 23 December 2015

Daily 23rd Dec

festoon [fe-stoon] noun
1. a string or chain of flowers, foliage, ribbon, etc., suspended in a curve between two points.
2. a decorative representation of this, as in architectural work or on pottery.
3. a fabric suspended, draped, and bound at intervals to form graceful loops or scalloped folds.
4. Dentistry. the garlandlike area of the gums surrounding the necks of the teeth.
verb (used with object)
5. to adorn with or as with festoons:
to festoon a hall.
6. to form into festoons:
to festoon flowers and leaves.
7. Dentistry. to reproduce natural gum patterns around the teeth or a denture.
8. to connect by festoons.

She festoons the hall
with wreaths and dry cadavers.
Cantankerous cunt.

PHONE VET Trickster. All is well. New prescription received.











Facebook Haiku

12/23 sphynx

unexpected riddle
of who ate all the butter?
paw prints

for NaHaiWriMo



Into town with Lu. Extension leads and dogbeds.


Something that made me smile today:

DK's pleasure at the new bed




Painting furniture.

Sawing my finger (I kid thee not)

gaming.


Written today:

nothing


You've been reading Of Literary Bent. I thank you.

Afternoon Poetry 23rd December 2015

her dad
out on the piss
with his fancy lady
though nobody's actually
met her


© Rachel Green 2015

bright moon
waxing, gibbous
foraging fox


© Rachel Green 2015

Disney plasters
arrive for reviewing
sudden need
I saw the end of my finger
Mickey stops the bleeding


© Rachel Green 2015

black mascara
takes me back to my Punk days
when I was lovely
The definition of a good night
was last night's mascara today.


© Rachel Green 2015

alas, days later, an upset stomach

© Rachel Green 2015

Tuesday 22 December 2015

Daily 22nd December 2015

irenic or irenical [ahy-ren-ik, ahy-ree-nik] adjective
1. tending to promote peace or reconciliation; peaceful or conciliatory.

old man, ninety-eight
wins the lottery. Donates.
he's so irenic





Facebook Haiku

December 22: axe

shivering tree
felled for the twice-warmth
displaced crow

for NaHaiWriMo



New bed building. Shopping with Lu


Something that made me smile today:

New beds! New bedclothes!









gaming



Written today:

nada


You've been reading Of Literary Bent. I thank you.

Poetry: 22nd December 2015

night graves
the glowing tip
of a cigarette in
the porch darkness of  a flint church
bargains


© Rachel Green 2015

howling wind
the vertical vapour trail of a rocket


© Rachel Green 2015

standing
in the market rain
taking cover
three old ladies on scooters
sharing a cigarette lighter


© Rachel Green 2015

last check of mail
before I head to bed
already past midnight

no internet connection
unplug and rewire the routers
I try everything

global Sky outage


© Rachel Green 2015

too much activity. Her dinner returns.

© Rachel Green 2015

Monday 21 December 2015

Daily 21st December 2015

[gas-truh-nohm] noun
1. a connoisseur of good food; gourmet; epicure.
Also, gastronomer [ga-stron-uh-mer], gastronomist

avid gastronomes
gorge annually at the
Queen's Christmas Blowout







Facebook Haiku

12/21 six

no gold from
congregating magpies
double funeral


for NaHaiWriMo



Some stuff on ebay had sold for pitiful amounts so I boxed those up and printed the postage (double printed one and wiped out all profit for the day).

Tip run with Lu. Two mattresses, the bedroom carpet, a bag of wire and two bin bags. Then into town for the bank (Lu) and the post office (me) and some groceries. I waited in the rain for Lu's appointment to finish.  More grocery shopping followed by a trip to Ashgate hospice to look for new chests of drawers. No luck but Lu got me a new computer desk chair.



Something that made me smile today:

new chair




lunch, writing (sleeping) gaming, bed assembly (one of three)

more gaming before bed


Written today:

poem -
Gilded Cage (500)


You've been reading Of Literary Bent. I thank you.

Poetry: 21st December 2015

grave walk
quiet sepulchers
lead to overgrown plots
and the simplicity of stone.
Boulder


© Rachel Green 2015

chill wind
through the bare branches
the sound of violins


© Rachel Green 2015

the fug
of overindulgence
cinema night
star wars seven
popcorn and ice cream


© Rachel Green 2015

small gathering
brings lots of people
to the house

a reading circle
in the crowded study
how to write novels

counting the dice in the jar


© Rachel Green 2015

new chair. she sleeps through writing

© Rachel Green 2015

Sunday 20 December 2015

Morning Poetry: 20th December 2015

one baby
sent to his grave
with his headbone bashed in
the other taken into care.
Poor Mum


© Rachel Green 2015

open sky
the solitary flight of a crow


© Rachel Green 2015

Star Wars tickets
for the fancy screen
in Derby
She'd rather watch it
in her local fleapit


© Rachel Green 2015

all day
laying a floor
white laminate

seven hours
leaves us aching
but satisfied

not enough beading


© Rachel Green 2015

Changes coming. She fears the future.

© Rachel Green 2015


Saturday 19 December 2015

poetry: 19th December 2015

his deal
to have more kids;
for his wife to have more
and make their life even better
backfires


© Rachel Green 2015

dog food
left on the kitchen floor
winter slugs


© Rachel Green 2015

stripping the floor
all the carpet cut into pieces
rolled for removal
its being replaced with laminate
and dog-nail clicking


© Rachel Green 2015

The spare room
full of furniture
from the bedroom

DK's office
full of boxes
from the bedroom

The landing full of toys


© Rachel Green 2015

A day of floor laying. Joy.

© Rachel Green 2015

Daily: 18th December 2015

eudemonic or eudaemonic [yoo-di-mon-ik] adjective
1. pertaining or conducive to happiness.
2. pertaining to eudemonics or eudemonism.

polyamory's
eudemonic principle:
honestly, always













Facebook Haiku

December 18 hex

bird skulls
mounted on bamboo poles
winter salad


for NaHaiWriMo






Something that made me smile today:

pizza :) I'm so shallow.




Morning doing odd jobs, afternoon clearing the bedroom, ripping up the carpet  and laying the under-laminate pads.


Written today:

poem -
Gilded Cage (250)


You've been reading Of Literary Bent. I thank you.

Friday 18 December 2015

Midnight Crossroad


“Is that you?” Jac felt behind him for the comfort of the signpost's metal rod. Despite his greased hair and man-about-village laissez faire, the bravado he generally displayed was severely lacking when it came to meeting a strange man at the only crossroads in Polroun in the middle of the night.

“That rather depends upon who you were expecting.” Ebon skin all but vanished under the starlight. In addition to the other stipulations, Mr Asfou had specified the night of the new moon.

Jag swallowed his fear and left the comfort of cold iron. “Are you really the devil?”

The devil? No. Merely an associate with Power of Infernery.”

“But you can grant my wishes?”

“A wish, I think we established. Singular.”

“Yes.” Jac wiped his hand over his hair. A nervous gesture, he knew, and he wiped the Brylcream off on his trousers. “All right, then, I'm game.”

“Excellent.” The man produced a sheaf of paperwork and held out a pen. “Just sign here.”

“Where? I can't see anything. Have you got a torch?”

“Does a witch need burning?” White teeth flashed and Jac felt his hand guided to the paper. He signed his name, hoping his pen was in the right spot.”

“Excellent.” The paperwork was tucked away and the stranger turned to leave.

“What... What about my wish.”

“Go home to your wife, sir. She'll be pregnant by morning.”

Poetry: 18th December

he makes
racist comments
but he meant no offense.
Plenty taken, thanks very much.
Dickwad.


© Rachel Green 2015

field rodent
finds a hole in the wall
house mouse


© Rachel Green 2015

angry drivers
fighting for spaces
on double-yellow lines
The traffic wardens
having a best day ever


© Rachel Green 2015

post office queue
winds around and out the door
seething customers

the queue for the autotellers
is almost as long
and then one breaks down

I should have queued


© Rachel Green 2015

hungry. The deliciousness of an apple.

© Rachel Green 2015

Thursday 17 December 2015

Daily 17th December 2015

jocular [jok-yuh-ler] adjective
1. given to, characterized by, intended for, or suited to joking or jesting; waggish; facetious:
jocular remarks about opera stars.

jocular comments
about eating at Subway.
She resigned last month


Bulbs flowering already?



Facebook Haiku

December 17 minx

crying cat
forgets which pink blob is which.
already fed.


for NaHaiWriMo






Something that made me smile today:

Chatting to a lady with two German Shepherds




Writing, gaming


Written today:

poem -
Gilded Cage (+1000)


You've been reading Of Literary Bent. I thank you.

Experiment: Losing the love for Livejournal

ethnic kids
from a white dad
his wife's been unfaithful
but it was him who wanted them
devil


© Rachel Green 2015

bright spot
in layers of cloud
spiral galaxies


© Rachel Green 2015

Yodel van man
collecting parcels
unsuitable drawers
Didn't I deliver these
the other day?


© Rachel Green 2015

plot twists
explored in cinquains
discoveries

first draft
becomes second, third;
ever more complex

this is why I rewrite 


© Rachel Green 2015

lack of exercise. she gets fat.


© Rachel Green 2015