Writing my novel, The Water Meadow Man (free chapters here for what they’re worth), took years and turned out to be an incredibly dispiriting experience….
Journal
The modern gods of pain
Though not as packed with anxious parents and carers, medical staff and cleaners as it would be in a few hours, the hospital was still populated by that mix of worried and joyful adults that is peculiar to children’s wards and hospitals. The atmosphere was hopeful. I’ve found the same to be true on neuro wards but that’s a story for another time.
Insomnia, Madness & Fun Times Ahead
Real insomnia is a relationship wrecker, it’s a straight road to madness, it’s a hallucinogen, it’s a soul sapper. So, where’s the fun side?
Fathers Day 2020 – A Sad Admission
Fathers Day in the UK is rolling around again. Every year since my daughter Zuzu died in July 2005 in her room in my flat in Sydney I contend with this day. This year it’s hit me in a different way.
Who spends the summer
Who spends the summer laid out, eyes tight shut In the sun Catching the rays and making them stay Not being warmed, just making cold…
The Swing of Things
The swing of things Around here Today Resulted in a contagion Like love on holiday (Remarking to you Around there that day That you…
The Peace from her sleep
Beyond the peace that flowed from her sleep Was a dark room, a cold place. Deeply moved by kind wishes, We stood in the tidal…
Not Missing
You are missed You are not missing. You’re up on Cavendish Way Or School Street Or the council estate by the church. In your…
Lucky Boy
Lucky boy rescued Gave me this wonderful picture Of freedom At the start of that long Spring evening. Lovely rescued boy Cornered on a sixpence…
Come on! Before it’s too late!
It’s 1976, a boy has a smoke and meets a girl He sat in the churchyard, feeling the fag packet in his pocket. He didn’t…