January 11th 2005 (Croydon) More flowers in the alley between George St. and Park St. Condolence for a kid killed by a bouncer at Flares: Goodbye m8. God Bless. Gutted. RIP. The bouncer was charged with murder on January 1st - what a way to start the year! The news doesn't surprise. I witnessed from … Continue reading Notes From a Fragile Island. 10
December 15 2004 (Crystal Palace) PS and I cross the park toward the train station. The steps are wet and I see now that her huge German army boots make her walk like a toddler - stiff legged - A nazi toddler! This notion keeps us amused all the way to Croydon. I go to … Continue reading Notes from a Fragile Island. 7
November 23 2004 [Croydon] Dreadful A and Alan T are sat at the bar, smoking, drinking. They appear to be deep in a quiet conversation, but look up as the door closes behind me. "Hello, darling," says Dreadful A. This always pleases me. "Hello, dreadful." I ponce a cigarette, buy us three beers. Ange says, … Continue reading Notes From A Fragile Island. 6
Jackdaws & Witches jackdaws & witches tapping watches, stripping you to the bone. some still can't say your name without stretching all the wrong vowels. i hear your voice i'm ankle-deep in bluebells. my red penknife unfolds. i'm scratching your initials. trapdoors every monday morning, cornflowers, my boots are soiled. the grey birds, they are … Continue reading Jackdaws & Witches (audio)
November 6 2004 (Crystal Palace) [letter extract] 'Last night, random fireworks snapping their fingers over and around the surrounding boroughs - just one or two every hour or so. The first one though exploded out of the dark blue cover of teatime, quite close by and actually made me jump! Next door's little lap dog … Continue reading Notes From A Fragile Island. 4
October 20 2004 (Crystal Palace) Wake up tearful - the autumn blues are here. On my way to work I stop off at the Blackbird Bakery and buy a small loaf to feed to the ducks in the park. Not sure what prompts this, and it is such a rare compulsion that I cannot remember … Continue reading Notes From A Fragile Island. 2
