'In a shed out the back of seventy one she hammered bird shapes from metal for business and fun. Sparked feathers became an impossible swan; trumpeter black from raincloud of iron.' I recalled these lines from an earlier scene... and thought, I'd play him now almost the same. The same, but slightly differently - in … Continue reading an impossible swan.
Haltwhistle. OS grid ref: NY 7083 6412 Haltwhistle is a small town and parish in northwest Northumberland. It lies 10 miles east of Brampton and has a population of 3,800. Early forms of the name are Hautwesel (1240), Hautwysel (1254), Hawtewysill (1279), Hautwysell (1381), Haltwesell (1610). The second part '-twistle' relates to two streams … Continue reading Highway To Health.
Letter to The Times Sir - I cannot abide the slender new volume, The Selected Gush (1880-1910). But, who among us, in all honesty, could say they've never once been smitten by her louche, languid lines of lust (described in this very journal as 'fin de siècle erotica')? No! Neither I! I've annotated her verse … Continue reading The Selected Gush (1880-1910)
March 23 2018 (Tynemouth) 11am. With a free day I head to Tynemouth to join the so-called Breakfast Clubbers - John E, Phil M, Stephanie P and Vicky G at Porters on the metro platform. I have a pot of tea and two rounds of toast and marmalade. The BC have been here since 9am … Continue reading Notes From a Fragile Island. 18
You left for the bathroom. I wiped the bar clean. Some things, I suppose, are better unsaid. Sometimes the news we receive is so mean. “Country and western is dead.” Some things, I suppose, are better unsaid. You searched your sleeve for a tissue. “Country and western is dead?” I leaned over the bar, tried … Continue reading Country & Western is Dead.
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