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"waistcoat" poems
A proud man, Upright and unshakable In belief and morals, Once only I did I see him Without a tie. A child of Edwardian England, The links Of his watch chain Glinted As they hung With formality and elegance From his waistcoat pocket, Yes, even as he worked. And work he did. Patiently, Brilliantly and tirelessly With ingenuity and imagination. A craftsman from a bygone age. A master of his tools. Grandfathers are soft, Playful, bear-like in their Gruff-whiskered familiarity. Not Poppy. Unwittingly aloof from his grandchildren, We avoided the need for directly addressing him, Unsure of where we stood. He’d probably have secretly Loved the informality Of our secret nickname. I hope he knew. The chapel piano did for him. Too much weight for his work-weary ticker. Grandma gave me his pocket watch to keep, And for a time I treasured it, Measuring its weight Like a smooth round pebble In my palm. A workman’s watch; Practical. A yellowing face Behind a scratched And hazy glass. But accurate, And precise. Reliable as the man. Detached in life, I liked to hope that Gazing down, Watching, He just might have Laughed In loving acknowledgement of his Grandson’s curiosity And foolishness Sitting cross-legged on the carpet, With heart-thumping nausea Adrift in a sea of springs.
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Mar 21, 2011
Mar 21, 2011 at 3:15 AM UTC
Lost Link
Happy the lab'rer in his Sunday clothes! In light-drab coat, smart waistcoat, well-darn'd hose, Andhat upon his head, to church he goes; As oft, with conscious pride, he downward throws A glance upon the ample cabbage rose That, stuck in button-hole, regales his nose, He envies not the gayest London beaux. In church he takes his seat among the rows, Pays to the place the reverence he owes, Likes best the prayers whose meaning least he knows, Lists to the sermon in a softening doze, And rouses joyous at the welcome close.
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5.5k
Happy the Lab'rer
There is a sequence of small events, signs; that as they occur point us in the direction of the mid-winter festival. This morning: the first snow; iced rain, not the soft down-like floaty stuff, but hard crystal-shaped foot-crunching shards. Yesterday, it was on with the wooly hat, the padded waistcoat and a more than just sprightly walk in a park of leafless trees. Everywhere, a damp coldness.   Sitting companionably after the meal, a fire spitting in the hearth had brought a glow to her cheeks. She was replete with glowness, her speech dancing too and fro after the family phone calls of a Sunday night. Outside, the sound of wind against the house.   Settling herself against him, feet tucked under his reclining body, she tells him about her niece, a birthday girl just two last week. This little one was touchingly innocent of what happens on a birthday. She knew it was coming, next week, soon, then tomorrow. Imagine her the night before: just think you'll wake up and be two! And that's what this birthday business is? She wakes and there is something special in the air, her sister smile-full, bouncy with expectation. Her parents’ voices are louder than usual, there are bigger hugs and longer kisses.  Birthday, birthday, birthday. Her grandparents arrive. More hugs. THEN her father appears with a cake! It's only just after breakfast, but the large people are having coffee and there's her juice cup and a cake! Birthday, birthday, birthday shouts her sister. For me, a cake for me? My cake? Daddy lights the candles! Oh, oh, oh. This is . . .  and something wrapped in pretty paper is being handed to me. Her sister, being wonderfully sisterly shows her how to remove the wrapping. A book! Read it to me now, now, please. It's my birthday, now.   This is a sign he thinks later when in bed she folds herself to him, arranges his arms and hands to hold her into sleep, still glowing a little. This is surely a sign. A child's discovery of the birth day. The joy it brings, the way it lights up our lives. And never again will her father see quite that measure of surprise and delight in his daughter's face. Next year she'll be full of expectation, know all about birthdays  . . and be three.
0
Dec 2, 2012
Dec 2, 2012 at 1:56 AM UTC
Verity
There is a sequence of small events, signs; that as they occur point us in the direction of the mid-winter festival. This morning: the first snow; iced rain, not the soft down-like floaty stuff, but hard crystal-shaped foot-crunching shards. Yesterday, it was on with the wooly hat, the padded waistcoat and a more than just sprightly walk in a park of leafless trees. Everywhere, a damp coldness.   Sitting companionably after the meal, a fire spitting in the hearth had brought a glow to her cheeks. She was replete with glowness, her speech dancing too and fro after the family phone calls of a Sunday night. Outside, the sound of wind against the house.   Settling herself against him, feet tucked under his reclining body, she tells him about her niece, a birthday girl just two last week. This little one was touchingly innocent of what happens on a birthday. She knew it was coming, next week, soon, then tomorrow. Imagine her the night before: just think you'll wake up and be two! And that's what this birthday business is? She wakes and there is something special in the air, her sister smile-full, bouncy with expectation. Her parents’ voices are louder than usual, there are bigger hugs and longer kisses.  Birthday, birthday, birthday. Her grandparents arrive. More hugs. THEN her father appears with a cake! It's only just after breakfast, but the large people are having coffee and there's her juice cup and a cake! Birthday, birthday, birthday shouts her sister. For me, a cake for me? My cake? Daddy lights the candles! Oh, oh, oh. This is . . .  and something wrapped in pretty paper is being handed to me. Her sister, being wonderfully sisterly shows her how to remove the wrapping. A book! Read it to me now, now, please. It's my birthday, now.   This is a sign he thinks later when in bed she folds herself to him, arranges his arms and hands to hold her into sleep, still glowing a little. This is surely a sign. A child's discovery of the birth day. The joy it brings, the way it lights up our lives. And never again will her father see quite that measure of surprise and delight in his daughter's face. Next year she'll be full of expectation, know all about birthdays  . . and be three.
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4
Whilst camouflaged The Golden Dragonfly With emerald eyes And rubies, and diamonds Upon it's wings, and tail Slept And whilst it slept It dreamed And within its dream It wandered Flying over a turquoise pool The Golden Dragonfly Began to ponder On its existence And wondered why It was a dragonfly But then she saw her own reflection On the soft rippling blue water As she became aware Of her own beauty And instantly found An inner tranquility Just at that moment As is the way of dreams A long rolling tongue Shot out And swallowed the Golden Dragonfly whole The frog Had no other thought Than to feast The Golden Dragonfly Then woke up Relieved That it had only been a dream But now Also aware That it now had conscious thought Beyond its natural instinct And at first Felt quite afraid Looking around its surroundings First making sure That there were no frogs around It glanced up And realised It was attached To the outer skin Of a curious looking creature Some kind of giant With hair flowing In the soft zephyr breeze And without realising Spoke to the giant "What are you?" The giant Looking startled Had obviously wondered Where the small voice was coming from The Golden Dragonfly Spoke again "Are you going to eat me?" The giant Then realised where The voice was coming from Looked around before answering Whispered, "No!" The Golden Dragonfly Accepted that this was at least true "My name is Lucianne" said the Golden Dragonfly Not knowing, until that moment That she had a name "My name is Petra" said the giant With the long flowing hair "I don't understand how it is possible to be conversing with a dragonfly" The Golden Dragonfly Felt the same confusion As it had never conversed with anything, ever And never had questions to ask But now The questions came quicker Than her wing beats The giant spoke again "You are welcome to remain on my waistcoat" "And we can speak more, when we get to my home" At that moment A sudden gust of wind Blew the Golden Dragonfly Off the waistcoat Into some dense undergrowth And within this undergrowth Sat a frog And in an eye blink A long rolling tongue shot out And swallowed the Golden Dragonfly Whole The giant, named Petra Searched the undergrowth For several hours Shouting out for Lucianne Other giants around Became concerned When Petra explained That she was looking for A talking Golden Dragonfly called Lucianne Petra would often return to the park But never again Did she see, or hear The Golden Dragonfly again by Jemia
0
Jul 11, 2022
Jul 11, 2022 at 8:18 PM UTC
The Golden Dragonfly
Whilst camouflaged The Golden Dragonfly With emerald eyes And rubies, and diamonds Upon it's wings, and tail Slept And whilst it slept It dreamed And within its dream It wandered Flying over a turquoise pool The Golden Dragonfly Began to ponder On its existence And wondered why It was a dragonfly But then she saw her own reflection On the soft rippling blue water As she became aware Of her own beauty And instantly found An inner tranquility Just at that moment As is the way of dreams A long rolling tongue Shot out And swallowed the Golden Dragonfly whole The frog Had no other thought Than to feast The Golden Dragonfly Then woke up Relieved That it had only been a dream But now Also aware That it now had conscious thought Beyond its natural instinct And at first Felt quite afraid Looking around its surroundings First making sure That there were no frogs around It glanced up And realised It was attached To the outer skin Of a curious looking creature Some kind of giant With hair flowing In the soft zephyr breeze And without realising Spoke to the giant "What are you?" The giant Looking startled Had obviously wondered Where the small voice was coming from The Golden Dragonfly Spoke again "Are you going to eat me?" The giant Then realised where The voice was coming from Looked around before answering Whispered, "No!" The Golden Dragonfly Accepted that this was at least true "My name is Lucianne" said the Golden Dragonfly Not knowing, until that moment That she had a name "My name is Petra" said the giant With the long flowing hair "I don't understand how it is possible to be conversing with a dragonfly" The Golden Dragonfly Felt the same confusion As it had never conversed with anything, ever And never had questions to ask But now The questions came quicker Than her wing beats The giant spoke again "You are welcome to remain on my waistcoat" "And we can speak more, when we get to my home" At that moment A sudden gust of wind Blew the Golden Dragonfly Off the waistcoat Into some dense undergrowth And within this undergrowth Sat a frog And in an eye blink A long rolling tongue shot out And swallowed the Golden Dragonfly Whole The giant, named Petra Searched the undergrowth For several hours Shouting out for Lucianne Other giants around Became concerned When Petra explained That she was looking for A talking Golden Dragonfly called Lucianne Petra would often return to the park But never again Did she see, or hear The Golden Dragonfly again by Jemia
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110
There was Old Man in a pew, Whose waistcoat was spotted with blue; But he tore it in pieces To give to his nieces, That cheerful Old Man in a pew.
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3.4k
There Was Old Man In A Pew
The wings of a hurricane the cry of a beast concerns of a teenager present at a feast salt in fresh wounds twigs in my cape soaring through states this is my escape you might infest your precious being with all the sickness you’ve been seeing You might forget the origin of your shape you shake off  reality that is your escape But the threads in my waistcoat the apples in my crate can not be forgotten in this mental state I spill the ideas that society has taped inside my thoughts this is my escape
0
Oct 26, 2014
Oct 26, 2014 at 1:18 AM UTC
Escape
Searching in the gutters of Meadow Row and up along by the back of the coal wharf Benedict picked out and up dog ends or cigarette butts as his old man called them and picking them up he tore open the paper and tipped the tobacco into a white paper sweet bag how can you do that? Ingrid said all those people’s spit and dribble on them she pulled a face he smiled she looked serious germs on them she said she wiped her hands on her stained green dress he bent down and picked out another cigarette **** and opened it up between fingers and thumbs and emptied it into the bag you’re too young to smoke she said if my dad saw me smoking he’d smack me silly she said he does anyway he said she bit her lip and looked away sorry he said didn’t mean to be like that he touched her hand she stared at him through wire framed glasses she liked it when his hand touched hers no one else touched her tenderly she looked at his cowboy hat placed to the back of his head the six shooter gun stuffed in the belt of his jeans the borrowed blue waistcoat (his grandfather’s given a month or so back) she put her other hand on top of his he took his hand out slowly in case other boys from school may see and walked to the shelter of a wall of a bombed out house and they both sat down he took out a packet of cigarette papers ( liberated from his old man) and pulled out a paper and shoved the packet of papers back in the pocket of his jeans and taking a pinch of tobacco from the bag he fingered it in a straight line into the cigarette paper then rolled it as he’d seen his old man do then licked the end to form a thin cigarette Ingrid watched in silence as his fingers moved and his tongue licked you’re not going to smoke it are you? she asked he put the cigarette between his lips sure am he said John Wayne like but you’re only 9 she said you’re only 9 and you’re watching he replied he took out a box of Swan Vesta (borrowed from the cupboard at home) and lit the cigarette and puffed slowly she waved a hand as smoke came near her face my dad will smell that on me she said and think it was me smoking and tell me off she said beat you black and blue Benedict thought not said he coughed and spluttered   and took out the cigarette and blew smoke from his mouth and spat out phlegm brownish yellow if your old man hits you again I’ll shoot him full of cap smoke he said she laughed and hit his arm he flicked the cigarette onto the bombsite with a finger and watched as the smoke he’d blown out like a pale ghost seemed to linger.
0
Sep 23, 2013
Sep 23, 2013 at 3:50 PM UTC
SMOKING LESSON.
Searching in the gutters of Meadow Row and up along by the back of the coal wharf Benedict picked out and up dog ends or cigarette butts as his old man called them and picking them up he tore open the paper and tipped the tobacco into a white paper sweet bag how can you do that? Ingrid said all those people’s spit and dribble on them she pulled a face he smiled she looked serious germs on them she said she wiped her hands on her stained green dress he bent down and picked out another cigarette **** and opened it up between fingers and thumbs and emptied it into the bag you’re too young to smoke she said if my dad saw me smoking he’d smack me silly she said he does anyway he said she bit her lip and looked away sorry he said didn’t mean to be like that he touched her hand she stared at him through wire framed glasses she liked it when his hand touched hers no one else touched her tenderly she looked at his cowboy hat placed to the back of his head the six shooter gun stuffed in the belt of his jeans the borrowed blue waistcoat (his grandfather’s given a month or so back) she put her other hand on top of his he took his hand out slowly in case other boys from school may see and walked to the shelter of a wall of a bombed out house and they both sat down he took out a packet of cigarette papers ( liberated from his old man) and pulled out a paper and shoved the packet of papers back in the pocket of his jeans and taking a pinch of tobacco from the bag he fingered it in a straight line into the cigarette paper then rolled it as he’d seen his old man do then licked the end to form a thin cigarette Ingrid watched in silence as his fingers moved and his tongue licked you’re not going to smoke it are you? she asked he put the cigarette between his lips sure am he said John Wayne like but you’re only 9 she said you’re only 9 and you’re watching he replied he took out a box of Swan Vesta (borrowed from the cupboard at home) and lit the cigarette and puffed slowly she waved a hand as smoke came near her face my dad will smell that on me she said and think it was me smoking and tell me off she said beat you black and blue Benedict thought not said he coughed and spluttered   and took out the cigarette and blew smoke from his mouth and spat out phlegm brownish yellow if your old man hits you again I’ll shoot him full of cap smoke he said she laughed and hit his arm he flicked the cigarette onto the bombsite with a finger and watched as the smoke he’d blown out like a pale ghost seemed to linger.
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150
First the Governor, the Father: He suggested velvet curtains looped about a massy pillar; And the corner of a table, Of a rosewood dining-table. He would hold a scroll of something, Hold it firmly in his left-hand; He would keep his right-hand buried (Like Napoleon) in his waistcoat; He would contemplate the distance With a look of pensive meaning, As of ducks that die in tempests. Grand, heroic was the notion: Yet the picture failed entirely: Failed, because he moved a little, Moved, because he couldn't help it. Next, his better half took courage; She would have her picture taken. She came dressed beyond description, Dressed in jewels and in satin Far too gorgeous for an empress. Gracefully she sat down sideways, With a simper scarcely human, Holding in her hand a bouquet Rather larger than a cabbage. All the while that she was sitting, Still the lady chattered, chattered, Like a monkey in the forest. "Am I sitting still ?" she asked him. "Is my face enough in profile? Shall I hold the bouquet higher? Will it come into the picture?" And the picture failed completely.
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2.1k
Hiawathas' photographing ( Part II )
The Banker's Fate They sought it with thimbles, they sought it with care; They pursued it with forks and hope; They threatened its life with a railway-share; They charmed it with smiles and soap. And the Banker, inspired with a courage so new It was matter for general remark, Rushed madly ahead and was lost to their view In his zeal to discover the Snark. But while he was seeking with thimbles and care, A Bandersnatch swiftly drew nigh And grabbed at the Banker, who shrieked in despair, For he knew it was useless to fly. He offered large discount--he offered a cheque (Drawn "to bearer") for seven-pounds-ten: But the Bandersnatch merely extended its neck And grabbed at the Banker again. Without rest or pause--while those frumious jaws Went savagely snapping around-- He skipped and he hopped, and he floundered and flopped, Till fainting he fell to the ground. The Bandersnatch fled as the others appeared Led on by that fear-stricken yell: And the Bellman remarked "It is just as I feared!" And solemnly tolled on his bell. He was black in the face, and they scarcely could trace The least likeness to what he had been: While so great was the fright that his waistcoat turned white-- A wonderful thing to be seen! To the horror of all who were present that day, He uprose in full evening dress, And with senseless grimaces endeavoured to say What his tongue could no longer express. Down he sank in a chair--ran his hands through his hair-- And chanted in mimsiest tones Words whose utter inanity proved his insanity, While he rattled a couple of bones. "Leave him here to his fate--it is getting so late!" The Bellman exclaimed in a fright. "We have lost half a day. Any further delay, And we sha'n't catch a Snark before night!"
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2.1k
Fit the Seventh ( Hunting of the Snark )
The Banker's Fate They sought it with thimbles, they sought it with care; They pursued it with forks and hope; They threatened its life with a railway-share; They charmed it with smiles and soap. And the Banker, inspired with a courage so new It was matter for general remark, Rushed madly ahead and was lost to their view In his zeal to discover the Snark. But while he was seeking with thimbles and care, A Bandersnatch swiftly drew nigh And grabbed at the Banker, who shrieked in despair, For he knew it was useless to fly. He offered large discount--he offered a cheque (Drawn "to bearer") for seven-pounds-ten: But the Bandersnatch merely extended its neck And grabbed at the Banker again. Without rest or pause--while those frumious jaws Went savagely snapping around-- He skipped and he hopped, and he floundered and flopped, Till fainting he fell to the ground. The Bandersnatch fled as the others appeared Led on by that fear-stricken yell: And the Bellman remarked "It is just as I feared!" And solemnly tolled on his bell. He was black in the face, and they scarcely could trace The least likeness to what he had been: While so great was the fright that his waistcoat turned white-- A wonderful thing to be seen! To the horror of all who were present that day, He uprose in full evening dress, And with senseless grimaces endeavoured to say What his tongue could no longer express. Down he sank in a chair--ran his hands through his hair-- And chanted in mimsiest tones Words whose utter inanity proved his insanity, While he rattled a couple of bones. "Leave him here to his fate--it is getting so late!" The Bellman exclaimed in a fright. "We have lost half a day. Any further delay, And we sha'n't catch a Snark before night!"
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41
The snow lay crisply on the sill And gripped the windowpane. A coach and horses scurried by Slowly, slithering down the lane. Beneath the gas light in the gloom A group of choirboys sang. ‘Ding **** merrily on high’, And all the church bells rang. Whilst in his bedroom, up above, A little schoolboy lay. He’d hung his stockings on the posts And he dreamed of Christmas day. And on his bed an old greatcoat Around his neck held tight, And on his feet a rag knot rug To warm him through the night. His water bottle at his chest Had now become quite cold. But in his mind the warm thoughts raced Of many stories told. His Mom and Dad below him sat Less warmly by a candle, And worried how to pay the rent Thus to avoid a scandal. ‘But one things sure’, his old mom said. ‘This year may be our last, So we’ll do all that we can do To make it better than the last. ‘Remember to be quiet’, she said. ‘Don’t wake my baby boy’. Here’s an orange, apple and monkey nuts And a little wooden toy’. His Father crept into his room And by his stockings knelt. He slowly placed inside the gifts Then in his waistcoat felt. A tiny farthing in his hand And in his eye a tear. He gently pushed it with the rest, Then to his boy drew near. ‘If only I could give you more, Then Son I surely would. For if it were the only thing to give Then I would give my blood. His Son lay there without a care, A smile upon his face. He kissed him gently on the cheek And left without a trace. Then slowly creeping across the hills And softly clipping trees. An orange globe of Christmas cheer Began the frost to tease. Wiping sleep out of his bleary eyes And awakening to the cold. Quickly rummaging into the socks Clutched a farthing as if gold. A little boy whose Christmas dreams So simply had been blessed. Sang a little Christmas song And rapidly got dressed. Each breath he breathed froze in the air. His tiny hands and feet were frozen. His mind already at the shop Espied the sweets he chosen. Liquorice wood and kali dabs Pink sugar candied mice. The little journey down the lane And sliding on the ice. His mom and Dad they saw his glee, Forgot their sorry states. At least upon this Holy day They’d have food upon their plates
0
Dec 6, 2009
Dec 6, 2009 at 7:49 AM UTC
PAUPERS CHRISTMAS
The snow lay crisply on the sill And gripped the windowpane. A coach and horses scurried by Slowly, slithering down the lane. Beneath the gas light in the gloom A group of choirboys sang. ‘Ding **** merrily on high’, And all the church bells rang. Whilst in his bedroom, up above, A little schoolboy lay. He’d hung his stockings on the posts And he dreamed of Christmas day. And on his bed an old greatcoat Around his neck held tight, And on his feet a rag knot rug To warm him through the night. His water bottle at his chest Had now become quite cold. But in his mind the warm thoughts raced Of many stories told. His Mom and Dad below him sat Less warmly by a candle, And worried how to pay the rent Thus to avoid a scandal. ‘But one things sure’, his old mom said. ‘This year may be our last, So we’ll do all that we can do To make it better than the last. ‘Remember to be quiet’, she said. ‘Don’t wake my baby boy’. Here’s an orange, apple and monkey nuts And a little wooden toy’. His Father crept into his room And by his stockings knelt. He slowly placed inside the gifts Then in his waistcoat felt. A tiny farthing in his hand And in his eye a tear. He gently pushed it with the rest, Then to his boy drew near. ‘If only I could give you more, Then Son I surely would. For if it were the only thing to give Then I would give my blood. His Son lay there without a care, A smile upon his face. He kissed him gently on the cheek And left without a trace. Then slowly creeping across the hills And softly clipping trees. An orange globe of Christmas cheer Began the frost to tease. Wiping sleep out of his bleary eyes And awakening to the cold. Quickly rummaging into the socks Clutched a farthing as if gold. A little boy whose Christmas dreams So simply had been blessed. Sang a little Christmas song And rapidly got dressed. Each breath he breathed froze in the air. His tiny hands and feet were frozen. His mind already at the shop Espied the sweets he chosen. Liquorice wood and kali dabs Pink sugar candied mice. The little journey down the lane And sliding on the ice. His mom and Dad they saw his glee, Forgot their sorry states. At least upon this Holy day They’d have food upon their plates
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72
There was an old man of Port Grigor, Whose actions were noted for vigour; He stood on his head, Till his waistcoat turned red, That eclectic old man of Port Grigor.
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1.6k
There Was An Old Man Of Port Grigor
He fell down a rabbit hole, chasing after a crazy dream He met a rabbit with a waistcoat. He braved the Red Queen. He had tea with a caterpillar. He spoke with talking flowers. He faced his worst nightmares, and he lived to tell the tale. And eventually he crawled back out, ready to face the world. But no one believed him. The more he told, the more he was scorned. And he drew farther and farther into himself, comforting himself with stories and talking flowers, and a rabbit in a waistcoat. Soon that was all he had left, stories and fantasies. Until one day he plunged back through the rabbit hole, grasping for a crazy dream. There he learned the trade of making hats, but he soon surpassed his masters and peers. Once again he was scorned, and he relocated to an old house with two other outcasts, making hats and drinking tea to fill his time. He retreated into himself once again, this time literally becoming as mad as a hatter, and this became his title. And soon no one remembered his true name, knowing only that was mad, until his title became his name: the Mad Hatter. Only one ever tried to know why he was mad, and her name was Alice. And in her presence, he found himself, though still quite mad, less mad. He even found that he liked it, though he never let his other mad companions know that. But she, too, fell back through the rabbit hole, and he was alone, with only fantasies and madmen to keep him company. Until one day many years later he found a woman, wandering, mumbling about talking flowers and rabbits with waistcoats, almost as mad as himself. And her name, he found, was Alice, and in each other’s presence they found, though they were still quite mad, they were decidedly less so. And they found they liked it.
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Mar 5, 2010
Mar 5, 2010 at 1:19 PM UTC
As Mad as a Hatter
He fell down a rabbit hole, chasing after a crazy dream He met a rabbit with a waistcoat. He braved the Red Queen. He had tea with a caterpillar. He spoke with talking flowers. He faced his worst nightmares, and he lived to tell the tale. And eventually he crawled back out, ready to face the world. But no one believed him. The more he told, the more he was scorned. And he drew farther and farther into himself, comforting himself with stories and talking flowers, and a rabbit in a waistcoat. Soon that was all he had left, stories and fantasies. Until one day he plunged back through the rabbit hole, grasping for a crazy dream. There he learned the trade of making hats, but he soon surpassed his masters and peers. Once again he was scorned, and he relocated to an old house with two other outcasts, making hats and drinking tea to fill his time. He retreated into himself once again, this time literally becoming as mad as a hatter, and this became his title. And soon no one remembered his true name, knowing only that was mad, until his title became his name: the Mad Hatter. Only one ever tried to know why he was mad, and her name was Alice. And in her presence, he found himself, though still quite mad, less mad. He even found that he liked it, though he never let his other mad companions know that. But she, too, fell back through the rabbit hole, and he was alone, with only fantasies and madmen to keep him company. Until one day many years later he found a woman, wandering, mumbling about talking flowers and rabbits with waistcoats, almost as mad as himself. And her name, he found, was Alice, and in each other’s presence they found, though they were still quite mad, they were decidedly less so. And they found they liked it.
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47
In the dream Ginsberg tells me I am beautiful, he moves his stool a little closer to mine to see me in the dull glow of the bar. I sip at my cocktail as he takes Howl from his briefcase, tells me Jack loves my baby-blue eyes. Somewhere at the back of the bar I can hear the jazz men munching sandwiches, chatting to the girls who bring them empty beer glasses for coins to be dropped into, for requests to fill. The old poet with his Buddhist waistcoat wants to change the world with his masturbatory atom bomb, wants the President of the United States to be silent, to be silent, to be silent. So Ginsberg calls the barman Moloch, wants him to find himself in a wounded page filled with Christmas catalogues that make the children sing. It’s a bald-guy thing he tells the beer puller, ‘Look at the jazz boys **** the metal, sweet sounds, Jimmy The Joe makes , sweet sounds.’ The barman wants the music to end just long enough for him to miss the woman he loves. ‘So get your heart in a sonnet,’ Ginsy tells him ‘Get your heart in a ******* sonnet, gypsy caravan boy.’ I put my fingers to my temples, try to bring the poems together, try to imagine the perfect microphone in the Kaddish hand. Tell me another three line joke, Alan, tell me the one about the Arabic love call you never heard when your papyrus was just desert dust. You know the one, Allen. You know the one. The jazz boys find their lips as Ginsberg finds his tear ducts; I want him to chant his evolution into the mind of the sax solo. ‘It’s just us,’ he tells me, ‘we’re saving the world, Johnny Boy, the greatest minds of my generation were ****** up the *** so you ungrateful rhyming ******** could put colour on your book covers; you see Lawrence throwing his spanners into the printing press? That’s our little revolution: cherubic haiku page numbers just waiting for the computer evolution to do something worthwhile.’ So Alan sorts his papers and gives that little attention-seeking-cough the barman has been waiting all night for. He pours the drinks, cuts the lime, lets the poets supply their own anecdotes for this one-night-stand that’s going to set every ******* pulse racing, every heartbeat breaking for the goatee beard going grey. In the dream Ginsberg tells me I am beautiful. I tell him his spotlight is shining.
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Dec 29, 2011
Dec 29, 2011 at 5:47 PM UTC
Allen
In the dream Ginsberg tells me I am beautiful, he moves his stool a little closer to mine to see me in the dull glow of the bar. I sip at my cocktail as he takes Howl from his briefcase, tells me Jack loves my baby-blue eyes. Somewhere at the back of the bar I can hear the jazz men munching sandwiches, chatting to the girls who bring them empty beer glasses for coins to be dropped into, for requests to fill. The old poet with his Buddhist waistcoat wants to change the world with his masturbatory atom bomb, wants the President of the United States to be silent, to be silent, to be silent. So Ginsberg calls the barman Moloch, wants him to find himself in a wounded page filled with Christmas catalogues that make the children sing. It’s a bald-guy thing he tells the beer puller, ‘Look at the jazz boys **** the metal, sweet sounds, Jimmy The Joe makes , sweet sounds.’ The barman wants the music to end just long enough for him to miss the woman he loves. ‘So get your heart in a sonnet,’ Ginsy tells him ‘Get your heart in a ******* sonnet, gypsy caravan boy.’ I put my fingers to my temples, try to bring the poems together, try to imagine the perfect microphone in the Kaddish hand. Tell me another three line joke, Alan, tell me the one about the Arabic love call you never heard when your papyrus was just desert dust. You know the one, Allen. You know the one. The jazz boys find their lips as Ginsberg finds his tear ducts; I want him to chant his evolution into the mind of the sax solo. ‘It’s just us,’ he tells me, ‘we’re saving the world, Johnny Boy, the greatest minds of my generation were ****** up the *** so you ungrateful rhyming ******** could put colour on your book covers; you see Lawrence throwing his spanners into the printing press? That’s our little revolution: cherubic haiku page numbers just waiting for the computer evolution to do something worthwhile.’ So Alan sorts his papers and gives that little attention-seeking-cough the barman has been waiting all night for. He pours the drinks, cuts the lime, lets the poets supply their own anecdotes for this one-night-stand that’s going to set every ******* pulse racing, every heartbeat breaking for the goatee beard going grey. In the dream Ginsberg tells me I am beautiful. I tell him his spotlight is shining.
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46
Can this be the time once more Of utter giving up of our control The simple folliwing of commercial madness Our desire for the day when food and wine Have to be gathered about us like the defences of yore Headlong we run from mid-summer until We are exhausted in body, spirit or credit The desperate worry of what to buy whom Or when to order the especially fattened bird for your table The ridiculous overspending on presents When time could be the finest present you could give Yule tide is a special period for Druids and all pagans alike, The wonder of simplicity of reflection of our past year The elements of sleep as mother earth regenerates herself Resting often under the warmth of a blanket of snow Gathering of families and loved ones Blessings of the solstice as the wheel of the year turns Once more into the light as the sun begins it's journey Returning to the northern hemisphere Our birds and native animals preparing for the winter Storing their food, digging deep as they look for vitals Likewise the land is resting, The soil teems with dormant life, every insect and worm Every root, form and bulb Slowing right down as the degrees fall to freezing The frosty and rime ridden mornings giving the flora A lift of white dusting and sparkling light reflecting The weak, beautiful winter sun Heaves itself onto the low glancing position Just making it to the tree tops before retiring once more to sleep Leaving glorious swathes of orange and red Painting the sky as it falls and rises. Yule tide comes as all seasons, times and periods But once a year in our short lives The earthy sounds, the images and emotion The smell of the newly fallen snow and woodsmoke The foraging birds and squirrels The warbling and tuneful song of the blackbird And the tut tut of Mr Robin resplendent in his Bright red waistcoat bobbing around in the crisp frost Our lifetime of Yules is a wonder to enjoy, I know as I look from my window where my heart is As the distant tree bare in it's winter shroud speaks To me as a friend and anchor within this beautiful planet.
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Dec 17, 2017
Dec 17, 2017 at 5:22 AM UTC
Reflections on Yule
Can this be the time once more Of utter giving up of our control The simple folliwing of commercial madness Our desire for the day when food and wine Have to be gathered about us like the defences of yore Headlong we run from mid-summer until We are exhausted in body, spirit or credit The desperate worry of what to buy whom Or when to order the especially fattened bird for your table The ridiculous overspending on presents When time could be the finest present you could give Yule tide is a special period for Druids and all pagans alike, The wonder of simplicity of reflection of our past year The elements of sleep as mother earth regenerates herself Resting often under the warmth of a blanket of snow Gathering of families and loved ones Blessings of the solstice as the wheel of the year turns Once more into the light as the sun begins it's journey Returning to the northern hemisphere Our birds and native animals preparing for the winter Storing their food, digging deep as they look for vitals Likewise the land is resting, The soil teems with dormant life, every insect and worm Every root, form and bulb Slowing right down as the degrees fall to freezing The frosty and rime ridden mornings giving the flora A lift of white dusting and sparkling light reflecting The weak, beautiful winter sun Heaves itself onto the low glancing position Just making it to the tree tops before retiring once more to sleep Leaving glorious swathes of orange and red Painting the sky as it falls and rises. Yule tide comes as all seasons, times and periods But once a year in our short lives The earthy sounds, the images and emotion The smell of the newly fallen snow and woodsmoke The foraging birds and squirrels The warbling and tuneful song of the blackbird And the tut tut of Mr Robin resplendent in his Bright red waistcoat bobbing around in the crisp frost Our lifetime of Yules is a wonder to enjoy, I know as I look from my window where my heart is As the distant tree bare in it's winter shroud speaks To me as a friend and anchor within this beautiful planet.
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44
There lived an old man in the kingdom of Tess, Who invented a purely original dress; And when it was perfectly made and complete, He opened the door, and walked into the street. By way of a hat, he'd a loaf of Brown Bread, In the middle of which he inserted his head;-- His Shirt was made up of no end of dead Mice, The warmth of whose skins was quite fluffy and nice;-- His Drawers were of Rabbit-skins,--but it is not known whose;-- His Waistcoat and Trowsers were made of Pork Chops;-- His Buttons were Jujubes, and Chocolate Drops;-- His Coat was all Pancakes with Jam for a border, And a girdle of Biscuits to keep it in order; And he wore over all, as a screen from bad weather, A Cloak of green Cabbage-leaves stitched all together. He had walked a short way, when he heard a great noise, Of all sorts of Beasticles, Birdlings, and Boys;-- And from every long street and dark lane in the town Beasts, Birdles, and Boys in a tumult rushed down. Two Cows and a half ate his Cabbage-leaf Cloak;-- Four Apes seized his Girdle, which vanished like smoke;-- Three Kids ate up half of his Pancaky Coat,-- And the tails were devour'd by an ancient He Goat;-- An army of Dogs in a twinkling tore up his Pork Waistcoat and Trowsers to give to their Puppies;-- And while they were growling, and mumbling the Chops, Ten boys prigged the Jujubes and Chocolate Drops.-- He tried to run back to his house, but in vain, Four Scores of fat Pigs came again and again;-- They rushed out of stables and hovels and doors,-- They tore off his stockings, his shoes, and his drawers;-- And now from the housetops with screechings descend, Striped, spotted, white, black, and gray Cats without end, They jumped on his shoulders and knocked off his hat,-- When Crows, Ducks, and Hens made a mincemeat of that;-- They speedily flew at his sleeves in trice, And utterly tore up his Shirt of dead Mice;-- They swallowed the last of his Shirt with a squall,-- Whereon he ran home with no clothes on at all. And he said to himself as he bolted the door, 'I will not wear a similar dress any more, 'Any more, any more, any more, never more!'
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1.4k
The New Vestments
There lived an old man in the kingdom of Tess, Who invented a purely original dress; And when it was perfectly made and complete, He opened the door, and walked into the street. By way of a hat, he'd a loaf of Brown Bread, In the middle of which he inserted his head;-- His Shirt was made up of no end of dead Mice, The warmth of whose skins was quite fluffy and nice;-- His Drawers were of Rabbit-skins,--but it is not known whose;-- His Waistcoat and Trowsers were made of Pork Chops;-- His Buttons were Jujubes, and Chocolate Drops;-- His Coat was all Pancakes with Jam for a border, And a girdle of Biscuits to keep it in order; And he wore over all, as a screen from bad weather, A Cloak of green Cabbage-leaves stitched all together. He had walked a short way, when he heard a great noise, Of all sorts of Beasticles, Birdlings, and Boys;-- And from every long street and dark lane in the town Beasts, Birdles, and Boys in a tumult rushed down. Two Cows and a half ate his Cabbage-leaf Cloak;-- Four Apes seized his Girdle, which vanished like smoke;-- Three Kids ate up half of his Pancaky Coat,-- And the tails were devour'd by an ancient He Goat;-- An army of Dogs in a twinkling tore up his Pork Waistcoat and Trowsers to give to their Puppies;-- And while they were growling, and mumbling the Chops, Ten boys prigged the Jujubes and Chocolate Drops.-- He tried to run back to his house, but in vain, Four Scores of fat Pigs came again and again;-- They rushed out of stables and hovels and doors,-- They tore off his stockings, his shoes, and his drawers;-- And now from the housetops with screechings descend, Striped, spotted, white, black, and gray Cats without end, They jumped on his shoulders and knocked off his hat,-- When Crows, Ducks, and Hens made a mincemeat of that;-- They speedily flew at his sleeves in trice, And utterly tore up his Shirt of dead Mice;-- They swallowed the last of his Shirt with a squall,-- Whereon he ran home with no clothes on at all. And he said to himself as he bolted the door, 'I will not wear a similar dress any more, 'Any more, any more, any more, never more!'
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42
I think if Madness were a person he'd be a handsome, sharp dressed, man. He would wear a well tailored suit with a deep purple, velvet, waistcoat. I imagine  he'd wear a black fedora for the mystery and a pocket watch to keep time. A little old fashioned but ageless. A few days before he arrives I always get antsy. My anxiety acts up and I do things like leave the grocery store in a panic and empty handed. I take my kids to the park and then I find I suddenly can't breathe and the world feels like it's ending. And then....there is the inevitable knock on my minds door. "Oh it's you" I'd say. "Dont pretend like you didn't know I was in town..." He pushed past me , drops his stuff , and easily finds the whiskey cabinet and pours himself a full glass. He has been here before.  "I was at the grocery store yesterday and the park a few days before that. " he turns, glass in hand. He smiles and it sends chills down my spine. "Well..." He continues, "you should have known I was coming . The signs were all there." I turn away, nervously and indignantly. He sips his whiskey, studying me. "Right. You thought some vitamins and sunshine could keep me away." The thought obviously amuses him. He laughs and downs his entire drink in one gulp. He loves this game. He pours another whiskey and walks over to me. He puts the drink in my left hand and stands right up against my back, his hands on my shoulders, his lips near my ears. I can feel his warm breathe and I am nauseated and comforted at the same time.  He slowly moves his hands down my arms to my hands. He locks his right hand with mine and wraps it around my stomach so his arm is around me too. His left hand brings the drink up to my lips. I close my eyes for a moment wishing him away. It doesn't work. "Now" he whispers "where were we?"
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Nov 4, 2015
Nov 4, 2015 at 10:34 PM UTC
Hello Madness old friend.
I think if Madness were a person he'd be a handsome, sharp dressed, man. He would wear a well tailored suit with a deep purple, velvet, waistcoat. I imagine  he'd wear a black fedora for the mystery and a pocket watch to keep time. A little old fashioned but ageless. A few days before he arrives I always get antsy. My anxiety acts up and I do things like leave the grocery store in a panic and empty handed. I take my kids to the park and then I find I suddenly can't breathe and the world feels like it's ending. And then....there is the inevitable knock on my minds door. "Oh it's you" I'd say. "Dont pretend like you didn't know I was in town..." He pushed past me , drops his stuff , and easily finds the whiskey cabinet and pours himself a full glass. He has been here before.  "I was at the grocery store yesterday and the park a few days before that. " he turns, glass in hand. He smiles and it sends chills down my spine. "Well..." He continues, "you should have known I was coming . The signs were all there." I turn away, nervously and indignantly. He sips his whiskey, studying me. "Right. You thought some vitamins and sunshine could keep me away." The thought obviously amuses him. He laughs and downs his entire drink in one gulp. He loves this game. He pours another whiskey and walks over to me. He puts the drink in my left hand and stands right up against my back, his hands on my shoulders, his lips near my ears. I can feel his warm breathe and I am nauseated and comforted at the same time.  He slowly moves his hands down my arms to my hands. He locks his right hand with mine and wraps it around my stomach so his arm is around me too. His left hand brings the drink up to my lips. I close my eyes for a moment wishing him away. It doesn't work. "Now" he whispers "where were we?"
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8
Lonely London boy, A stranger to the City, A fluffy-haired gull Lost in a sea of suitcases And Kodak-clad people. Big dreams tucked Into the waistcoat That hugged his frame A little too much, Occasionally glancing Into café windows to See how disheveled He had become During rush hour On the Bakerloo Line.
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May 26, 2016
May 26, 2016 at 5:12 PM UTC
London Boy
His spring was short, and he wore it damp and dreary with query bulbs lightly weaved in a soiled waistcoat. He will be ready for summer. His summer comes modest, not hot enough for milking. Answers flower few, so he dons a leaf-cushioned jacket and waits for the fall. His fall arrives late, too sweetly burning assents of decay. Cracks branch thin, and he slaps on a sappy topcoat, with dread of winter. His winter bustles with a bite, but its nibbles and noms are blessedly brief. He sighs, "It's a shame my seasons can only be four."
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Apr 4, 2010
Apr 4, 2010 at 8:09 AM UTC
Man, All Four Seasons
Look at that naughty monkey with that tin cup in his hand he shakes it with small change inside for his master the ***** grinder by his side He gibbers and on a cigar he smokes ladies legs as they pass he does stroke he bites if you don't put something in his tin for he knows with no food he will get thin His red waistcoat and fez well, they have seen better days yet he is loyal to his master as his buddy grinds away His mischief has no bounds as he bangs his cup on the ground he is a crowd pleaser and a great money reviler this monkey with his ***** grinder By Christos Andreas Kourtis aka NeonSolaris By NeonSolaris © 2013 NeonSolaris (All rights reserved)
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Sep 2, 2013
Sep 2, 2013 at 8:28 PM UTC
The ***** Grinder
Feels a fairytale The sweetness of your love Dozens of roses A garden of colours, Except you stand out to me With the glow of a million stars Gives me butterflies all over. I'm an Alice in Wonderland,  A girl in a world they never told Discovered the fall Down a dark rabbit hole Awaken to a beauty Left unexplained But a song and by words Yet it isn't enough to Describe it all myself A picture holds a thousand words unsaid If we have each frame Of a movie, Even all those won't reach  The extremeness of My love for you're Muchness. I've fell in,  Don't want to get out 'till we have a happily ever after. I'm glad that rabbit in a waistcoat Couldn't wait to bring me down.
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Jan 7, 2011
Jan 7, 2011 at 5:11 PM UTC
Rabbit In A Waistcoat
Following the white rabbit in his waistcoat Listening to the tick tock of his pocket watch Let's fall down the rabbit hole nestled at the trunk of the tree And where you land is a room An entire world hidden behind a door and all you need is the key A nibble from a cake that makes you grow And with a sip of a drink, you shrink Insert the key and twist the **** Opens the door to a world beyond imagination There's a cat that grins And with a smile, he disappears Have a cup of tea and a biscuit with the Hare, the Hatter, and the Dormouse Paint white roses red with the Red Queen Beware of her freakishly large head Slay the Jabberwocky with the Vorpal Sword And restore the White Queen to her throne I'm sure the ****** Big Head wouldn't like that "Off with her head," she would say Listen to the bicker of the twins, Tweedledee and Tweedledum The Red Queen calls them her fat boys Partake in the musings of Absolem The hookah-smoking caterpillar who transforms into a beautiful blue butterfly Let us escape to Wonderland It is far more appealing than the real world
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Mar 8, 2017
Mar 8, 2017 at 6:25 AM UTC
Let Us Escape to Wonderland
You Mr Rabbit are or so nice I could drink tea with you and talk about rice or melons, growing in the summer sun but Mr Rabbit, I couldn't **** you. Dear Mr Rabbit, sorry to be calling so late I feel like we left off on a bad foot the carrots still hot on my plate as you pointed towards your rounded door and asked me kindly to scoot. No I understand it was rude and that we have had a delightful eve but, hmm, how do I conclude you're lovely and sweet as a bug but I can't see us making out on that rug. No please don't be offended! Your ears are so soft to touch and your eyes are to be commended but, sexually the lightning and fire well, doesn't amount to much. I bid you adeu, Mr Rabbit. Our time together was truly splendid but it must be said, that without the waistcoat you remind me an awful lot of my bed.
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Nov 20, 2012
Nov 20, 2012 at 6:15 AM UTC
Mr Rabbit and I.
I want to cry in the mourning of something I have not yet lost. I live constantly concerned that the destructive actions of my soul that commence, Like a reflex not simply in my body, But somewhere so submerged in my fragile being and conscience I cannot and do not manage to withhold the wreckage Within me once it begins to emerge... I will tarnish the things that have been my cradle, My sanctuary of happiness and level headedness. Interpreting your every move, almost anxious for any Give away signs of lost hope, lost lust, lost companionship Despite the metaphor of its definition, Companions you cannot be over miles of land and sea... It’s as if all this space between us is at retracting magnet ends, Or a snow storm battling a deserts sand swoops. Yet, throughout all of my own battles of emotion... I secretly know you are in blissful ignorance, for you do not feel time should be kept anywhere, least of all in a waistcoat pocket.
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Oct 30, 2011
Oct 30, 2011 at 8:14 PM UTC
Mourning
There were stitches up her leg watching her walking slight ahead crossing the street as the skin slowly pulled apart at her seems transfixing crimson drops they would fall slowly I thought I blinked Just a tattoo nothing more the blood was gone, I looked away She turned the corner, I waited for the bus I watched the edge of her skirt disappear around it like the coat tails of the white rabbit looking down, eyes closed what would that be like...? A rabbit in a waistcoat skirted the edges of my thoughts the wind teased cool fingers at the back of my neck Feels like flying doesn’t it… A disembodied voice chipping away at my daydream I ignore it, instead conjuring a hole under my feet just like Alice What is? my voice answered for me another chip breaking away I started down the hole The wind… when it blows like that it feels like flying I wished the voice would leave I wouldn’t know I’ve never flown… Neither have I… I could hear the voice smiling a crack of light broke through my daydream I turned away from it catching a glimpse of blue coat tails just around the corner Why is it like flying then? another chip… Why isn’t it? Go away I thought bitterly the bodiless voice laughed softly cool air teased my neck, back of my shoulders I heard the bus pulling up to the stop Be seeing you then? My daydream crumbled away into reality I opened my eyes still looking down No… the only answer Hmm… that’s too bad Another pause I looked at the bus doors opening to admit me Well goodbye then… Alice… It was smiling again I shivered, turning to put a face on the voice Dress it in something more then the sound of its smiling No one, I stood alone with the breeze kissing my skin and smiled a little Goodbye… Cheshire cat
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Mar 13, 2013
Mar 13, 2013 at 7:44 PM UTC
I'm dreaming or crazy
There were stitches up her leg watching her walking slight ahead crossing the street as the skin slowly pulled apart at her seems transfixing crimson drops they would fall slowly I thought I blinked Just a tattoo nothing more the blood was gone, I looked away She turned the corner, I waited for the bus I watched the edge of her skirt disappear around it like the coat tails of the white rabbit looking down, eyes closed what would that be like...? A rabbit in a waistcoat skirted the edges of my thoughts the wind teased cool fingers at the back of my neck Feels like flying doesn’t it… A disembodied voice chipping away at my daydream I ignore it, instead conjuring a hole under my feet just like Alice What is? my voice answered for me another chip breaking away I started down the hole The wind… when it blows like that it feels like flying I wished the voice would leave I wouldn’t know I’ve never flown… Neither have I… I could hear the voice smiling a crack of light broke through my daydream I turned away from it catching a glimpse of blue coat tails just around the corner Why is it like flying then? another chip… Why isn’t it? Go away I thought bitterly the bodiless voice laughed softly cool air teased my neck, back of my shoulders I heard the bus pulling up to the stop Be seeing you then? My daydream crumbled away into reality I opened my eyes still looking down No… the only answer Hmm… that’s too bad Another pause I looked at the bus doors opening to admit me Well goodbye then… Alice… It was smiling again I shivered, turning to put a face on the voice Dress it in something more then the sound of its smiling No one, I stood alone with the breeze kissing my skin and smiled a little Goodbye… Cheshire cat
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49
Regrets are sad like a cancer that won't go away she said always there growing like big black spiders in my sleep. The psychiatrist sat in the chair by the couch where she lay. We all have regrets he said part of the human make-up. But mine are mine she said things I've said or done or not done or said and I can't get them out of my head. The psychiatrist leaned forward hands together bald head lowered a watch chain looped from his waistcoat pocket. What regrets have you? he said lifting his big brown eyes to her seeing a scenery of thigh in the spilt of her skirt. She looked at her feet the black shoes I got up the duff and had the baby done away with she said peering at the scuff marks on the toes of her shoes. The psychiatrist raised his eyes to her head the way her hair was parted in the center brown coloured. And that is one of your regrets? He said noticing her eyes staring into space the narrowness of her face. Saw this picture of a baby at the age mine was when I had it done she said looking at him seeing his plump features the lips moving. Many women have abortions each year he said some have regrets some do not. I didn't go see my mum when she had cancer never visited her and she died she said. Why did you not visit her? he asked feeling a mild headache beginning. We had a row about me having the baby done in and we didn't talk after she said. He nodded grim faced and silenced an inner laughter.
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Feb 9, 2017
Feb 9, 2017 at 9:58 AM UTC
REGRETS SHE SAID.