It wasn’t winter
I have realised,
age 55
that it wasn’t winter that made me miserable and maudlin
after all.
It was my work,
the ruled, clock time,
stealing daylight
leaving me night.
I have maligned winter,
avoided her,
curled up and wished for spring.
But I have wronged her,
for there is beauty in … Read more
The kestrel
I have a lot of online essays to mark in the next two weeks and that involves a whole lot of sitting still. Except I can’t. Because my wrist hurts, my back aches and my shoulders get stiff and so I walk, fidget, do yoga, and hug the cat who doesn’t want to be hugged.… Read more
First they came for
… Read moreFirst they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.
Then they
We’ve got the power
What a week in politics.
And they are still not talking about climate change, inequality and poverty, the things that will make or unmake stability. We didn’t hear enough about the Iranian women standing up against the hijab or how intergenerational inequality mean our children may never be able to afford their own homes, whether … Read more
Autumn snuggling down
I used to hate the dark wintering months, wetting and chilling us as they shorten the days and steal the summer’s light. But now I notice a sense of relief. Relief that I can rest, be still, sit with the cat warming my legs as I dive between pages of my teetering reading pile.
Wood … Read more
To look for wonder
To look for wonder
This week
By the sea
In community
Has reminded me
Of simplicity
Screenless
Phoneless
Silent
Stillness.
Reminds me how to pay attention,
How to move the paint brush,
Sing a song,
Lie starfished floating.
How to sit and gaze as gulls kite high,
As terns skim waves,
Watching
rabbits dart,
Kittens … Read more