These days, we worry about exploitation when it comes to training animals to perform tricks for our entertainment, and we’re not that keen on taxidermy, either. Things were very different in the past. By the 19th century in the UK, some animal charities had been established, but for the average mutt on the street, life … Read more
I am fortunate to live near woods and walking under new leaves in Spring is magical. Each one of them is precious. This poem is dedicated to a horse chestnut leaf. There is something very bold about how they come into the world. Most of the mighty horse chestnuts I see these days seem to … Read more
It sometimes seems to take a lot of time to find inspiration for a random theme, but in this case, the theme (Skeleton in the Cupboard) provoked many ideas. I settled on this one, trying my hand at a bit of black humour in the process. SKELETON IN THE CUPBOARD “I think there were some … Read more
Bright icons of spring Loud, proud, colour on tall stems Inspire, comfort, cheer. : : : Photo: Tulips at Keukenhof Gardens, Lisse, Netherlands, May 2025
We all grumble about things that our parents and teachers didn’t do or say – some are more puzzling than others. This piece would probably qualify as “True Flash”, as it is based on a personal memory, but the context and names have been changed. : ROLE MODEL Daria was pleased that her next client … Read more
THE GLORY OF TREES Like most Brits, I am awed by mighty trees. We love them when they are alive, and we love the produce we get from them. Oak was a vital resource in England in medieval times, for building and ship-building. “Heart of Oak” is the marching anthem of the Royal Navy. English … Read more
Please no! No more rain! Why are you hiding away, Sun, bringer of smiles? : : Photo: Rainy day at Fountains Abbey, World Heritage Site, North Yorkshire, UK.
Writing to a historical theme is something I love to do, so I was eager to compose an entry for a writers’ group competition for a historical short story. There is so much on TV about Henry VIII, and one drama about this period left me with an abiding image of the poet Thomas Whyatt, … Read more
Steps crisp through copper Sunlight sparkling through new leaves Soft scent of blue bells. : : : First published (as E Rogers) in Petals of Haiku: An Anthology of Haiku, edited by Gabriela Marie Milton, Published by Literary Revelations LLC ISBN 979-8-9875548-9-0 : : Photo: Bluebell wood in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, … Read more
