Telling Tales (true or tall)

  TIRED OF TURNING THE OTHER CHEEK… Some Entitled People walking amongst us don’t have to follow the rules, There is something special about those people (that some of us call fools). Their dogs don’t have to be on leash when they walk them around town, And if you dare say a word, they’ll swear at you loudly and stare you down.   How dare you question the fact that they’re more entitled than hoi polloi. The Entitled don’t ever worry about what all their pets might destroy. Even their kitties wander around killing wildlife whenever and wherever. They have no concerns that some unique wildlife could be lost forever. Locked down you say? Well, their holiday's more important than your health, So they sneak over borders, visiting places everywhere, using super stealth. And when they've been diagnosed with that very contagious Corona virus, They throw everyone's plans into disarray. Now who's hurting? All of US!   The Entitled don’t worry about things ...

LEOTARD LUNACY They were excited as they gave me the card, “Choosing presents for you Mum, is always hard. But Dad says you’ll love this. It’s really great!” Now I was getting excited, I couldn’t wait. But I teased us a little by feeling the outside And wondering out loud what could be inside. “Money to buy something, just for me? Tickets to that show I’ve been dying to see? A voucher for gliding lessons I wanted to do?” “Better than that Darl, and it’s all for you.” So I opened it quickly, loving smile for him. Oh… Just what I wanted, 12 months at the gym. So here I sit, struggling on the Pec Deck Trying to ignore shooting pains in my neck. I move to the leg press, squatting down low, As usual, unsure where my feet are to go. Next is the shoulder press, most hated of all. With clenched jaw I curse, “Oh, yeah, having a ball.” No matter how often I force myself to go, My aging flesh will never, ever look (I know) Like that of tho...

I present you with my problems with various birds turning up on my doorstep, seemingly each weekend...   The baby magpie whose parents flew in with him one Saturday morning and then out again, sans baby, leaving him behind to demand food while sitting on my arm.   They came back twice to check on him before carting him away hours later while I frantically tried to keep cats away from, and the food up to, it. The bush turkey chicken rescued from the cat before he could be eaten.   Gorgeous little chicks that can’t be kept in captivity and their parents abandon them before they’re born. What a horrid life they must have. The peewee that insisted on sitting on the fence while the cats stalked him only to speed off at the last possible second and spoil their fun.   I didn’t realise birds could smile until then. The corella which fell off the roof (closely followed by the cat...

Farewell Mum We celebrate now in love, Mum's life from start to end And we're glad we knew her, as Mum and as a Friend. We remember all the love and lessons she taught us And thank her for the care and generosity shown us. Although Mum's now left this earth and taken flight, We know she's that voice in our heads, our guiding light. Remembering her will be easy, we do that anyway; Because there's an ache in our hearts that won't go away. But we're pretty sure that up there in Heaven She'll be painting and teaching pottery once again... S, P & R (26.9.17)

Photo courtesy Nest In The Attic My eyes are wet with tears as I stand over her frail body. Her face is peaceful and free of the pain that has been so noticeable of late.  I feel my throat constricting with the effort of keeping my emotions in check.  Is this tiny, thin creature the same woman I remember from childhood as a tower of strength? Mum had phoned me earlier this morning and asked me to stop in on my way to the city to check on her mother, my "Grammy".  I had grudgingly agreed because she was insistent although it would mean I’d be late for my hair appointment.  It was terribly difficult to get a suitable spot at  Ramon’s. “Honestly Mum, you worry too much,” I had said.  “She’s as tough as old leather and will probably outlast me!” I look through the door to the kitchen where long ago Grandma had taught me to cook the dishes my own family now loved.  So strong are the many happy memories of that room, I feel I can almost touch th...

It’s extremely rare to actually enjoy Travelling to your place of employ (Whether by bus, tram, car or train), Since common courtesy began to wane. It’s people who snuffle with whom  I  take issue. Surely to goodness they could carry a tissue? And malodorous people should surely desist From travel with others. I really insist! How I curse the man who invented the MP3; Just an invasive, pervasive musical tin can to me. Putting up with their racket is only for mugs So I praise the woman who invented ear plugs. Driving myself is not the preferred mode Because of the plethora of idiots using the road. It seems lack of road courtesy presents no bar To their having a licence or driving a car. Rudeness it seems is not confined to transport. Lack of respect for others is now a national sport. Those queue jumpers are a right royal pain too While you’re patiently waiting for food or the loo. ...

Wind breathes softly through deserted halls; Sighs and whispers echo on vacant walls. I wonder who it was abandoned this place, Forgotten long-ago-home of a now dead race? Half open doors hang on hinges, wrecked and rusty, Dank dungeons below smell mouldy and musty. What horrors occurred in these rooms so ghastly? The mournful wind reminds us of those gone lastly. Once did these rooms ring with the voices and laughter Of elves, dwarves and fairies and all who came after. They told of trolls and goblins fought in battles, glorious Of great Kingdoms lost and won in wars, victorious. Skies above these towers built by those mere mortals Teemed with dragons and griffins as sculpted on portals. The moat below was filled with dolphins and mermaids Swimming through mysterious grottos and cascades. Sorcerers and witches brewing cauldrons of trickery, Tempted those noble folk from the path of honesty; ...