Delighted and honoured to feature this Saturday as part of The Storms Podcast. Thankyou, Damien.
Month: June 2023
14 June: Gorilla’s Dirge #thewildness
Gorilla
Seduced by a memory
of a silverback with an itching
and wind slain song.
We were seduced,
like a lark for love, and we allowed
time to intercede.
We allowed silence
to speak on our behalf,
but the quiet makes our ears feverish,
and we are sick with hearing.
Silverback, the last and forever,
your song too soon ended,
and so to your memory,
we scatter a few buttercups.
Written for Paul and Jane’s #thewildness Day 14: The disappearance of a rare animal. Artwork is created using Midjourney. Imagery and poems ©Misky 2023.
#TheWildness. Day 14. Imagine you are a detective investigating the disappearance of a rare animal. Describe your search for clues in the natural world. Please join Jane Dougherty, Misky and me in celebrating wildness all this month. I tried to get permission from the Wildlife Trust to use their #3ODaysWild as prompts but it was not forthcoming, so here are my own prompts with a little help from chatgbt. I will feature your draft published/unpublished poetry/short prose/artworks using the following prompts. Please include a short third person bio. Numbers refer to dates in June: Day 1. Describe the sounds you hear when you step outside your home. How does nature contribute to this musical work? 2. Write a letter to a tree or plant that you encounter on your daily walk. What would you say to it? 3. Imagine you could transform into any animal for a day. Which animal would you choose and why? 4. Write a short story about a magical encounter with a wild animal in your backyard. 5. Describe a peaceful moment spent observing a body of water. What emotions does it evoke in you? 6. Write a poem inspired by the vibrant colours and patterns of a butterfly’s wings. 7. Imagine you are a wildlife photographer. Describe the most breathtaking picture you have taken during your challenge. 8. Write about a favourite childhood memory spent in nature. How did it shape your connection with the natural world? 9. Create a dialogue between two different species of birds perched on a branch. What would they talk about? 10. Describe the texture and scent of wildflowers you encounter on your nature walks. How do they make you feel? 11. Write a persuasive essay on the importance of conserving and protecting local wildlife habitats. 12. Imagine you are a nature guide. Describe a walk you would take visitors on to showcase the beauty and diversity of your local environment. 13. Write a poem about the changing seasons and how they affect the behaviour of wildlife. 14. Imagine you are a detective investigating the disappearance of a rare animal. Describe your search for clues in the natural world. 15. Write a poem/flash fiction about a mischievous squirrel that causes chaos in your garden. 16. Describe a special moment when you felt truly connected to nature. What did it teach you about yourself and the world around you? 17. Write a letter to future generations, urging them to protect and cherish the natural world. 18. Create a detailed observation log of a specific species of bird that you have been monitoring throughout the challenge. 19. Write a poem inspired by the soothing sounds of a flowing stream or river. 20. Imagine you are a nature-inspired artist. Describe the masterpiece you would create using materials found in the great outdoors. 21. Write a short story about a group of friends who embark on an unforgettable camping trip in the wilderness. 22. Describe the most fascinating insect you have encountered during your challenge. What makes it unique? 23. Write a diary entry from the perspective of a tree, chronicling its experiences and the changes it witnesses over the course of a year. 24. Imagine you could communicate with one animal species. Which species would you choose and what would you ask them? 25. Describe a magical sunrise or sunset you have witnessed during your journey. How did it make you feel? 26. Write a letter to a future self, reflecting on the impact of the challenge on your relationship with nature. 27. Imagine you are a character in a wildlife-themed adventure novel. Describe the perilous situation you find yourself in and how you escape. 28. Write a poem celebrating the diversity and resilience of nature, even in the face of human challenges. 29. Describe the feeling of walking barefoot on cool, damp grass. How does it connect you to the Earth? 30. Write a short story about a hidden, enchanted forest where magical creatures dwell. What adventures await those who discover it? Feel free to adapt these prompts to suit your writing style or preferences.
Disappearing. A photo by Paul Brookes
Decline and fall
Once so common and prolific, found on every continent, surviving in the most extreme conditions, we never imagined their decline would be so fast, so humbling. I track them now, searching for the signs, the broken branches, churned mud, the wanton waste of foodstuffs trampled by fighting males, the stink of abandoned nests.
They fear the tree zones, their senses baffled by fronds that hide predators, prefer the open spaces. Unsociable, they stick to family groups, distrust other kin groups. Strangely, they are always led by a young male. The old and experienced males and females sink to the bottom of the pyramid, unvalued, left behind when they grow too feeble to keep up, or to earn their keep. Their hierarchy changes often, young males usurp one another regularly in bloody confrontations. Most of the work is done by young females and children.
I find their tracks among the mountains of rubble and rubbish, the deserts where nothing grows, nothing lives. Some ancestral memory draws them to the smoking, dusty hills, and they dig into the filth, searching for useless things that give them wild pleasure, like magpies with their bits of glitter. I can see them now, an old male, two old females scrabbling in the dirt. Nothing else moves, though I can hear the shrill cries of a fight, the thin wailing of a hungry pup. They will still be here, or not very far away, when I come back with the pack. Rats will eat well soon. Men are the easiest prey of all to kill.
Jane Dougherty
Bios and Links
Jane Dougherty
lives and works in southwest France. A Pushcart Prize nominee, her poems and stories have been published in magazines and journals including Ogham Stone, the Ekphrastic Review, Black Bough Poetry, ink sweat and tears, Gleam, Nightingale & Sparrow, Green Ink and Brilliant Flash Fiction. She blogs at https://janedougherty.wordpress.com/ Her poetry chapbooks, thicker than water and birds and other feathers were published in October and November 2020.
2 new poems (June 2023) from Pasithea Chan
Author’s Notes:
The accompanying image is of a rainbow butterfly that is actually a mash up oftwo concepts: 1 capitalism’s funnel of both buyers & sellers on the butterfly’s wings & 2 the colors of the butterfly which reflect how control & power control both parties intellectually & physically in all aspects of life. The cube that’s been transposed & misaligned to do a mirror is a metaphor of how social media used by power figures whether they be politicians, businessmen, or religious figures affect how both parties perceive & navigate their reality
#symbolism #personification #impressionism #realizations #poetry #socialcauses #criticalthinking #stupidity #societalvices #mindsets #values
Transient Comfort People’s minds create transient binds layered beneath a glittery rind. They sort people like luggage stowed above or below who they follow. We live within a spectrum ranging between mastermind and blindly opined. They’ll…
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Re-published poetry from Amanda Crum “Roads” inspired by Bruce Springsteen
*Originally published in the Springsteen anthology "Shut Down Strangers and Hot Rod Angels" by Bone & Ink Press in 2019. inspired by the song "Thunder Road"
Amanda Crum is a writer whose work has appeared in publications such as Eastern Iowa Review, Blue Moon Art and Literary Review, and Barren Magazine. Her first novel, The Fireman’s Daughter, won third place in the WritingRoom novel contest in 2008; her first book of horror-inspired poetry, The Madness In Our Marrow, earned a spot on the shortlist for a Bram Stoker Award nomination in 2015. She is a finalist for the 2019 J.F. Powers Prize in Short Fiction for her story “A Shimmer In The Parlor”. Her latest work, Dreaming Of Snow, is a collection of poetry based on the show “Breaking Bad”. She currently lives in Kentucky with her husband and two children.*
Roads
There's a place in the dark where weeds…
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Knott County:Poetry by David L O’Nan (inspired by Townes Van Zandt)
Knott County
I had a long hair and thought I was heading West. Some big boy from the big Pike said 'We Don't think much of guys like you" I jumped in my truck and drove away. Saw big Matt Matt priding fast. His boots were steaming and his death-wish were rails or a collapsing hill. I knew a girl named Cindy Jane, hair like Crystal Gayle. She was an unwritten poet and cooked better than time could stand still. We planted some trees, raised a few children, dogs and hogs. In the hollars of Knott County, Kentucky. The spiritual boys would always boss the town into the hypnotic bible. I hid the battles of the diseases, I can feel the arthritis cramping up on me. Who knew of ALS even in prayer villages. Maybe you were paying for your debts dodging Vietnam and working for your bottle. Pollution rises…
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Guest Feature – Paul Brookes
I’m delighted to welcome Paul Brookes back to Patricia’s Pen as he launches his new limited edition pamphlet These Random Acts of Wildness published by Glass Head Press (2023), founded by eminent poet Ian Parks. Without further ado, it’s over to Paul.
These Random Acts of Wildness
Paul Brookes
Wildlife Trust’s 30 Days Wild annual campaign in June encourages people to enjoy Random Acts Of Wildness. I set myself a challenge to write 30 sonnets using their prompts. More marvellous ideas can be found in Lucy McRobert’s marvellous book 365 Days Wild.
The wonderful cover of my book was designed by genius artworker Jane Cornwell. She used my photo taken of The Fallen Angel in Wombwell Cemetery wittily adding a yellow duster for it to hold, and adding my name to the angel’s plinth. The actual figure is the only white angel in Wombwell Cemetery and…
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13 June: Out Like a Lamb #thewildness
Day 13. Write a poem about the changing seasons and how they affect the behaviour of wildlife.
In Like a Lion and Out Like a Lamb
A snow-haired lamb, born
in a month that blows in like a lion,
escapes its thick woollen coat,
pulls black boots on to match its nose
and runs off, up the hill like a deer
to talk with snowdrops and primroses —
I mean, that’s the point of life, isn’t it?
And the lamb ends up on the hilltop
with views over the sea. It feels
liberated by sky and chandelier clouds.
And over there roses bloom, and the lamb
thinks – it’s a dream, and it understands
why hedgehogs sleep away winter.
Written for #thewildness Day 13. Write a poem about the changing seasons and how they affect the behaviour of wildlife. Artwork is created using Midjourney. Imagery and poems ©Misky 2023.
#TheWildness. Day 13. Write a poem about the changing seasons and how they affect the behaviour of wildlife. Please join Jane Dougherty, Misky and me in celebrating wildness all this month. I tried to get permission from the Wildlife Trust to use their #3ODaysWild as prompts but it was not forthcoming, so here are my own prompts with a little help from chatgbt. I will feature your draft published/unpublished poetry/short prose/artworks using the following prompts. Please include a short third person bio. Numbers refer to dates in June: Day 1. Describe the sounds you hear when you step outside your home. How does nature contribute to this musical work? 2. Write a letter to a tree or plant that you encounter on your daily walk. What would you say to it? 3. Imagine you could transform into any animal for a day. Which animal would you choose and why? 4. Write a short story about a magical encounter with a wild animal in your backyard. 5. Describe a peaceful moment spent observing a body of water. What emotions does it evoke in you? 6. Write a poem inspired by the vibrant colours and patterns of a butterfly’s wings. 7. Imagine you are a wildlife photographer. Describe the most breathtaking picture you have taken during your challenge. 8. Write about a favourite childhood memory spent in nature. How did it shape your connection with the natural world? 9. Create a dialogue between two different species of birds perched on a branch. What would they talk about? 10. Describe the texture and scent of wildflowers you encounter on your nature walks. How do they make you feel? 11. Write a persuasive essay on the importance of conserving and protecting local wildlife habitats. 12. Imagine you are a nature guide. Describe a walk you would take visitors on to showcase the beauty and diversity of your local environment. 13. Write a poem about the changing seasons and how they affect the behaviour of wildlife. 14. Imagine you are a detective investigating the disappearance of a rare animal. Describe your search for clues in the natural world. 15. Write a poem/flash fiction about a mischievous squirrel that causes chaos in your garden. 16. Describe a special moment when you felt truly connected to nature. What did it teach you about yourself and the world around you? 17. Write a letter to future generations, urging them to protect and cherish the natural world. 18. Create a detailed observation log of a specific species of bird that you have been monitoring throughout the challenge. 19. Write a poem inspired by the soothing sounds of a flowing stream or river. 20. Imagine you are a nature-inspired artist. Describe the masterpiece you would create using materials found in the great outdoors. 21. Write a short story about a group of friends who embark on an unforgettable camping trip in the wilderness. 22. Describe the most fascinating insect you have encountered during your challenge. What makes it unique? 23. Write a diary entry from the perspective of a tree, chronicling its experiences and the changes it witnesses over the course of a year. 24. Imagine you could communicate with one animal species. Which species would you choose and what would you ask them? 25. Describe a magical sunrise or sunset you have witnessed during your journey. How did it make you feel? 26. Write a letter to a future self, reflecting on the impact of the challenge on your relationship with nature. 27. Imagine you are a character in a wildlife-themed adventure novel. Describe the perilous situation you find yourself in and how you escape. 28. Write a poem celebrating the diversity and resilience of nature, even in the face of human challenges. 29. Describe the feeling of walking barefoot on cool, damp grass. How does it connect you to the Earth? 30. Write a short story about a hidden, enchanted forest where magical creatures dwell. What adventures await those who discover it? Feel free to adapt these prompts to suit your writing style or preferences.
Seasons photo by Paul Brookes
Hoping for spring
Winter huddles and struggles
the core cools, and each step,
each wingbeat is measured,
balancing need to eat
against failing strength.
Fat summer over, autumn lingering
golden with fruit and hedges berried-full,
seeds on stalks left standing,
we hurried to stock and store
before the spoiling rains.
Winter huddles,
and summer fat melts.
Lean now, we lean in,
one against the other,
finding warmth in kindred,
watching the path of the sun,
watching for the mis-step
that will tip the balance,
ensure a few more days
of heart-beating.
Jane Dougherty
Bios and Links
Jane Dougherty
lives and works in southwest France. A Pushcart Prize nominee, her poems and stories have been published in magazines and journals including Ogham Stone, the Ekphrastic Review, Black Bough Poetry, ink sweat and tears, Gleam, Nightingale & Sparrow, Green Ink and Brilliant Flash Fiction. She blogs at https://janedougherty.wordpress.com/ Her poetry chapbooks, thicker than water and birds and other feathers were published in October and November 2020.
Tom Waits inspired Sonnets, prose, poetry and more by David L O’Nan
Tom Waits Sonnets
1.
In smoky bars of a Los Angeles town, a troubadour with gravel in his voice, The stranger would sing of love and of the clown, All the moonlight's broken hearts had no choice. With bluesy chords and stories rough and raw, Spun a world of darkness and the lush delight, We've got lost souls stumbled through the straw, And dreams both beautiful like shone heaven or tornadic blight. Listen to the song, a hope to find Lucinda in Texas. Sparkling lights amid the swirling gloom, You can relate in your cough, in your tears, we aren't alone There is beauty hidden in the diners and the raincoats, lead to a hotel room. Thus Waits became the bard of the night, A poet of the soul, a beacon bright. While God is kicking down buckets over his trippy walks. II. In '73, a debut album came, And…
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The Wombwell Rainbow 