The Ballad of King Peredurus
By the banks of the Costa that rolls to the sea,Through Moorland that’s purpled with ling.The robes of a man lie on bedrocks of scree,A fool who was born to be King.His claim to the throne on his finger he…
The Fabled Origin of Pickering Town
(When the Folksinger David Swann asked us to write lyrics for a new song depicting the origins of Pickering’s name – the idea lingered. So later, when we began to dabble with writing Fairy Tales, this popped into my head.) …
Lupine
His ears prick up and rouse him from his sleep. She is singing. The last survivor of the clever ones surmises she is alone. The tip of his nose moves from side to side – sensing the air, collecting information as to how…
The Find
The oasis at the foot of the mountain was a welcome sight to the hundreds of people gathering there. The lush vegetation of the ferns and splendid palms gently swayed in the light breeze and the cool water was invitingly…
Fallen Angel
There – my work complete. I will be forgiven and the Master will take me back. See how the moon’s pale glow falls onto your wings? How wonderfully translucent is the indigo of the night sky, as it hangs between…
Names
We give names to almost everything we see, hear, touch and feel. We also change them into what we call Pet Names, why, I really don’t know. Perhaps it is our nature to label things. Maybe it gives colour to…
Freedom
‘Martin. Do you know what freedom is?’ Miss Price watched the boy over her round rimmed spectacles, her foot tapping on the lectern’s step. Her mouth puckered expectantly and her nostrils flared. Miss Price was of slight build with…
The Ground
The words terra firma bring music to the ears of a person who has experienced a rough flight then learns the plane has landed safely. We Earth creatures are attached to the ground by a wonderful power called gravity. Even…
Bookworms
Bookworms ‘That Dawkins bloke is at it again.’ ‘You mean that fella who says there’s no such thing as a god?’ ‘Aye.’ ‘Then he must have a new book to flog.’ ‘Aye, he does, and he’s called it “An appetite…
Brown Eagle
The mountain reached up to a blackening sky. Dusk was falling and shadows were cast on craggy outcrops. Hidden in one of the rocky crevices was an empty nest … A young brave moved stealthily through the thick lush undergrowth.…