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I came across it half-hidden by snowone sunlit winter eveningso peaceful that one could not hope to knowof horrors that once passed there. But curiosity being what it is, I stoppedhoping to find out more, and when I did I almost wish I hadn't,for now I cannot un-learn what I learned there. The ruined Smolej... Continue Reading →
The tanka form proved both enticing and challenging, no less for me (for examples, take a look at my Twitter Poetry from Week 3) than for those who took part. As a short form it may appear deceptively simple. Bearing this in mind, I was impressed with the high standard of entries. I now hand... Continue Reading →
We're back Down Under today with Don and the F.C.S. team. Skip was a bit upset that we haven't featured him in a post recently, so I've included one of his best headshots this time around. Skip is Don's drinking buddy and security detail. He also heads up the Sunday music selection over at The... Continue Reading →
Our escape from the province of Quarantinia was made swiftly, and by night. We could not travel ostentatiously, for fear of drawing unwanted attention (nor would this have been possible, for Koronin has commandeered the Royal Coach for his own wicked use), but we did travel in relative comfort, for which I am thankful. The... Continue Reading →
This week, I have mainly been writing tanka, as I've been trying to learn more about the form for the EIF Poetry Challenge. There are a few other forms in here too. Do let me know what you think; I'm always interested to know which micro-poems work best and why. This is a new style... Continue Reading →
As we have already explored the haiku form in a previous poetry challenge, this week I wanted to take a look at another Japanese form: tanka. If you thought a tanka was simply an extended haiku, think again! There is a lot more to the form than this. Read on to find out more... The... Continue Reading →
Sometimes, the great bones of my life feel so heavy, and I wonder, where on earth does it come from, all this weight? There is a song lyric: ‘what’s that secret sorrow that your carryin?’ But it’s no great secret: bereavement, separation, loss. I feel bereaved by every memory which hijacks my senses unexpectedly from... Continue Reading →
It's time once more for our weekly trip Down Under, where Don will be doling out some sense, sensibility and downright silliness to get the week off to a good start. Priscilla is busy getting Lizzie ready for the show (see featured image, above). To find out more about Priscilla, Lizzie and the whole FCS... Continue Reading →
The winter in Lockdownia continues hard, and with no sign of relief in sight. The sun has not shone on our land for almost two months. There is nothing more I can do for my people in Quarantinia without the protective tincture which is due to be brought by ship from the Outlands. With the... Continue Reading →
As the cold weather continues in the Northern Hemisphere, I bring you a dish to warm the cockles of your heart. Jota is a thick and hearty soup made with beans and sour cabbage. This dish is a blend of Mediterranean and Central European culinary traditions. It is popular all over Slovenian Istria, and also... Continue Reading →
