Stray thoughts, tamed.
Note: The 4,100 words which follow contain my observations alone. You may see things differently, although I do hope that at least something strikes a chord. If you cannot stomach a text this long - a text I felt compelled to write - be glad that I put the poem and its translation at the... Continue Reading →
I follow the Indian method of washing dishes - under running water. It is considered cleaner. It also helps wash away the tears which I do not shed. Never mind that. It is breakfast time. As predicted - since it happens every day, João says yes enthusiastically when I ask whether, perhaps, she would like... Continue Reading →
Sketches in ink - 43 My grandfather, born this week in 1908, retired from his position as underground manager at one of the copper mines on the Copperbelt, Zambia at the age of 45. He spent some time thereafter as a caretaker of an apartment block, for which pleasure he and my grandmother got to... Continue Reading →
In my world, words on boxes have to make sense.
Sources of Joy - Day 99 ... calling the kettle black. I almost destroyed the kettle through negligence – otherwise known as being in the zone or absentmindedness, whichever you prefer. After a second, more vigorous, attempt yesterday, I restored the item in question to its former glory. I have not used it yet. I am... Continue Reading →
Sources of Joy - Days 96 and 97 Perhaps I have been unduly influenced by a curious blend, inter alia∗, of pop psychology, New Age thinking and French literary trends c. 1920–1960. Today's events on my little planet revolved around the theme of choice, something I expounded upon at length for about a decade straddling... Continue Reading →
Sources of Joy - Day 95 Day 93 (Friday) finally saw the delivery of my office table, a bargain second-hand buy. The last piece of the intricate puzzle that is my new office space, now placed together with the inadequate desk I already possessed, gives me a large desk space on which to order my... Continue Reading →
Sources of Joy - Day 69 I sat down and ate my lunch slowly today, and enjoyed doing so. This is unusual for me, and therefore counts as an achievement. Standing up in the kitchen and only eating half of what I should is my usual way of doing things. I also lay down just... Continue Reading →
Sources of Joy - Days 60 – 61 Yesterday I met the woman whose cottage I had been looking for the day before. I viewed the small house today. It has advantages, but all rooms are quite small. I shall be viewing the house on top of the hill tomorrow or the next day. Yesterday my... Continue Reading →
Sources of Joy - Days 52 and 53 Day 52, a Friday, brought with it the joy of clearing a debt just in time, and of giving a few smiles to the woman at Social Security (a published poet) while I described looking at the sea as an opportunity to "look at all possible dreams... Continue Reading →
That elusive pair of jeans 