Tag Archives: Memoir

Happiness

  Happiness –  the substance of my life. The hapless old friend who comments on my blog posts, thoughtfully emailing me my response options, which include: cider, ha ha, and thanks! The app I’m told to install for discounts on Indian takeaways from Aysha; The tacking pins embedded in the paint-stained carpet of my creativeContinue reading “Happiness”

Squashed In Between

At the end of the page I put my hand up and told, “I’ve finished the page, Miss! What do I do now?” “Stop shouting out!” she shouted. “And don’t ask silly questions!” So, I sat there for a while, not knowing what next to do. “Keep writing!” shouted Miss. “No-one’s told you to stop.”Continue reading “Squashed In Between”

Mum of the Moment

‘Leafy scarf of Rust-Brown Silk’ by Jay Cool Grey-coated with leafy scarf of rust-brown silk and brooch of oyster pearls framing dark-brown curls, cycling over concrete of autumns gone. I see her. Copyright owned by Jay Cool, October 2018

Lilies of the Valley

I’ll find you both in the valley of lilies, wafting away the smell of mothballs from your clothes. My country grandmother, sunning yourself on the rim of your best Sunday hat, taking a well-earned rest from your garden of vegetables and honey. My city grandmother, swinging yourself from the handle of your trolley-bag, so illContinue reading “Lilies of the Valley”

Guest Preacher

{Based on a childhood memory of an over-zealous guest preacher in an Aberdonian chapel, and further inspired by George Herbert’s poem ‘The Collar’. } ‘Angry Debate’, a clipart image from Pixabay.com He strikes the board. Preacher’s passion’s way. Heed his words, that God does say. Wrinkled hands must dig in deep, unearth the worms from burrows,Continue reading “Guest Preacher”

Day 6.2: Fugitive in Telford

Telford. Telford Shopping Centre (1) Tesco at Telford. Telford’s hotspot. The coffee’s okay, I suppose, but all in all, being at Tesco in Telford, is pretty much the same experience as being at Tesco in Colchester, or Tesco in Bury St Edmunds, or Tesco in Ipswich. Okay, so this photo was taken at Tiverton byContinue reading “Day 6.2: Fugitive in Telford”

Bone Chin

1946 – Spike Joe Cool (1939 – present), Jay Cool’s father, of Single Lane, Albrighton, Shropshire Foolhardy. Spike, like his predecessor Humphrey Kynaston of Myddle, could only be described as the perfect embodiment of the phrase ‘bull in a China shop’. Spike, just like his mother Joan Cool of Albrighton, was forthright and fearless. And,Continue reading “Bone Chin”

Pakefield Pirates

The pirate flag  Beckons Calls me over Invites me to walk on in to an old railway carriage and help myself to coffee and cakes Served in beer kegs and arranged in treasure chest baskets I hurry on up the lane, to the corner plot A station sign offers up to the visitor Pakefield WelcomingContinue reading “Pakefield Pirates”

The Pakefield Ladies

    Hunched-up ladies huddle by the sea   Shivering, wrapped up in the sun.   Tied up in coarse rope.   Anchored to the pebbled beach.   Unable to even shuffle.   Howling unintelligible tones.   Gagged.   And blinded.   Path markers.   All routes out long   gone.     Copyright ownedContinue reading “The Pakefield Ladies”