http://slow.writerscafe.org/JOHNL The original writings of author JohnL en-us Copyright 2026 WritersCafe.org 1775995346 WritersCafe.org RSS Generator 15 Part of my series of modern Travellers'/Canterbury Tales http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/JOHNL/572385/ Actually, I have no garden in Cumbria but this is like the lakeland Horticultural Society Garden at Ambleside http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/JOHNL/571732/ In drama, much maligned, often seedy but in reality, a place of convenience and often pleasure (in the nicest possible way, of course). Here are some happy memories. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/JOHNL/498433/ You may have seen this before as Autumn Tastes but when I re-read its menu, Ithought I would re hash it for winter. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/JOHNL/496750/ Out walking with pensioners http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/JOHNL/496397/ Early draft sonnet http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/JOHNL/477357/  Message in a Bottle It lay on the beach an ocean awayShingle frosted,weed accosted,now denied the ocean’s spray and sway in playof mighty  currents far away.Its stay is briefon strand and reef -mail must get through,‘tis true, ‘tis true.By .. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/JOHNL/462843/  Who’s Fault? The clock on a nearby college strikes.Sun sets bathing earth in golden glow.All is at peace, I am at rest Scent of flowers drifts on evening airWhile wisps of fragrance float from windowswhere food is prepared; soon we shall eat and drink.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/JOHNL/458125/ Scrawled on a menu in best "Starving Poet Tradition" at the Goshawk in Moukdsworth which is in the middle of Delamere Forest. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/JOHNL/450621/  When You Come To the End of a Perfect Day The green beneath my feetglows warm in the afterglow of a perfect daywhile sleepy wasps and beesbuzz – but softly – softly,reluctant yet from sugared flowers to fly away;arboured honey is suckled,buddleia ha.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/JOHNL/445052/ This has been written as a short story (possibly the better medium -http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/JohnL/304856/ ) but is written as a poem for Fabian' Franklin's Contest) I would be very interested to hear from anyone who reads both and will give me http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/JOHNL/444496/ A sort of 'prose-poem' http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/JOHNL/430455/  Walk with us through gardens of delight,Inhabiting our minds and memories.Scale the high peaks of our ecstasy Bathe under cataracts in pools of heaven;Drive on scenic roads of life, -Fly over rivers, canyons and hills;Sail seas, oceans even of blue water,Sleek dolphin and flyin.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/JOHNL/419666/ No longer a draft - please comment http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/JOHNL/414986/ I can't find my picture of Jake Bithell's dog, Lad so this is of the Dee at a point near the scene of the poem. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/JOHNL/411223/ For Tovli's 10 words on nature contest http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/JOHNL/387808/ For Fabian's Contest http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/JOHNL/383206/  PRAISE THE LORD FOR SPRING Come let us sing a song of joy to Spring,Let blossom make our hearts be glad and gaySing loud, for music is a joyful thing The flowers arise to make our spirits singBright colours see the newborn light of dayCome. Let us sing a song of joy.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/JOHNL/383205/ For Emma's 'What If' Contest - Oh Emma, I'm sorry about this one. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/JOHNL/381947/  A Triple TankaBetweenAprilAndSeptember  How long must I wait?When will you come back to me?When the Spring returnsMy loving heart comes againWith the snowdrop and crocus. Come now; do not wait.Spring burns within me – Now,Oh that I had fire.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/JOHNL/381661/ Acrosfic Competition Entry http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/JOHNL/381517/  THROUGH YOUR EYES I CAN SEE INTO MY SOUL Through all of time, you follow me with eyes of loveYour thought revealed,  Eyes which, no longer young, reveal the loveI share and give to you.Can you see that which is deep within me?See the love I hold just for you? Wal.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/JOHNL/380090/ For Emma's what If Contest http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/JOHNL/379348/  Thoughts On Relaxation Above the Côtes d’Azur Thyme in the mountain grassTangs the air with herbs;Sheep masticate,Seasoning  themselvesIn advance, whileSun-spread odours ride the zephyrs, Of this golden day. A bell tolls - - miles away;Dr.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/JOHNL/377638/  A HOME IN THE WILDERNESS  The woods are dark tonight.  Not a star lights the sky as I stand on the veranda of the cabin I built many years ago. Looking over the water of the almost invisible sea-loch, I hear the rustle of trees that were but saplings when I first came. T.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/JOHNL/376403/ Not, repeat NOT autobiograhical http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/JOHNL/374646/ Just a bit of fun http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/JOHNL/371445/ For Emma's contest http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/JOHNL/371256/ Really a story written as a story of a table in World War 2 England. I am the boy and the bruises from the table mark my growth to manhood http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/JOHNL/370399/  The Hitching Post of the Sun Oh with what delight I wander the mountains of my mind Wings outspread on the thermals of Andean peaks     Clawing the sky        Shredding clouds      Swooping, l.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/JOHNL/369858/ The Shape of Words http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/JOHNL/368707/  It was Spring. You have seen the daffodils And wondered about the hyacinths. Pansies are out, and daisies Before your window, And the hawthorn is in bud. You left as our jonquils bloomed, Seeds probed their way into light,&nbsp.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/JOHNL/361929/ I apologise for the brutality of this piece. It is not something I enjoyed writing, but something I do know a little about as I have trained in demolition and combat as a Royal Engineer, and have friends who are engaged in mission work in Africa. I spoke only recently to a young doctor who.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/JOHNL/360735/ This is the first poem I ever wrote. Not to be judged - I know the fauts and the plethora of 'ands' is to emphasise rhythm. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/JOHNL/358850/ They sit by a fireToday they have been luckyToday’s streets, rich in wood and cow dung;Flies don’t like fire and they have eaten.Young boy laughsHis eyes eat sparks and are merry;Life is good on the streets of Calcutta;See! Even the shadows are carrying wood.By his sid.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/JOHNL/358716/ One man's meat is another man's poison. OK, Let's get the poison over and then enjoy the fillet steak. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/JOHNL/358048/ For Sal's Minute Poem Contest http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/JOHNL/355624/ I have taken the sample option rather than the schematic as they don't quite equate. This is for Poetic Piers' Curtal Sonnet Contest http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/JOHNL/355558/  The Harpstrings of Dee Here beside the Dee, separating Welsh hills and Wirral countrysideSee the sparkle of air-frost spangle sparse-clad winter trees;Skeins of geese stretch, arrow-heading across a night sky, deep and wide;Silhouettes across a silver, misted moon, fanned by&n.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/JOHNL/353708/  Cheesed Off With LoveJames, I’d like you to seeThat I too like Brie, and I think you’ll agreeThat she’s right to choose me;She’s been feeling so blueAnd wants nothing to doWith you,  such a tense and a terse one:Since coming to me, you really will s.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/JOHNL/352689/  Things Better Left Unsaid! I know myself;    I say:        “Let’s keep it                That way.”  John Berry, 9 Dec.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/JOHNL/351250/ For Poetry Writers Competition http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/JOHNL/348364/  Why am I sitting under Algarvean eucalyptus trees,Watching cork oaks grow in evening sunBreathing in the scent, ancient and health giving,Listening to honey bees,Knowing all the time that this year could be the last oneFor breathing the scented air, for loving, even for living.&n.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/JOHNL/347372/ For Salvatore's contest http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/JOHNL/346663/ Moments of Joy in a wild place http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/JOHNL/344037/ Poetpiers Retourne Contest http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/JOHNL/343222/ Tovli's Challenge http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/JOHNL/342956/  Sacrificial Love  It was May 2000 and on the Cote d’Azur, the weather was perfect. Two men, one very young, climbed the hill to the wonderful Chagalle Museum at Nice. It was a fair step, but sight of it alone was reward enough for the effort. Set in .. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/JOHNL/342063/ The name Silk Road was only coined in the 19th Century but the road has existed for millennia. Coming from the East, wise men would follow the star Westward. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/JOHNL/341538/ Don't take too seriously. I got what I deserved, but it really is true and my tutor thought it was a hoot! http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/JOHNL/341238/