Karen Freeman

Karen Freeman

Tuesday, 23 March 2010

Taster One

This is a taster of a short story called Walking the dog.


Walking the dog

Julia picked up the lead, Comma, tail wagging sat against her calf, looking up eyes alight, tongue lolloping to the side.
‘Yes Comma, time for our daily constitutional. Which park shall we choose today?’
Attaching the lead to the dog’s collar Julia walked her to the car. The drive was uneventful with Comma running from window to window as she spotted landmarks telling her the park was close. The car parked in the nearly empty car-park, Comma was released to semi freedom. Immediately she charged over the banks into the trees winding her way back in a circle to Julia. A grin on her face Julia put on her walking shoes and picked up the lead. Comma took the rope in her mouth and tugged impatient to be off.
‘Ok Comma. Let’s walk.’
The two of them set off steady paced along the compacted chalk footpath. Comma shot off weaving between the trees, birds calling their warnings as the warm sunshine dappled her back. Julia smiled, life was good. Nothing could beat a walk in the woods with Comma, except, yes, the smile broadened, there was one addition that would make this brilliant. Julia and Comma passed a bunch of wild garlic, the smell wafted around them as Comma bounced through the undergrowth bruising leaves in her eagerness to explore.
Yes there is something, one thing better than a walk with Comma, Julia’s thoughts drifted in the warm breeze. That walk in the Cotswolds was full of wild garlic.
 

Tuesday, 16 March 2010

The End of the day

A clock strikes the hour
pink boots wait patient
above shiny dotty coats
hung from hooks.
Dap bags peep out.

Must weaves its way
through benches
damp mist hangs
in the air.
Silence permeated
then
obliterated
incessant jangle
the churble of thirty.

A shout from the corridor
‘stop messing about Tracey!’
Socked feet pleased
slip into pink boots.

The mop sweeps the floor.

Tuesday, 9 March 2010

No mobile phones take 1

No mobile phones

Tring Tring
‘I’m so sorry’
Keel haul
hang from the yard arm

Tring Tring
‘I’m so sorry’
Grumble rumbles
Hang draw and quarter

Doh Dah Dee
‘that’s not me’
Shudders of laughter
scatter the room

Monday, 8 March 2010

R&R

R&R

Flip-flopping day. Twists from slow to speed
goldilocks porridge printing money, library investigations.
Cold sunshine spins beams on a frost cleansed day
progress discussions challenge the mind.
Fried lunch wolfed at the table, coat and fleece at the ready
then run. March past Victorian tenements now
filled with student lets, the Press pounds to the left
old style shopping mall right. Thomas Hardy shines
past the popular co-op. Phoenix burns bright film.

Giggles and laughter, chocolates shared.
Daylight. Thomas Hardy beckons, gossip tease
beer and gin dispensed.

Saunter chat smiles in the late afternoon
until
arrival at the institution and work recommences.

Sunday, 7 March 2010

Birthday Tea Menu

Triangle sandwiches filled with cheese
egg and cress by their side
runny honey provided by the bees
and pungent strong vegemite.
Celery sticks and cucumber chunks
pickled onions and tomato too.
Pure healthy flapjack designed to dunk,
homemade rubbery toffee all set to chew.
Trifle layered with jelly, custard and cream
iced cookies and buns all served for your tea.
Fresh from the oven one final cake,
set with a candle for you to blow
tied round the middle, with its bright pink bow,
set around, party bags for your guests to take.

Saturday, 6 March 2010

Lost Property take 2


Lost Property

There, at the back, in the corner, behind
the screen, can you see it? Over there,
follow the sunbeams; be careful where you tread.
You’ll know it when you do see it, honest.
It arrived here long ago, delivered too soon.

Yes, that’s it. Serious, giggly child
full of wonder for the world
secure, safe, no doubts
lithe, clever. A little scared of her Mum
Daddy’s Angel. No doubts
skipping though perpetual sunshine.

Friday, 5 March 2010

Missed

Under Review


Missed

Vampirical bullets shot into the brain
shocked the grey matter
rattled the white cells.
Required: Vengeance.

Advert placed in shop window
‘Wanted: Retribution.’
Who will reply?
A slayer, handsome and tall, no
a werewolf gainsaid enemy, no
a priest, experienced exorcist, no.
Who will come?

Speedily snuffling the ground,
she stops, pounces, licks the face
paws on hips, hugging.
Hairy monster, not a dragon
smile bringer, hot water bottle.
She came, she replied.

Fanged adversaries left.