Dozens appeared in our lawn this week. Never seen
before but apparently harmless, for all their ‘alien invasion’ characteristics.
And I’ve discovered a new writer too – Benjamin Myers – who beautifully and poetically writes tales
of gruesome, stomach churning events within a rural landscape. None of the
coming week’s words appear to offer the opportunities for bloodshed that
‘butcher’ did, yet I am sure each of you
will bring your own brand of poetic queasiness to bear. And thank you for it.
And
despite my ever-present gratitude to Antonia
and Patricia for their stalwart and ever-entertaining attendance here, I nominate Bill’s last-arriving ‘Dockside’ for the
number one spot this week.
Words
for next week: elaborate mend zebra
Entries
by midnight Thursday 3rd November, new
words posted on Friday 4th
Thank you so much, and thanks for overlooking the lateness. I believe this is a personal speed record; Rosie reminded me to write, I sat down at 6:58 local time (11:58 in the UK) and hit 'Publish' nine minutes later. If only I'd started a little earlier, but sometimes the deadline helps.
ReplyDeleteWell deserved win, Bill. Your entries are always such a treat.
DeleteWhoops! - have to say I did not check the time - just enjoyed the tale.
DeleteCongratulations Bill. I shall go back and read all of last weeks entries that appeared after my disappearance from the Ethernet. Spent a blissful week in Hereford in a 4G and Wifi Blackspot, even the TV didn't work properly, so no interruptions to my creative flow. Bliss.
DeleteUmm, no, of course it wasn't late... Bill looks around, whistles a little tune, backs out of the room...
DeleteI went back and commented on all last weeks entries.
DeleteCongrats Bill!
ReplyDeleteLast week got away from me, so attempting again for this week! :)
Comme Ci Comme Ça
ReplyDeleteThings are seldom solely black and white. Well, zebras and pandas, I suppose. But allow me to elaborate.
My character is much maligned and my accomplishments not given anywhere near the credit they deserve. Regardless, like most, I consider myself neither totally bad nor totally good. True, my relationships often leave much to be desired but then it takes compromise to mend fences, wouldn't you agree?
I'll close by saying lord knows I'm no angel.
But I used to be.
How good to receive this sort of wake-up kick on a Saturday morning - you are so good at these short, sharp jabs.
DeleteYou have a great skill and style for these pieces. The sharp point always rounds it off nicely.
DeleteYou are definitely skilled at leaving us with a brilliant line to contemplate. So very curious about the backstory of this character. :)
DeleteNo room for the Zebra
ReplyDeleteThe world is not just black and white,
it’s nothing like a Zebra stripe.
There’s many shades that are in between,
but these other shades are rarely seen.
A wrong, A right, it’s an easy way to start a fight.
No discussion without repercussion.
No wonder it’s hard to sleep at night.
We toss, we turn, uncertain of the proof,
and neither side will elaborate on their version of the truth.
No one is even certain what they are fighting for,
just angry words, before all out war.
Till all shades learn to blend,
this broken world will never Mend
A poetic rendering of dour despair at man's behaviour.
DeleteThoughtful title and a poignant poem to gnaw on tonight. Love the first two lines.
DeleteInsightful as ever, William. You have a magnificent sense of the human condition. I simply sigh and envy!
ReplyDeleteOh, admire and marvel also...!!!
DeleteCripplegate Junction/Part 69-Birds Of A Feather
ReplyDeleteFrom the day the little Zebra Finch (presumably an escaped pet) fluttered outside the Canteen's window, Violet provided a daily serving of Trill. Farthing was always excited by the visits. Violet would have allowed him some unfettered frolicking -- after all, a cage is a cage regardless of elaboration -- if Marmalade indicated he would mend his predatory ways. Failing that, she feared for the Canary's safety.
The Finch, however, had been taken under the Rook's wing. Courtesy of an unspoken agreement between the black bird and the cat, it seemed the Finch was at no risk.
For now anyway.
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To read the earlier installments (a suggestion only) which led to this point in the tale please visit:
http://www.novareinna.com/cripplegate.html
A link to return to "The Prediction" can be found on the site. Thank you.
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I recently read an article about the intelligence of the Corvidae family, but even so wouldn't like to say they'd outwit Marmalade. So clever of you to discover a zebra finch.
DeleteI struggled with how to use zebra in my piece. Definitely clever with the zebra finch, as Sandra mentioned. Love these little looks into Marmalade's world.
DeleteZebra Finch is Indeed an admirable use of the prompt that I wish I had thought of. Loved this and the idea of the Rook's protection.
DeleteKursaal (Episode Forty Four) -- "Carnival Of Mirth"
ReplyDeleteAdmittance to the Kursaal's First Annual Carnival of Mirth was free. One-price bracelets provided access to all attractions. The event catered primarily toward children, with Capers confined to his quarters for the duration...just in case.
Nellie Hubbard mended the rip in her best pointy hat, promised to behave and, in her element, roamed the park cackling, "Hello, my pretties."
An elaborate miniature city fashioned after the Square Mile was erected for the tots' enjoyment, complete with cobblestone walkways, bow-fronted sweet shoppes, zebra crossings and belisha beacons.
For once, the turnstile headcount was precisely the same coming out as going in.
--------------------------------------------------------
To read the earlier installments (a suggestion only) which led to this point in the tale, please visit:
http://www.novareinna.com/kursaal.html
A link to return to "The Prediction" can be found on the site. Thank you.
---------------------------------------------------------
Why, then, does this leave me uneasy? (And zebra crossing too!)
DeleteAnother clever use of zebra, and a light episode for Kursaal... or so we hope. With Sandra's comment, I'm now wondering if we should be concerned if anyone happens to accidentally stay past closing, as some kids do... Another brilliant piece from my favorite world. :)
DeleteYou are on a roll this week Patricia. Like Sandra stated, there is an undertone of unease, brought to a head by that final line.
DeleteChange of focus [206]
ReplyDeletePettinger, forcing himself to calmness, reasoned that Aleks’ skill in baiting the elaborate trap they’d set for him reduced the chance he’d come to harm.
He recalled Ben Brickwood’s oft-repeated ‘If it looks like a zebra, shits like a zebra, chances still are it’s a horse!’
From the start, had it not been for Aleks’ milk-green eyes, he’d have been prepared to learn he wasn’t his son. Aleks could’ve lied about his age; just to comply with Valdeta’s dates.
Could’ve been wearing coloured contact lenses.
But if that were true, how long would it take for Pettinger’s heart to mend?
Clever line about the zebra; I laughed out loud! It is hard to untangle Pettinger's life, for sure. So many threads known and unknown (to him). :)
DeleteYou have certainly got your hooks into this reader Can't wait for the next episode. What this is double change of focus week you say fantastic I'm thirsty for more.
DeleteWell, now you've given me pause for speculation. Aleks is surely Pettinger's boy, right? Right?
ReplyDeleteMore black than white? [Threshold 136]
ReplyDeleteIt was not possible to judge whether his grandmother considered saving Raven’s life at the cost of his father’s to have been the better choice. Watching their interaction – each as sharply separate as stripes upon a zebra – and intuiting an elaborate and much-adjusted history between them (much-mended too – darns and patches becoming more obvious with every passing hour) I began to wonder whether the appellation of ‘scar’ to Raven’s name been his choice or her condemnation.
And why so quick to enlighten me? Before Raven explained what role I played in his life (which I’d been more eager to hear).
Oh, such an interesting line about Raven's name and the addition of 'scar'! Also loved how you compared their interaction to 'each as sharply separate as stripes upon a zebra'.
DeleteVery Clever twist with the observation on the addition of Scar. Fascinating insight in so few words.
DeleteThis was a lovely peek into the history of this series. I am constantly fascinated by the protagonist's observations, so cleverly composed in the first person. And now, we have even more to dwell on regarding the addition of "Scar" to "Raven." And moi aussi am eager to hear more.
DeleteWorried the week will get away from me again, so submitting this as is. Hopefully everyone hasn't forgotten about Olivare. :)
ReplyDeleteConfirmation [7]
Despite his familiarity with Olivare’s power, Arshad’s muscles remained wound for flight, as elaborate, pulsing webs of gold energy flickered and died beneath her sweat-damp skin. She looked at him, eyes returning to emerald, and wiped a trickle of blood from her nose.
“It’s true,” she said, voice flat.
Arshad nodded. “Yes. Worse still, the Magus claims the dawn-web cannot be mended again.”
More blood trickled from Olivare’s nose and she swiped at it absently, leaving zebra-like stripes across her cheek and chin. It was dangerous to draw on the old magic, but damned lethal if the Bore remained open.
I had a delicious catch-up on your blog - so good to return to this world and the interaction between Olivare and Arshad. That casual "she swiped at it absently, leaving zebra-like stripes across her cheek and chin" is superb.
DeleteI got really drawn into this world and the vivid use of Zebra was very pleasing, and disturbing at the same time.
DeleteHow totally wonderful that you have rejoined the ranks. And how magnificent was the installment that heralded this return. I love the high fantasy feel to this serialization. And shame on you for even contemplating that we could forget Olivare.
DeleteThanks everyone! :)
DeleteChange of focus [207]
ReplyDeleteZebras? Coloured contact lenses? Aleks not his son? Pettinger, briefly appalled, recognised such thoughts as not so much elaborate comfort-blanket as a police-trained stage in dealing with the problem. Similarly the idea Aleks would come to no harm, a panacea, attempt to mend what he’d not survive the breaking of. With Jake Cherriman, not known for his love of children, nothing could be guaranteed.
The roar of a departing jet reminded Pettinger he was in a public place; escape lay in attracting public attention. What better way to do so than via the camera so avidly paying attention to him?
Clever ploy to get the protagonist free. I am loving this series.
DeleteAh yes. Of course the enterprising Pettinger would come up with a clever scheme. I danced a small jig of delight to see we had a double dose this week. Who could ask for more?
DeleteLove the continuation! Clever wordplay with the line 'not so much elaborate comfort-blanket as a police-trained stage...'.
DeleteThe Adventures of Rosebud, Pirate Princess #49
ReplyDeleteChorus Songs Encouraged
We’re finally home! Just in time for the monthly pub sing. The theme this time is animals, though we never keep to the theme. It’s nothing elaborate, just a bunch of my morris friends singing at one of our houses. Some of us bring our mending, some quilt, some only sing, but we all have fun. I’m sure Abby will sing “The Aardvark Song”, someone else will certainly sing both moose songs, the “Hounds Can’t Sing” round, and “Arnold”. I wonder if anyone knows a zebra song. Are there any zebra songs?
Lovely, so grounded, and especially enjoyed the plaintiveness of the final question.
DeleteI have sat for some time trying to think of a Zebra song, and I have come up nought. I enjoyed this weeks lovely episode, it's like a picture book.
DeleteThis had more of a tranquil feel to it than the usual Rosebud eisodes. Lovely change of pace. I agree with Sandra that the final question certainly echoed something of a plaintive tone.
DeleteA cozy, inviting scene. Loved the laid back vibe and clever use of songs. :)
DeleteInfinity 171.
ReplyDeleteI want to - but dare not - elaborate on the last entry in this here journal. Least said soonest mended, says I. The cook’s gone over the edge, shouting about zebra meat when we knows it be hog. Or maybe it baint hog, who knows what the tricksy man laid on us afore we set sail?
Decision. I will not ask the last question. I will allow it – whatever ‘it’ may be –to show itself and then I can call on my skills to deal with it.
And then I will use my skills to deal with the cook.
I have an uneasy feeling he's getting himself backed into a corner, but like the ambiguity here.
DeleteVery clever insertion of Zebra, both in words and in Casserole. :D I sense the Cap'n is getting cautious.
DeleteAt the risk of being repetitive, like Sandra, I also have something of an uneasy feel with this installment. But then again, I always get that way with any mention of the "tricksy man." As always, an outstanding addition to an amazing journey.
DeleteI agree with William; clever use of zebra. I laughed out loud! It does feel like something is approaching that could cause problems for the Captain.
Deleteback tomorrow with comments for you all and congratulations to Bill.
ReplyDeleteRacing against time tonight...
Little Martyn 16/06/05
ReplyDeleteShe hated stocktaking alone at night, but the extra cash was enough to make mend. Staring at the zebra striped barcodes under the strip-lighting gave her a migraine, eventually she retreated downstairs to the gloomy staffroom for respite. It smelt skanky down here, like something died. Old Bob had told her the shop was built on a Plague pit hence the pestilent smell. In the dark, tiredness took hold and elaborate shapes like faces formed and dispersed all over her vision. She tried to shake it off, till the faces became bodies and their boney hands dragged her down.
Arghh. "Little Martyn" has returned and with a vengeance! Amazing descriptive passages here. I'm just glad there's no such thing as smellavision! I adore the word "skanky." It's so perfect for what it intends to convey. This was such a delicious read.
DeleteA dark, atmospheric piece with a chilling final line. Definitely sets my imagination spinning, as I sit here in the near dark. I agree with Patricia - glad I can't smell this read with a plague pit making an appearance! :)
DeleteStuff of claustrophobic nightmare here, despite the clever refreshment of the zebra barcodes, but good to see Martyn back.
Delete