Poem First Draft

It's been a long time since I have been inspired to try my hand at poetry. I've never claimed to be a poet, but occasionally it happens. And as I was walking yesterday, these words started to come to me. I thought they were going to be descriptive prose but they've turned into this little prose poem.

The photo is a bit of a cheat - taken at a different time and in a different place, although close. But it does serve to illustrate one of the poem's lines.

I'm not really sure it's a finished poem yet. What do you think?

Strolling

Behind the park, the sea was still – like glass –
and quiet – just a ripply murmur where gentle waves met the shore.
Below the wooden pier the posts seemed elongated,
then their reflections shimmered, for the breeze stirred the water
as I strolled by.

To the right, the wooded shores of Arne loomed dark against the sky and sea.
Far ahead the massive ferry liner soared over tiny boats
as it slid slowly and silently into its docking place,
two small spirals of grey smoke climbing from its funnels,
as I strolled on.

The sand was polka-dotted with prints of people, dogs and birds,
yet empty of life until, around the corner, one brave sunbather stretched out.
The line of beach huts closed and shuttered, except for one
which an old man painstakingly painted bright green before the winter,
as I strolled on by.

Where I Live Now

Well I got my Helium star back. I know what to do now if I lose it again. Find a competitive title and write for it. Actually, I guess if I do some more of that and build up my portfolio there, it's less likely that I will lose it again.

Now to change the subject. I've had family and friends round today so did lots of vacuuming and tidying up this morning. Each time different people are due to come, a few more things find homes in this house and it gets a little tidier. I cooked a big roastie meal and we sat around chatting for ages till about 4.30 when I suggested a walk at the beach.

And this time I remembered my camera. Here are some of the views on the way.

Will Egypt Help Me Get a Star?

I recently lost my Helium star yet again. It didn't go last month as I had expected when they removed my top spot article that had been wrongly published elsewhere with someone else's byline - and accused me of plagiarism. So I did get my upfront payments added to my account then. But I realised I wouldn't this month unless I can get my star back.

So I've pulled out all the stops and posted a piece today for a competitive title and wait to see where it goes in the ratings. Hopefully it could do the trick. It's about our visit to the tombs of the pharaohs in The Valley of the Kings close to Luxor, where we went for our holiday this year. You're not allowed to take photos inside the tombs so I didn't take my camera, but I did take this picture near the temple we visited on the way there.

The article I wrote was about personal experience, which means it won't be accepted at Constant Content. I'll have to see what else I can do with it. In the meant time, you can read it here.

High Paying North American Markets

For all you US writers out there, or people aiming for the north American markets, I've just got news of this very useful e-book covering 27 markets that pay at least $1 US per word. One Dollar Markts for Freelance Writers was compiled by Krista Barret, who says these markets were hard to find. She includes everything you'll need to pursue them, including contact details, but warns that editors don't always stay put for long so should be checked on websites.

If anyone decides to buy this book, please let me know if it would be worthwhile for someone operating from the UK.

Home Again

Here I am back at home again, after a great weekend with my grandaughter and then a pretty long morning driving. I'm feeling too exhausted to write, so instead here's another picture taken from the footpath along the shore of Holes Bay - my nearest spot to the sea in Poole Harbour.

Quality Time with my Granddaughter

I'm not at home today. In fact, I won't be home till Monday. My daughter has left me in charge of my granddaughter while she takes a city break in Barcelona with some girlfriends. I hope they enjoy it.

I got up here in the great metropolis in good time to collect Eryn from school yesterday and we had a good evening playing an endless series of Guess Who games. It did have to end, of course, and I finally managed to get a reluctant 6 year old into bed. Now she is at school again.

I found the picture of her with a little doggie friend on the computer here.

Holes Bay with Camera

When I went for my walk today I remembered to take my camera.

After about 10 minutes I came across this view across Holes Bay to another suburb of Poole.

Some lucky people only have to look out of their windows to see it.

This dead tree covered with fruiting brambles, bindweed and other vegetation, makes the flat panorama more interesting.