The gate opens out of the last lock onto a small pool before the sea lock, A tiny idyll abound with wild flowers and skitting birds. Several startled swallows are rattled from their hidey-holes in the structure of the lock gate. The old canal wall curves around from our right to describe a circle, SlopingContinue reading “A visit to Ardrishaig”
Author Archives: Schnark
Christmas and the NHS
Salbutomol 100mcg 2x daily if required Beclamethazone 200mcg 1x daily, Calcium and Vitamin d3 600mg & 400IU, (10mcg) x2 twice daily. Alendronic Acid 70mg x1 once weekly. Folic acid 5mg once daily. Methotrexate 20mg injected once weekly, skip folic acid on this day. Tacrolimus 0.1% ointment once daily applied externally to affected areas as required.Continue reading “Christmas and the NHS”
Rosehips
Prickly scarlet kisses dangle dangerously over the water butt. I am tasked with taming them. Surgical precision cuts with cold steel Leave a pile of thorns and blushes at my feet. The brightest are to keep, Those mellowing to a fire orange Can be raised to the mouth, Sucked out from the back end, SweetContinue reading “Rosehips”
Destiny in our hands
Some time ago, I set myself up as a film reviewer, discussing Michael Moore’s unpopular film. https://schnark.home.blog/2020/05/05/planet-of-the-humans-hope-or-pragmatism/ I watched another film last night which seemed to pick up where Michael Moore’s left off. Moore calls out the lie that we will be saved by technology but this film tells very clearly that we can beContinue reading “Destiny in our hands”
Oh wretched mouse
Dear little mouse, It has been two years now Since your last appearance, And once again you have destroyed my peace. My poor dear wife is driven to distraction For fear of what you might be doing. And where did you find that acorn? In our attic studio. I understand your pleasure in devouring it,Continue reading “Oh wretched mouse”
Series Apocalypse
This blog is supposed to be about the end of the world, dinghy sailing, and other things. Other things seem to have taken over of late, mouse poems, cat poems and reflections on the mundane have held sway. I have been prophesying doom for many years, I remember years ago as I was sweating aboutContinue reading “Series Apocalypse”
Is there life on Anne Ward?
Last night I went to St Thomas’ for a blood test. I was seen quickly by a good humoured phlebotomist, so as I left unhurriedly, I thought of my old dad up on the 9th floor who hasn’t been seen for weeks. It has suited me really to ignore him, to renounce all responsibility forContinue reading “Is there life on Anne Ward?”
Little Bird
Dear little bird, You have become trapped under the netting Over my neighbour’s cabbages. A state of dire panic You exercise every muscle in your body In an effort to be free of that spiteful web. I am moved with pity and anger. I try to help But I need a knife to cutContinue reading “Little Bird”
Fortune telling under the apple tree
Fortune telling under the apple tree. Down on the allotment, by Ravensbourne Brook, a mature apple tree flouts the height regulations. I think two metres is the usual rule, mine is closer to six. Fortunately, our committee have better things to do, and anyway, the apple tree was here before any of us. My treeContinue reading “Fortune telling under the apple tree”
The Battle of Ravensbourne Brook
Beside my end of the allotments runs Ravensbourne Brook. I was taken aback when I got here tonight to see a silent dog fight in the sky between a crow and a heron. I fancy the heron was after eggs for his tea, the crows are amazing, they marked him constantly, and the heronContinue reading “The Battle of Ravensbourne Brook”
