Latest Non-Fiction

Poetry ...

An attempt at writing a haibun...They say he suffers from affluenza... An affliction that leads to sloth, obesity and a general tendency towards self-gratification. His domestic employees only remain in his household as the money is good and helps to compensate for his temper tantrums, his fastidiousness and his demanding nature.His spouse however cannot tolerate him any longer...she has suffered one year of his insufferable temperament and even the diamonds showered on her, to impress ...

‘What a glorious island darling sunshine, beautiful sea, this romantic bungalow, our own sailing dinghy. Simply perfect.’ ‘Drink your iced tea my dear or it’ll get warm.’ Moira drank deeply ‘shall I call the houseboy to bring more?’ ‘I gave him the afternoon off dearest.’ ‘Well I've had enough tea anyway.’ Yes, you certainly have my dear.’ Whatever do you mean John?’ ‘I poisoned yours dearest you’ll be dying soon then I’ll have all your ...

My wife and I were on holiday on the island of Tenerife in 2010 when all aircraft were grounded because of the volcanic eruption in Iceland ...

I am still allowed my opinion ...

I don’t need to say ‘Table for one’ any more. The waiter has stopped saying it as well. He would always end with the little upward inflection that seemed to mock my single state. Or maybe that was just my imagination. But I don’t think so. Why had he taken so long to stop saying it? Of course I wanted a table for one. Did he think I had come with an invisible escort? My ...

 This is the intro to a longer longer story about the demise of Carlton Tallis ...

This is in response to a 5 hundred word challenge that was submitted on the aternative uka site but didn't make it over to this one. Other postings seemed to make it okay? ...

Head bowed against siling rain Collar up shielding ears Hat brim a leaking spout Shoes beat a tattoo as He Lowried, Uphill, Cobbled streets. And cursed his need of meat And bread And eggs And milk for tea. A passing car scythed Gutter water Over polished shoes He raised his fist And cursed a curse That, against the wind skirl Went unheard A shopping list Suit out from Wizard cleaners. Perhaps, if he had the ...

We all take criticism of our work in different ways. Sometimes we thank the critic and sometimes we are cut to the quick by brutal honesty. If I say your poetry’s great Please don’t reciprocate Just say what you think It won’t cause a stink I will not shout or berate If you find my wit makes you weary If you think my poems are dreary If my purple prose Gets right up your nose ...

The reason I feel so alive, Is ‘cos I learned to dive Between you and me Vitamin sea Is all you need to survive ...

The competition asked for ‘A short factual – maybe humorous article about the problems associated with getting older, from a personal perspective.’ Some of the responses were predictable:- aches and pains, losing hair and teeth, failing eyesight, losing driving ability, etc. I wrote the following, and submit it here just to see if I have done things correctly and if it appears in the right place. It’s just possible some of you may identify with ...

Trapped. Goad 'A'm Hungry, whit A wid dae furra a16 0z steak wi aw the trimmings, onion rings and chips, aw that's whit a could go right noo,”Charlie mused. “Right, ma turn, Cottage pie wi cabbage, loads ae cabbage, wi a salty broon gravy,” said Davy smacking his lips. The lamp flickered again; the pit walls could be seen seeping with water, running down to pour away in a stream six inches wide. They had ...

He was fed and nourished from the lives of others having no descernible life of his own. To the cast members of The Rugby Players he was 'Electric John', responsible for Lights, Limes and Spots. The Stage Crew called him 'John' for some unfathomable reason. Being artistic and believing ourselves blessed with a waspish sense of humour, we felt it terribly witty to use such an adjective on a man possessed of no dynamism whatsoever ...

These stories and poems have been selected by members of the writer’s website, UKAuthors, and on the basis of votes cast for each piece. Whether you prefer humour to chuckle at, drama to weep over, poetry that bounces along or systematically carries you with it, you will find it all within these covers. Ideas, emotions and real life inhabit the work, and imagination and skill are at full strength. Read and enjoy, and meet the ...