Mareel

You are a sparkle in the eyeof the ocean of the past,a persistent glint on the horizonof the future, the sea foamphosphorescence of autumn nights.You give me warmth in quiet moments,smiles and laughter through the day,and strength to continue when lifegets harder; you are my mainstay. Kim M. Russell, 16th April 2024 Image by Tom […]

History Box

My box is made of cardboard,the largest of a trio I boughtfor myself: pale blue, adornedwith simple flowers, it hasa metal handle, and a whiteribbon to stop the lid from closingwhen I explore what’s inside.It’s a practical box. In my box are imagesin sepia, monochromeand colour, higgledy-piggledy,no order, like life. Theychronicle a family of fivegenerations […]

Observations from a Hotel

I would love to observe the universein a hotel room almost touching stars.Spread-eagled on the bed,meteors and stardust in my head,the moon and her backing singerswould croon a lullaby, sleep-bringersand universal dream-weavers,rocking this would-be astronaut to sleep, breathless at an altitude of 10,171 feet. Kim M. Russell, 2nd April 2024 Photo by John McKaveney: Orion. […]

On the Hill

On my first visit, looking from the Market,I imagined the body of Robert Ketthanging from its walls,a warning to the rebelswho stood up to wealthy landowners,against unfair land enclosures. I wandered up a mound dug by slaves,to an edifice built over Saxon graves,a symbol of Norman subjugation,to counter revolt and rebellion. Throughout history they rose […]

Golconda

City gents without umbrellasfall from the sky like rain; I feel sorry for those fellas,bowler-hatted, dressed in grey, early for work in the morning,late home at the end of the day. Disenchanted gents are fallingpast suburban windows where their perfect wives are waiting,aprons on, scent behind ears, in their hands a glass of something,a peck […]

Sketches of Delft

The Dutch master at his canvas,holding palette and brush,is bathed in February gold.Delft rooftops are drenchedin the light of the golden dawndripping like honeyfrom a golden goblet.Skaters on still-frozen canalsbecome ice folliespainted in the lemon beautyof the sun’s split corona,a celebration of the fragility,the thin veil between winter and spring. Kim M. Russell, 12th March […]

Naivety

Before knowledgeand creativity,all that humankind hadwas naivety:footprints left on a beach,handprints on cave walls,the remains of simpleartisanal tools –the beginnings of civilisationin a flourishing green world,unaware they wouldbe discoveredthousands of milesfrom their origins,thousands of yearsafter their last breaths,along the North Sea’scrumbling cliffs. Kim M. Russell, 5th March 2024 Free image found on Pexels It’s Tuesday, […]

Lost

I think I’velost my mind; it’s beena while since I felt anything. I lockedmyself away in case it broke like an egg  insidemy head. If you gave me yourhand, I’d give you my heart,only it’s shapedlike a box,and lost with my mind forthe last few weeks. Kim M. Russell, 20th February 2024 Image by Gaelle […]

Words Above the Door

This is a space for books and words,stories and poetry live here,with enormous windows for watching birds,cats and occasional deer.The garden outside is wild and green,a space filled with shrubs and trees,while the inside breathes imagination;when you enter, a line or a poem, please,or a prayer for further creation.Bric-a-brac fills all available space,on the walls […]