Chasing Autumn – Haiku

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summer is closing 
September trips at its door 
a fall worth taking 

A Shade of Ash # 21 – Heart to Heart

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I mentioned my daughter today as I always do in conversation. Oddly enough, to someone the same age as her. The response, “If she is anything like you, Ash, I’m sure she is just as awesome.” My heart sank. Why does the rest of the world see what she cannot? Why do I try to convince myself that what they say is not true because it is not told to me by her? Why do I feel broken and all she did was just sweep away the pieces? Questions I ask all the time because I hurt all the time. Something must be wrong with me. 
 
But then someone comes along and suddenly, my reflection in the mirror changes. The questions disappear as I find another piece of me that was thrown away. Returned by a friendly face reminding me how my big my heart actually is.

The Forever Writer – Haiku

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I found a lost pen
started to write words with it
forever, I write

A Walk to Bartender

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6:05 kicking rocks
every stride a pebble or two
summer hugging me the whole way
the sun was slowly packing up for the day 
and the moon would be here in a few hours 
Saturday so lazy dogs paid no mind to pesky flies 
or to an orange cat nibble-ling a rickety fence 
right there, in front me as my freedom faded away

6:06 I placed my gaze everywhere 
taking in as much still time as I could 
before drunkards beckon me 
fill me full of lies, blow smoke in my face
tell me I’m cute when no one’s watching
and shout more regretful things 
make promises…break promises 
dance 
sing
love 
hate
take swings
jest 
do it all past the pale of moonlight
or until clocks shoo them away

to the place they all knew my name
the walk to a bartender
was a rehearsal
for a keeper of tabs
a keeper of secrets
a keeper of ale
it’s 6:07
what can I get ya… 
 
 
 

Earth to Ash Podcast Episode # 7 – So, How You Doing?

AUDIO VERSION

Am I Write? # 31 – Writing is a Blood Type

When I read the work of other writers, it’s like I am receiving a word transfusion. Their creativity getting shot straight into my veins giving my own life again. – Ash

Setting – Haiku

as darkness bleeds in
this shade and its salty taste
prove I am alive

Story Jots # 6 – UFOcean

It showed up around seven. On the button because Charlie and I had just left the wharf about to start the last whale tour of the day. We were barely at the edge of the bay where it connects with the rest of the ocean when it first peered through the fog. The fog looked as if it was moving with it. Never once revealing too much of it. At first, we assumed it was some offshore ship coming in for unexpected repairs or supplies. That happens from time to time. You’d be amazed by some of the crazy-looking vessels that drop anchor in this harbour. It’s because of how deep and wide the harbour is, and how world-class our shipyard is known to be.

Continue reading “Story Jots # 6 – UFOcean”

Dirty Dare

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that night there was a fire in all their eyes 
each time a heartbeat, another felt its rhythmic passion 
a guise was given to open the euphoric
allow dreams to transpire 
give way to deep fantasies 
unlock rooms full of lust 
a house of secrets welcomes a guest 
sweat makes him shine like a trophy  
his skin is a craving  
aphrodisiac to taste 
casting eyes no matter where the gaze 
he cannot see for propositions 
adventures without warnings 
free tickets without cost 
dare he swims in a sea of naked taunts
dare he wade in a sultry ocean
dare he listen to pleading whispers
dare he…

Journal Entry # 237 – Marsh Reality

If you don’t stop and look around, how can you say you were actually there? When life taps on your shoulder…say hello. – Ash