Stories
If I was made of chocolate .
I wouldn’t be anyone’s box of chocolate, but my difference would be why I’d be chosen by those who feel it too. I imagine I’d be loosely wrapped in fine white paper soft that breathes and whispers the essence of my humble beginnings – melts in mouth. I’d have a centre soft to roll with ease around the palate, and linger long and thoughtful high above the swallow. My shelf life would be preserved for those in search of something true, and those who cherish the longing, the mystery and the joy of not being found. I think I’d rather not be credited as sweet or popular or nice, just simply filed in mind as unusual and very interesting to sample.
And to be a better chocolate? I’d add time to sift all that’s new and stir the bowls of dark and light. Adding a little at a time. And behold. I save the best for last. With a solitary quiet, “Dah, dah”, the moment when my chocolate self settles warm in its new-found form, and the mould just melts away.
Footnote: Image from CD cover of Grace Jones ‘Hurricane’ album. Reposted from 2012. Find in book, Clunk & Jam.
Held tight by a constant hesitation, for a time, Robin’s world remained unchanged – as did he.
Footnote: Robin seems to be a quietly brave lad, who may have undisclosed or hidden doubts and fears. Maybe he’s standing still and taking his own time to work things out? Maybe he’s not ready to go anywhere right now? Do anything?
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The Dancer and The Following Dark .
There is a ship on the horizon, carrying a container that confines a lonely soul, who can’t see where the ship is taking him, only feels where it has been.
There is a dancer, dancing in her own light. Her space glows with a warmth he doesn’t allow himself to feel. She invites him to come closer, to join her, but he feels undeserving of the light she offers – preferring the shelter of the following dark. For he believes his steely space keeps others safe, spares them the pain of who he is yet to become. But his reluctance to join her deals a much sharper blow.
Her efforts to spin him into her embrace, her offering to feel the soothing space where her fingertips touch the soft painted sky that holds her balanced in the shadows, falls into the dark space between them.
She wonders if he misunderstands her offering. For she doesn’t long for him to dance her dance. Her only want is that he allows her dance to hold him in a moment she believes he deserves. And that he’ll step from the following dark, carrying nothing more than a desire for moments – and the freedom to dance in his own light.
(Reposted from 2014. Art journal page by Harley Manifold . Find in ‘Clunk & Jam’ book.)
Robin Small was unbearably awkward in pubic and so began the battle of – what to do with hands .
Footnote: Not everyone sits comfortably in the world or in social situations. Which isn’t a weakness. Simply a difference. It’s brave to explore where you feel you ‘fit’ in in the world. To not deviate under the pressure to conform.
Footnote: Not everyone is confident socially. And if you’re someone who is comfortable in their own company, often others aren’t comfortable with that. And a lot of kids get bullied because they don’t fit in too. The ultimate place to get to perhaps if you’re a ‘Bags the back seat’ person is being quietly confident, solidly grounded in your own place – despite the reactions and views of those around us.
Society generally looks down on the ‘loner’ too. Those who are different, those who live in their own quiet company. And for those who like all the attention, there’s something unsettling, almost threatening, about the quiet observer—one who looks on. Doesn’t join in. This ‘Ink’ also raises questions about position and status. What comes to mind are things like, ‘working your way to the top’, ‘climbing the ladder’, ‘securing the lead role’, being ‘top of the class’, ‘first over the line’, ‘making it to the top’ and ‘rising star’. And you’ll have more of your own to add. But the back seat has it’s advantages, particularly the seat on the isle – at least have the freedom to get up and leave.
(Reposted from 2009. Originally in ‘Rock The Boat’ book, 2009. Now in Clunk & Jam book, 2019.)
Heroic Friendship .
A Super Hero heroic friend, is someone who drops in at precisely the right moment, taking you in, up and beyond yourself, with no need for detail or explanation – because they have no need to know.
A Super Hero heroic friend, is comfortable enough in pain and role to welcome you in your own, tenderly cradling your place in time – and leaving the threads alone.
A Super Hero heroic friend’s words not only catch and soothe but wrap around shoulders made soft and light – as you lap long in the lingering warmth.
A Super Hero heroic friend, hovers quiet and long and never really leaves even when you go. Is solid enough to carry you with no show of strain – remaining loyal throughout your endless cause.
(Reposted from 2012. Picture from ‘Coles Funny Picture Book’. Find in Clunk & Jam book.)
