Stories
This is Impossible – So Let’s Get Started.
Below is an excerpt from a student’s exploration of the book, ‘Clunk & Jam’, for an English assignment. Thank you RB for choosing Clunk & Jam to review and the personal insights you’ve written about and kindly (bravely) shared …
‘The Super Hero series stems from Browne always having had a strong social conscience and being very sensitive – particularly to the suffering of others, or bad things happening. There was a part of her that wanted to save the world (the child/teenage) – knowing full well she couldn’t (the adult self). “I was one of those kids who felt really responsible for people around me and what was happening. And then I had experiences where no-one showed up for me, so I lost faith in the notion of real life Super Heroes.”
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Rose took her life into her own hands .
Rose does things her own peculiar way, never relinquishing personal plans of the most unconventional type. She confidently makes unadvised decisions which often place her outside of all things mainstream. Rose fully embraces this difference, the unique directions she plots, and the independence her own decision making affords her. She works within a space-like time frame, creating objects galore that keep her safe and sound in mind – and well outside the orbit of others. Long Live Rose.
Footnote: ‘Taking her life into her own hands’ may be about not only about being self reliant but also keeping all the good things safe and close. Protecting those things from the tendency many of us have of self sabotaging and diminishing our own worth. Protecting all parts of ourselves from the horrible habit of comparison maybe? And within that small, precious space, setting our own limits. Being less our own enemy and dimmer of our potential.
(Clunk & Jam and Wisdoms of Rose books, 2019. Reposted from 2013).
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.
Introducing Robin Small
His future lay unbound….Although inspired by the Super Hero of ancient times, Robin Hood, Robin Small is not the crusading sort, he’s more of an outsider who is simply heroic in his own time. He is apprehensive within the modern world, yet stands firmly in his vulnerability. He is wise and brave in his own life and journey – and the steps he takes towards a future of his own making.
Find Robin Small in Clunk & Jam book 2019.
(Reposted from 2014)
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.)
