Paganini's Postings in Poetry and Prose

Random writings ripe for editing

Think of this as a sort of glory hole - mostly old junk but bits here and there may be of use or polish up to something pretty.

Prose

Poetry

Snapshots of grace Some years ago my father was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Amidst the long bereavement that continues there are moments of self knowledge, laughter and love. These poems are part of my response. (Dad finally died on Friday 27th June 2008 at 5:15 am. These poems and others I will post remain in the hope that they will help others going through the long bereavement) (15 pages)
» Snapshot, 18th September 2003
» thoughts on Death 1
» The Long Goodbye
» Thoughts on Death 2
» Talking of death
» a diagnosis
» In My Father's House
» Haiku 24th June 2008
» The Why of it
» We don't eat our peas with honey
» An Importance of Mint Imperials
» Francis
» More

on Jul. 11 2009

Nights like these (working title)

Sensible comments and suggestions please - harsh as you like!

A tired evening and home late
again. The key sticks
as usual, then the sudden
open door, the slight scent
of damp dog and a welcoming
quiet, courtiously waiting
with the familiar slow wag,
the feathered tail. The quick lick,
not quite touching
and a sedate scampering
around my ankles

Later, sitting with Elgar
and discarded Plath,
memory pushes a wet nose
into my hand and rests
your head in my lap.
Running fingers through black fur
and tickling your brindled chest
I remember nights like this
when it was raining but you
demanded a walk anyway
and we ran for the joy of it all.

And after, I fetched a towel and
played you dry as you rolled
and wriggled like a young pup
in a summer meadow. Sometimes
I burrowed my hands into your damp fur
as you tried to lick my face dry,
Or we rested just like this,
Until it was time for a last drink
and bed.

Remembering,
I notice you are gone
and my hands and face
are wet again.

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