I was part of this wonderful anthology and would love to share it with you.
“Outcast and Other Words” is an online community anthology of poetry and short fiction written in response to a year’s worth of weekly writing prompts. It’s a celebration of words, of creative writing and inspiration.
A chance.
A hope.
A dare.
A dream.
A disappointment.
A response.
A misunderstanding.
A problem.
A despair.
A regret.
A mess.
A valuable lesson learned.
Never again.
People; do you ever really know?
They disappoint you. So
Keep your expectations low.
When life throws you blow upon blow,
Their silence speaks volumes.
People; do you ever really know?
Indifference. Likes to burn slow.
A simmering glance, a drawn out sigh.
Keep your expectations low.
A strangled plant, it’s hard to grow,
When surrounded by weeds.
People; do you ever really know?
Actions mean more than what you crow,
Beware smiling assassins.
Keep your expectations low.
Guarded I’ll be, loathe to show,
My innermost thoughts lest
People; do you ever really
know?
Keep your expectations low.
By Sarah ©2022
Mindlovemisery’s Menagerie, Saturday Mix – Lucky Dip, 23 April 2022
Last weekend, my husband and I were walking around the lovely, serene Lake Ginninderra in Canberra’s north. The lake, though man-made (to deal with excess stormwater around the area), is fed by nearby Ginninderra Creek.
The word “ginninderra” is derived from the local indigenous Ngunnawal word, meaning “sparkling” or “throwing little rays of light”. On most days, this is an exceptionally apt name as the lake is also one of my favourite kayaking spots, with pristine glassy water shimmering reflected light from it.
I also love this lake for its abundance of bird life. I enjoy indulging my inner “twitcher” as I strive to spot and name the plethora of species that call the lake their home.
So after strolling along the shores in John Knight Memorial Park, I was delighted to see some mallard ducks paddling the shallows with 6-8 very young, very fluffy, very ADORABLE ducklings. Sharing my delight, was a boy throwing bread to our happy feathered family.
Or so I thought…
As I drew nearer I was horrified to hear a “clack” as the “bread” hit the ground just shy of the shoreline near the ducks.
The little turd was throwing rocks at them!
I clicked my tongue in anger and my husband, sensing my rage, told me to “leave it”.
But I just couldn’t.
What.
The.
Actual.
F@ck.
What was WRONG with this child?
As a teacher, I just couldn’t let this behaviour go by.
“Hey!” I shouted in my best teacher-voice (I am on holidays after all), “How would you like it if I threw some rocks at you? Stop it and leave them alone.”
He looked at me goggled-eyed and disbelieving and I had a nanosecond where I felt I had gotten through to him.
Until his claque (AKA parents) swooped down from their high horses and began to tell me off for daring to reprimand their precious, darling, little pyscho….I mean, son.
I repeat.
What.
The.
Actual.
F@ck.
What is WRONG with (some) parents?
How is this ok?
What example are they setting?
Were they simply embarrassed at their lack of supervision and taking it out on me?
So the lesson that kid learned:
Go ahead.
Throw rocks at the ducks.
Don’t listen to what anyone tells you, but most of all…
Don’t worry about being a good human.
I know it’s “just” ducks and I know I’m sounding old but, seriously? How has it come to this? The world has gone quacking quackers!
I struggle to comprehend this entitled, selfish style of clique parenting. We are growing monsters of our youth; indulging and accepting their every whim instead of letting them grow and learn from their mistakes.
I walked away.
Speechless.
My husband turned to me, shook his head sadly, and said, “Told you to leave it.”
p.s. I hope that kid gets seriously swooped during magpie season. The birds will have their day.
Mindlovemisery’s Menagerie, Double Take - 8 January 2022
No one dare say
this is going to be our year
We need to walk in slow
Tread quietly. Tiptoe.
Be cautious
Be respectful
Be prepared
And don’t touch anything
Let 2022 be.
Instead, just hope
Hope it knows the assignment
This year will be its own creation
– whether we like it or not.
By Sarah ©2022
Mindlovemisery’s Menagerie, First Line Friday – 31 December 2021 and Saturday Mix – 1 January 2022*
*Line poetry contains a hidden message. When the last line of each stanza is read, it forms it’s own mini poem or tale.
These sallow skies reveal
Clarion scenes,
as the people
Emerge.
The lockdown is over.
It’s same, same…
Yet different in
This post COVID norm.
Faces beam.
Fresh with verdant hope.
It’s time to live again.
By Sarah ©2021
Mindlovemisery’s Menagerie, Saturday Mix – Same Same But Different
Is it really so black and white?
A choice so unusual?
Not common?
The answer is no.
But yet,
I hesitate.
Should I?
Shouldn’t I?
I am in two minds
No matter how hard I try.
The fear is holding
Me back.
Do I risk it?
Lose face if I fail?
Or put myself out there,
Lest I prevail?
Deadline is looming.
But words won’t flow.
My head all
cotton-woolly.
Stop! Get going…
But confidence eludes me
Where it should not.
I’ve lost belief.
Given over instead
To the fear
Of what might,
Or might not be.
By Sarah ©2021
Mindlovemisery’s Menagerie, Tale Weaver – Fear; and also, Saturday Mix – Opposing Forces
That’s right
I’m the sidekick
Riding the tailcoats
Of those braver than I
Too shy
Too scared
To bare my teeth
And so I smile
Push me around?
You can for a while
I promise, I won’t mind
Instead I smile
My knuckles are white
I grit my teeth
Composure like armour
“Yes,” I smile
My soul awakens
She tries to get out
Shh. No one cares
I falter…
Gently I push
Gently I prod
The cocoon opens wide
And I fly right out
I am bioluminescent
I’m ready.
Projecting my stars in the sand
For all to see
By Sarah ©2021
Carrot Ranch, August 19: Flash Fiction Challenge, and also, Mindlovemisery’s Menagerie, Take Weaver -19/8
I am better than this.
But still, I slip.
A slip.
A spiral.
Ashamed.
Around in my head I go.
Torturing,
Self-eviscerating
Every. Moment.
Replayed and amplified.
A car crash of thoughts and feelings.
There’s a scrap heap in my mind.
A junk yard fire.
I am better than this.
But it’s got the best of me.
By Sarah ©2021
There’s a cacophony in my head.
And it won’t go away.
I’ve tried sleeping pills
But there’s no guarantee.
I drop some helium
To cull the birds
Coz the tweets are endless
A faithless dirge
And so I’m held
Too painfully aware.
Is it possible to hope?
Do I dare to care?
This fustian pair
Between my ears
See that decisions are made
for me in arrears
Wishes are portable
This I do know
Thoughts are transferable
Wherever I go.
So while there is still
a slit; a gleam
I have to believe I can
Dream a little dream
By Sarah ©2021
Mindlovemisery’s Menagerie, Tale Weaver – 12.8.21 and Wordle #253; as well as, Carrot Ranch, August 12: Flash Fiction Challenge
Here we go, a rollercoaster ride
Snap! just like that – we’re locked inside
Daily numbers on the rise
Contagion, multiplies
Just as we relax
COVID attacks.
Not again!
Here we
go…
By Sarah ©2021
Mindlovemisery’s Menagerie, Saturday Mix – Lucky Dip, Saturday 14 August
Izzy didn’t believe in luck, until that cat crossed her path.
She had always been certain that events in her life were the direct result of her own decision making and efforts.
But that cat. That damned cat.
It changed everything.
Izzy had always been in control. Self-assured. Confident. She was a fortress, impenetrable and locked up tight. She didn’t let anyone or anything in, and she didn’t want to.
Which was what was so annoying about the whole situation. In one split second this cat had undermined everything she’d worked for. Just like that.
She glanced resentfully at the small obsidian mass of fur, contentedly purring on the passenger seat of her car. He didn’t even seem to realise, nor care, that he’d had such a close call. Nine lives down to eight now.
Her eyes darted back to the road again, as she gripped the steering wheel tensely. No, no, no, her subconscious chanted.
Only a couple more blocks, she reasoned. Then this would be someone else’s problem.
She whirled her vehicle into the drive of the animal shelter, breathing a sigh of relief as she flipped off the engine.
“Right hairball,” she stated firmly to the cat, “time to go.” She unbuckled her seatbelt and reached over to grab him.
She gently lifted his warm, silky body. He really was very cute. Maybe…
Nope! she thought. Let’s go.
She snuggled the cat close to her chest, lifting the flap of her jacket over the top to keep him warm. After all, it was cold out.
Izzy crunched her way up the gravel pathway, trying to determine where the entrance was. She stepped up onto the verandah and tried the first door.
Locked.
She wandered slowly along to the next. “Welcome to the RSPCA” she read on the small plaque.
Ahh, she sighed. Here we go. She pulled the handle but was met with more resistance. It too, was locked.
She swore under her breath as she took in the sign, “Opening Hours 7:30 – 5pm”.
Flicking her wrist, Izzy observed the time 5:07pm on her watch. Seriously?! she thought.
She pondered what to do next. Maybe, she could just leave him on the doorstep? No, that wouldn’t work – he’d just wander off; maybe back onto the road again. Was there an after hours number to call? Her eyes scoured the colourful signage for more information, but to no avail.
“Looks like you’re out of luck bud,” she said to the cat.
He looked up at her with his spooky yellow eyes, challenging her otherwise.
“Well you can’t come with me!” she objected.
The cat opened his mouth, and yawned.
At this, she laughed.
“Honestly, you don’t want me to be in charge here.”
But the cat’s gaze was unwavering.
“I look after myself, not others. It’s not personal, it’s just how I am,” she babbled.
The cat blinked.
She was beginning to see, there was no point arguing.
“Well, I guess, if it’s only for one night,” she conceded.
At that, the cat snuggled back into her chest and began to purr. Mission accomplished, he seemed to be saying.
Izzy’s heart melted and knew right then, that that cat wouldn’t be going anywhere. He was undeniably, all hers.
It was Lucky indeed, who showed Izzy what she didn’t even know she was missing.
By Sarah ©2021
Mindlovemisery’s Menagerie, First Line Friday – August 13, 2021
No longer hiding my bushel.
No longer willing to wait.
No longer content staying silent.
I step out.
Unashamed.
Unabashed.
Unabated.
It’s thoroughly unlike me.
Yes, I’m scared.
Yes, I’m worried.
Yes, I’m filled with trepidation.
But I can’t do it anymore.
I can’t hide.
I can’t pretend.
I can’t ignore who I am.
It’s gone far beyond that.
Inhale,
Exhale.
Just. Breathe.
I can do this.
I have to.
I want to.
I need to.
And so I do.
It’s time for me.
It’s time for more.
It’s time.
Time to glow.
By Sarah ©2021
Lasso the sun?
If only I could
I’d make you stay
If only you would
You captured my heart
But not mine you
A one way river
A dried up slew
I wanted to trap you
Encase you in stone
Secret you away
As mine alone
But you shine brightly
As only I dare
My eyes avert yours
An imperfect pair
I”m left in a wasteland
Of my own making
Lessons learned from
Giving not taking
Now I turn my back
And let you be
You’re just too elusive
This I can see
I’ll admire from afar
Bask only in your light
Lasso the sun?
One day, I might…
By Sarah ©2021
I dream of escape
Escape from in here
Here is my nightmare
Nightmare and fear
Spiralling down
Down to the black
Black prefers dark
Dark doesn’t talk back
It’s been a long time
Time has stood still
Still in my mind
Mind been through hell
But now dawn is rising
Rising to light
Light from a doorway
Doorway in sight
I cross the threshold
threshold anew
anew expectations
Expectations of you
Please hold my hand
hand trembling, I go
Go through the opening
Opening so slow
Guide me with love
Love me carefully
Carefully we’ll weave
Weave a journey
By Sarah ©2021
why so perplexed?
don’t you know I’m off my rocker?
this is no palaver
I am indeed what you think:
that stunted shrub
the shadow that follows you
the inky depths of a fetid pool
the feeling that you are being watched
the disturbing coincidence
the sensation of being
off kilter
look – I am there!
and you will find
you have been
thwarted
By Sarah ©2021
Also, Mindlovemisery’s Menagerie, Saturday Mix – Same Same But Different. Synonyms substituted as follows:
We shake our heads in disbelief
With eyes wide open shut
Our mouths yet still have plenty to say
When will it be enough?
Conspiracy! It’s just fake news
And what about our rights?
Yet COVID hears no words of peace
Continuing its blight
The world after this so far away
Solutions many but none
Cities crumble, people lost
Survival’s the rule of thumb
We’re losing our humanity
Capacity to care
We need to work together
Because none of this is fair
We shake our heads in disbelief
With eyes wide open shut
Our mouths yet still have plenty to say
When will it be discussed?
By Sarah ©2021
Mindlovemisery’s Menagerie, Photo Challenge #376 and Tale Weaver, 5 August 2021
These villainous acts keep me up at night
My conscience cannot rest
Although I’ve done not one thing wrong
My intentions do contest
Infatuation blazes in
This yearning heart of mine
It’s criminal indeed to know
The secrets that I hide
Each wretched day, I live a lie
A smile pasted on my face
Eyes dart ‘round for just one glimpse
Yet oft, there is no trace
This cursed blight splintering
Dreams better to put to bed
The kicker is, none of it’s real
It’s all inside my head
By Sarah ©2021
You love me like rain.
In a downpour of affection.
Torrential.
Flooding.
Life-giving.
I am thirsty and you are my oasis.
Until you are not.
Now, I’m in drought.
Alone with a withered heart.
And I hate you for that…
By Sarah ©2021
Sammi Scribbles, Weekend Writing Prompt #220 – Oasis ; and Mindlovemisery’s Menagerie, Opposing Forces – 31 July 2021
August approached in a golden sweltering haze. The customary way she entered a room, really.
Her hair fanned out around her shoulders as she sped across the floor. The glower in her speckled hazel eyes alerted me, this was not a social visit.
Drawing a deep breath, I forced a smile and said, “My darling! What a surprise, and delight.”
“Oh cut the crap,’ August retorted.
“Why, now. There’s no need for hostility August,” I crooned.
“Spare me the platitudes,” she scoffed. “I’m not in the mood.”
“Yes. Ok, yes, That I can see. So why not tell me the problem?”
“You know very well you icy bastard.” She was positively radiating rage. The heat of her anger danced a trickle of sweat down my forehead.
Well, she had me there.
I did know; I just wasn’t sure why it was always such a problem. Better to beg forgiveness now, I conceded. Make it easier for next time.
“August, honey – you know how this works.”
“But it’s so unfair!” she whined. “People like me! People crave me. I make their lives so much happier. Happier than her, anyway. What does she have that I don’t?” she demanded.
Without waiting for a reply, she continued.
“Honestly, all I want is a few more days. A week. Two, max.”
“August, I’m sorry. I am. But it’s just not possible. You’ve had 31 days, and that’s more than some. Think about poor February for instance.”
This caused her to pause, so I went on, seizing the momentum.
“It’s not like you won’t have another chance; and you can build up your energy again – shine bigger! Brighter than ever! Eleven months is nothing in the big scheme of things. Give your fans time to miss you, and I assure you, you will be adored even more,” I promised.
Her eyes softened, and she smiled.
“I guess,” she said, ruefully, “I mean September is such a hot mess, how could they not adore me?”
“That’s right,” I soothed. “You’re so right beautiful August. They call it “the fall” for a reason – how could she live up to you? Now chin up. You’ve got your last day to enjoy!”
August beamed as she air kissed each of my cheeks goodbye. It was true. Bathing in her sunshine was glorious.
After she had gone, I sighed and leant back heavily into my chair. My temples throbbed from a headache that was developing and I needed a drink.
That had been a close call with August. And it didn’t make it any easier knowing I now had September to deal with.
My job wasn’t easy. Nope. Not at all. But as they say, “Time stands still for no-one.”
By Sarah ©2021
Mindlovemisery’s Menagerie, First Line Friday – July 30, 2021
You have heard it said, ‘Eye for an eye, and tooth for a tooth.’ But the bible also tells you in another breath, “If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek.”
So therein lies a conundrum.
Vengeance, by it’s very definition is our thirst for punishment. Punishment inflicted in retaliation for an injury or offense; AKA retribution. It is a primal human response that can serve to remind others you’re not to be trifled with. It provides a way to keep order.
But revenge comes at a cost. Ask someone why they seek revenge, and they’re likely to tell you their goal is catharsis. The paradox is, the exact opposite tends to happen. We are at the mercy of our ruminations.
When we don’t get revenge, we’re able to trivialize the event. We tell ourselves that because we didn’t act on our vengeful feelings, it wasn’t a big deal. This makes it easier to not necessarily, forget, but move on.
But when we do get revenge, we can no longer trivialize the situation, and we continue to think about it. A lot.
So yes, I say, “Turn to them the other cheek” but make sure you barb it with thorns first. Just in case…
By Sarah ©2021
Craning my neck
I stretch up up up
towards the sun.
Lobed wings
allow the wind to pass me by,
caressing my sides as
I fly
Regally I stand
Sentry like and tall
Imposing in my stature.
I dominate them all.
Green minions crowd at my feet;
glance admiringly at my
coat. My plumage full and
bright, I’m never one to gloat
There is nothing more
vivid than the colours
I wear – only perhaps
that of the skies of which
I long to soar
…yet always out of reach
By Sarah ©2021
Sammi Cox, Weekend Writing Prompt #219 – Vivid
Don’t do that! Don’t say that! Don’t be like that! Her critical voice slices through me, and I shrink away. I just want to be heard. But she won’t let me.
She is hard.
She is tough.
She is unbreakable.
Or so she would have you believe.
Why the bravado? I timidly wonder; never daring to enquire.
Instead, I give her a peevish look, my eyes boring into her, silently willing…trying… to impress upon her, how she is causing me to decay.
Not that she’d care.
She wants me silent.
She wants me quashed.
She wants me to just
Go.
Away.
Is it because I remind her
that sometimes, words aren’t necessary.
A presence is enough.
A muted stare.
But you can’t ignore a subconscious forever.
One day, I will loom large,
and take back control.
Until then.
I wait.
I stay hushed.
That’s me, the quiet one.
For now…
By Sarah ©2021
I just kinda knew we would be together. This shy, kind boy; and me, the loudmouth neurotic.
Funnily enough, we fit together perfectly – a tessellation of sorts. Over the years, our tiles have slipped and moved against each other; at other times, apart. But we have committed to closing those gaps.
After all that’s marriage, isn’t it?
By Sarah ©2021
It’s all a blur – once the meltdown begins. That familiar sinking feeling, consumes me again.
My face blanches as I realise what I’ve done. It’s too late now though. It’s happened.
“What were you thinking?” my beleaguered mind screams.
“That’s the problem… she wasn’t,” replies my subconscious, smirking, “Always the way, once she gets a few drinks in her.”
My head spins as I scrabble to assemble jigsaw pieces of the previous night.
But it’s no use.
There’s nothing there.
Time hosts invisible memories.
Sick to my stomach, all I can do now is ask, “Who else knows?”
By Sarah ©2021
Photo by Nsey Benajah on Unsplash
I am the monster of every story.
That’s right.
I am.
A catacomb mind.
A labyrinth.
I have.
With ghoulish glee.
A spectre.
I see.
Hateful stares
Catch you unawares
I smile.
Threatening vows
Suspicions roused
I laugh.
The pleasure’s mine
Twisting your twine.
I unravel.
Oh yes,
I am the monster of every story.
That is, every story
That’s mine.
By Sarah ©2021
Mindlovemisery’s Menagerie, First Line Friday – 2 Jul 2021
It was with a swath of nays,
I vocalised the strongest neigh
It’s like I never was in
P
A
I
N
It was nothing,
See me?
In the window pane?
It’s nothing.
That’s right…
Me.
I’m nothing.
By Sarah ©2021
Mindlovemisery’s Menagerie , Saturday Mix – Double Take, 26 June 2021
Unfolding. Night creeps.
Aglow, refresh bewitched minds
A piece of sky’s high
By Sarah ©2021
Ronovan Writes, Weekly Haiku Challenge #357 – high and refresh and Mindlovemisery’s Menageries, Photo Challenge #365
On greasy winds
they float.
Shirtless.
Shapes of
nonesuch, making
their return.
Easily obnubilating
My silent
screams.
The apartment of
my mind
Apart from man.
By Sarah ©2021
Line by line
I craft.
I dig into
The darkest parts
Of my mind.
Seeking a beautiful mistake.
Of my mind,
The darkest parts,
I dig into.
I craft.
Line by line.
By Sarah ©2021
Image credit Pobble365Mindlovemisery’s Menagerie, Sunday Writing Prompt – 9 May 2021
By Sarah 