The Jovial Writer

The Red Carpet Damn it Suzie. Just smile. “That’s right, like that, show me some teeth.” Flash. FLASH. FLASH. Stop fretting. Your lipstick is fine. “Smile now, smile honey, blow ’em a kiss.” Fuck. They know you did the surgery. Damn it Suzie, should have paid a little more. “Come on darling spin, spin, give us a turn. There it is.” Don’t fall, you clumsy girl. “Suzie tell us who are you dating?” Who would ever date you Suzie? “You look stunning in that dress!” Can’t they tell you threw up twice already? “The whole world is watching tonight! Hope you win the award this year. Good luck Suzie!” You? Win? You’re killing me with laughter. “Suzie, I love you! Can I get an autograph please?” called a little girl behind the tape. Of course. You stupid dunce. You know you have to keep walking, you can’t stop for--- “You changed my life.” she said. You talentless, useless, ugly--- “You saved mine.” I say. They hate you. You know that. They hate you. “Smile for the camera Suzie.” You don’t deserv

First Fall My pen friend from another country came to visit me today. I picked her up from the airport in my battered old convertable, the heater working just enough to keep us safe from frostbite. "Do you think it will snow?" she asked as soon as she got in the front seat beside me. She had never seen snowfall before so I could understand her enthusiasm. I personally hate winters. The cold gets to me, I always have a runny nose and my sore throat prohibits ice cream consumption. Further, I detest freezing my fingers off shovelling snow off the driveway and despise the extra work needed to put snow trackers on the car tyres. But she looked so eager to see the little specks of frozen water, I couldn't help but allow a small smile to form on my face. "Maybe." I said looking at the grey skies. It was a terribly dull evening, dark and cloudy, the road illuminated by yellow headlights and bylanes with half hearted Christmas decorations. My friend was dressed in br

  Stood Up I think I took too long to get here. That’s why he left. But the skirt I wore is rather short, and it is quite windy today. So, yes, “I’ll take the coffee to go, With a chocolate muffin thrown in.” The cars stop as I cross, And the sun kisses my skin. There’s a sweet stickiness on my lips; Heels tapping on the sidewalk. I feel taller as I wear my sunglasses, And sexy as I hail a cab home.