Poems that don’t quite make it

As I've mentioned ad nauseum at this point, I have over 365 poems (or poems that turned into short stories) which I wrote between September 2023 and September 2024, and I've been going through them and deciding which should seek "official" publication and which are either just so bad (or angry, or personal) they should … Continue reading Poems that don’t quite make it →

Les Sauvages (a tiny horror story)

Les Sauvages by K. MacMichael The messenger’s face crumples, recoils, and confuses. He stammers a… but... but… The thing is held between royal finger and thumb, then thrust into the nearest minister’s palm, wrappings dropping to the palace floor. The messenger turns, heels flying across parquet. The minster gazes at the thing, mind refusing to … Continue reading Les Sauvages (a tiny horror story) →

These aren’t haiku

Doorknob reflection square colours that travelled far black hole round centre Shibumi surprise effortless state of grace yet such a silly face Birds dart from bush in snow – refocus – small black cat wanting to get home

Poem bloopers

One little poem without a name - So much salt and sun last year's $5 water dish cracks spilling offering third time out this year dogs passing by keep panting. A second even littler poem without a name - Why should I listen to the fashion advice of you, who wears that hat? And a … Continue reading Poem bloopers →

The endings and the beginnings

Not that long ago I encountered a magazine -or perhaps it was a contest - which asked entrants to make sure they'd put a "30" at the end of their story, so their readers could be sure where the story ended. I was delighted that this journalistic tradition continues, and was very happy to comply. … Continue reading The endings and the beginnings →