WORD BOHEMIA CHALLENGE #6

The angle of the photo reminded me of a child's viewpoint.

Photograph copyright David Vale.

Hide & Seek

I bet she’s reached to fifty now...

or maybe even sixty now…

Dear God I promise to kiss a cow

if she finds me hiding here.

I saw the way she smiled at me

as she turned her face towards the tree;

I bet she was peeping secretly.

Oh please come find me here!

Please don’t find Anthony Green,

He’s loud and bad and rude and mean,

plus his snot-filled nose is never clean.

Hurry up and find me here!

Anthony’s shouts and happy cheers

alert my heart to darkest fears,

it’s fine…just fine…there’ll be no tears.

But why couldn't she find me here?

Now we’ll never dance on meadow grass,

or hold hands tight during English class,

or laugh till we cry when I pass gas.

If only she’d found me here.

© Kev Milsom (2013)

WORD BOHEMIA CHALLENGE - DAY 5

I liked this picture as it supplied many images and ideas.  Being one who is actively involved in paranormal research, my first thought was of a 'ghost-hunting' party in some abandoned asylum, but as the paranormal idea had already been covered, I decided to pick something else.

Photograph copyright David Vale.

Hallway

The dream has continued for the last three weeks.  Without fail, the details always remain the same.

It’s June, 1980.  The hallway of our former college – long since demolished – appears before my eyes.  Ahead of me I can see you, walking along with Tom on one side and Francois upon the other.  From where I stand I can hear your laughter echoing from the walls.  I know precisely that the source of your laughter lies within an episode of M*A*S*H* shown the previous evening.  I also know that you have each walked from the Science Department on the second floor and are making your way towards the Main Hall and a welcome lunch. 

I know this because, upon that day in June some thirty years previous, I was in the middle of our group; situated between Tom and yourself.  I remember that the person relating the tale of the female outfit which Corporal Klinger was wearing, was myself.  I recall fiercely how my hand swung with yours, like a happy pendulum, as we walked the hall, wrapped in a cloud of huge relief at the end of a tortuous double chemistry lesson; four friends locked together within one supremely, joyous moment.

In my dreams I always hear you responding to my words, yet the only noises which register to my ears are the sound of your voices and the clunk of your footsteps upon antiquated stone floor.

Every time, I promise that I try to run.  For a split-second I move forward, only to watch in frustration as you all move farther away from me.  Last week I am sure that there were no more than five window arches between us.  Today, I know I counted seven.  It’s reaching the point where...where a 'voice' inside me is urging me to stop....to save my energy...to accept that I will never close the gap and once more place my hand within the loving warmth of yours.

I’ll keep trying.  I promise that I will use everything that I possess to keep you in sight; my blessed Angela.

The doctor placed the clipboard upon his desk and wore an expression that poured chilled fear deep into her heart.

‘We’re doing everything that we can, Mrs Wilkinson.  I have to tell you that Simon’s condition has deteriorated overnight. It's down to your husband now. If he can keep fighting then he has a chance...but...’  

Dr Miller’s face bore a sea of frowns.

’...well, I wouldn't be doing my job professionally if I didn't ask you to be prepared for the worst.  I’m so sorry.’ 

© Kev Milsom (2013)

WORD BOHEMIA CHALLENGE - DAY #4

Another tough challenge as nothing immediately leaped out at me, but with the aid of strong tea and plenty of salt & vinegar crisps, some inspiration finally began to kick in.  It's rough as sandpaper and untitled, but just enough for me to get some firm foundations for the beginning of an idea.  :)

Photo © Cassie Tillett

Last week you saw me by our caravan.

Lost within, your waterfall eyes caught briefest sight;

a simple pigeon’s gaze, locked still with yours,

for fleeting moments bathed in dawn’s gold light.

Just enough for you to register;

just enough for you to notice me there.

Friday found us in the park together –

You - sat upon our bench with mournful frown,

Me – stock still beside the litter bins

Hoping you would glance sweet, blue eyes down.

Enough for you to register;

enough for you to notice me there.

Next day I wait by our library,

as you trudged the mile there with books unread;

rage towards a God who causes heartache,

tempered slightly as you found my gaze instead.

Enough for you to register;

enough for you to notice me there.

Today, I've chose to stand right here.

A few more seconds till you leave our house;

mind locked upon our fondest farewell,

whispered promises to my soul-shared spouse;

enough that you might register,

enough for you to know I am there.

© Kev Milsom (2013)

BOHEMIA WORD CHALLENGE DAY #3

I found this one a little trickier, as the image didn't trigger as many instant pictures as the ones previous.

After dallying with a few ideas, I focused on the fact that it reminded me of the many 'house' TV programmes that my daughter likes to watch.

(Photograph of Naples, copyright David Vale)

Smile for the Camera

I feel another dig into my ribs and remember to smile for the camera.  The blonde lady whose name I keep forgetting - but I think might be Anna…or possible Annette - is once more revealing her astonishing set of teeth.  I hear myself gently humming the theme to ‘Jaws’ and feel another accurate dig from my wife’s elbow.  Anna/Annette’s accent is starting to grate now but I am good and keep smiling.

   ‘Now then…I know you said originally that you were looking for a house by the sea, with a sense of peaceful tranquility and room to breathe…’

I think it’s a Liverpool accent…or possibly Cheshire of some kind…maybe even Yorkshire or Scottish borders.  She’s reminding me of a girl at college…Debbie I think…or possibly Dana…anyway she sounded like her, but I can’t for the life of me remember where Debbie/Dana was from.  Another dig alerts me to the fact that I've zoned out.

    ‘…and naturally this helps to give a certain ambience, but I think you’ll be pleased with what I found you today’ concludes Anna/Annette.

    She’s smiling again.  I swear she has ten more teeth than she needs.

    ‘Well, we’re certainly open to new ideas’.  I recognize my wife’s diplomatic, ‘polite’ voice and suddenly take stock of our surroundings.

    The Neapolitan road is narrow.  Back in England it would barely pass for a cycle lane, yet it doesn't stop a wide range of vehicles trying to drive along it or park on it. The noise of blaring horns and animated Italian becomes deafening. Anna/Annette points high above our heads.

    ‘Now I know you said that you preferred a ground floor flat, because of your mobility problems, but I really think you’ll love the ambience of the building and the…inner beauty and…and ambience of the rooms inside.’

Clearly Anna/Annette has found her word for the day.

    There are five sets of stairs.   By the time we reach the top level, I can sense all traces of patience deserting me.  Anna/Annette becomes animated as the camera once again comes to life.   

   ‘It’s old…we think possibly back to even the 15^th century’, she coos.

  ‘Yes, but does it have ambiance?’  After twenty eight years I distinctly recognise my wife’s patience instantly disappearing.  Having not been married to my wife, Susan, since 1985, and totally failing to heed the approaching warning clouds, Anna/Annette simply smiles wider.

   ‘Now I know it’s not really a Tuscan farmhouse, which was also on your list, but I think you’ll change your mind when you see the inside’.  Ten points for not saying ‘ambience’, but glancing at my wife’s face I’m starting to worry for the future of the young lady with the teeth.

    The inside is beyond bleak.  Had the living room been an animal it would have been put out of its misery long ago.  Walls that had not seen a dab of paint since the time of Da Vinci framed a gloomy interior - complete with flea-bitten carpet, grimy windows and furniture which had supplied ample nutrition for many generations of woodworm.  Here comes the smile again.

    ‘I don’t know about you but I think the shabby chic really blends well with the antique ambience to create a...’

   What it created I shall never know, for it was at that moment that my wife’s patience finally broke.  For almost twenty minutes even irritated motorists far below us and their accompanying horns, were quietened by Susan’s tirade, concerning the subjects of what/who Anna/Annette had done to get this television job and the precise biological region in which she could shove her ambience.   

    Finally, an awkward silence broke; helpfully relieved by my good self.

   ‘Newcastle!  That’s where Debbie was from!’ 

    Thankfully, Susan’s stare does not kill me and the room once more resounds to the ambience of awkward silence.

© Kev Milsom (2013)

WORD BOHEMIA CHALLENGE - 

DAY #2

Originally I wrote this as a lighthearted piece, but decided to sleep on it before finishing up. This deeper, darker story came from assorted dreams last night, so I'll save the lighthearted tale for another daily challenge.   

Photo: © Cassie Tillet

Juno

There was a time when, bound for the coast, their numbers were large enough to fill several trains with the noise of youth.  From steaming railway, they had filed obediently onto waiting boats.  Only at the gentle rising of the waves had their chatter abated.  Men, whose only concern should have been what to wear for the next exuberant dance, now shared the exact same fashion and growing fears. 

    The sight of a broadening French coastline alerted both young eyes and heart.  After months of training, planning and speculation, here it was; this big, important day about to happen.  At a single order, the battalion of eight hundred and twenty three men re-checked all equipment, gripped their rifles tightly to their chests and prayed that they would know tomorrow.  From silent prayers, the beach exploded into noise with their first footsteps.  Invaluable, disciplined training offered their only hope.  Pick your spot…stay low…don’t run straight, but DO run fast…may God be smiling down upon you.

    June, 1994.  The last four living souls of 184 Company sit in silence, once more upon French soil, relieving memories half a century old that can never fade with time. As clear as always, faces of former friends appear upon weary, ageing minds.  The best method has been learned through time; remember them smiling…remember them at their last dance…two rums too many…far too loud…trying to chat up the new barmaid…the smell of their tobacco…the particular tones of individual laughter.  But never focus on Juno Beach.  Those thoughts are always for the unconscious night; never for the glaring light of day.

   English and French media have been milling around the area for days.  Brass instruments are receiving a final spit of polish.  A mayor’s speech is being memorized.  Interviewers apply final layers of makeup, ready to address a waiting television audience.  The noise around the media crews nears fever pitch. Directors shout into microphones as important camera angles are discussed.  Deadlines are planned to the nearest millisecond.  There was little doubt; it was to be a big, important day.

For the last four survivors of 184 Company, the bench offers a respectful refuge from the growing noise.  The time to answer banal questions and smile politely for cameras will undoubtedly come.  For now, there need be only silence.    

© Kev Milsom (2013)

WORD BOHEMIA - SEPTEMBER 2013

I just found out about the Bohemia challenge for September, 2013 - basically a photographic prompt is given each day and the challenge is to create a piece of flash fiction (around 100 words) or a poem to accompany the image.

I really need this at the moment as 

my creative motivation could use all the help it can get.  So hopefully I'll end this month with 30 pieces of new writing, from which I can maybe smooth a few out towards greater and grander things.

Photograph -  c. David Vale

Ferris Wheel.

‘Oh don’t worry, it’ll be great,’ says Dad,

‘it goes up over two hundred feet,

I hear that right at the top it’s not so bad

and you can see the Co-Op on the corner of our street,

and won’t it be just wonderful to be way up high,

surprising all the birds swooping round us in the sky?’

But I’m more worried about showering poor spectators

with portions of my breakfast bacon, sausage and potatoes.

‘For God’s sake George!’ screams out my Mother,

‘Bobby really doesn't want to go up there,

I feel a pinch from my smirking brother;

Dan’s been up four times and doesn't care.’

Dad just does his act of pretending to be deaf

and when we’re locked in tight he smiles instead...

a poor, short-lived smile, soon to die a terrible death,

when my former full-sized breakfast lands squarely on Dan’s head.

© Kev Milsom (2013)

Creamy Curried Kev

Here follows a creamy and milder recipe for chicken curry.
As before, the same rules apply...relax, only add ingredients that YOU like and enjoy the process.  Like with the medium-spiced curry, we'll do a marinade.  This is certainly not compulsory, but I find that it adds to both the taste and texture of the chicken. 

Let curry making commence...

KEV'S CREAMY CURRY WITH PILAU RICE

Ingredients for marinade:

Tomato Purée 

Water

Range of Spices:  Personally, I like the balance between creamy and spicy, so for me, I would still include chilli powder, paprika and turmeric but the rest of the spice list can include more aromatic and interesting choices, such as ground cinnamon, mixed spice, nutmeg and ground cumin.  Experimentation is always the key.

Curry Powder - I always buy mild/medium curry powder - anything stronger will usually overpower any other ingredients within the wok.

Kaffir Lime Leaves - an alternative to Bay Leaves; available in good supermarkets.

Seasoning.

Other Ingredients:

Chicken

Fresh Garlic - or jars of 'Lazy' alternatives, available in all supermarkets.

Fresh Ginger - as above.

Chopped Onions/Shallots - optional.  Chopped or sliced to personal taste.

Sugar - optional.  Just a light sprinkling, or a pinch, is sufficient.

Chopped Tomatoes - optional here.  I like the taste of tomatoes.

Groundnut Oil

Salt & Pepper

Pilau Rice - Loose.

Coriander Leaves

Corn Flour

Cream/Natural Yoghurt - small to medium sized pot.  

Coconut Milk/Creamed Coconut 

Optional Extras:

Sweet Peppers - optional for added taste/texture.  Yellow or orange peppers.  

Pineapple - Completely optional.  Fresh pineapple is best, cut into small cubes.

Cherry Tomatoes

LET CURRY-MAKING COMMENCE...

1 - Making The Marinade.

a) Chop chicken into small cubes.  Place in casserole dish and put to one side.

b) Making the curry sauce...first, take a jug or small bowl.

c) Add a few squirts of tomato purée.

d) Add a little water and stir.

e) Add chosen spices - about half a teaspoon per person is a good rule.

f) Add more water and stir well.

g) Place Kaffir Lime Leaves in the casserole dish with the chicken.

h) Pour your spiced sauce over the chicken, making sure nothing is left at the bottom of the jug/bowl.

i) Add seasoning.

j) Add lid to casserole dish and place in fridge for anything up to 24 hours.  A few hours minimum.

2 - Making Stuff In The Wok.

As before, it might be a good idea to look at the rice situation before we start cooking anything.  Measure out 100g of rice for every person and place in saucepan.  Cover the rice with water and leave for at least 30 mins.  OK...back to the wok...

a)  We're going to stir-fry our garlic and ginger in the groundnut oil.  First, heat the wok on a low-heat setting.  Secondly, cover the base of the wok with the oil. Add the garlic and ginger to the oil and watch for spitting.  Have some of the curry sauce from the casserole dish on standby...a couple of spoons of this will tame the spitting.

b)  After about a minute, add the optional onions/shallots.  Keep the heat low and manageable.  If anything starts going black/cremated then quickly remove the wok from the heat and remove the offending burnt item.

c)  Once the onions are sizzling nicely (a few minutes), add the chicken from the casserole dish, plus some sauce.  Stir occasionally, until chicken is well cooked through.  Remove the Kaffir Lime Leaves from the casserole dish and discard.

d)  Add the optional chopped tomatoes and stir well.

e)  Add a couple of teaspoons of corn flour to the mixture and raise the heat for a few minutes, making sure everything is nicely cooked.

f)  Lower heat to a simmer and add a lid to the wok if you have one.  Simmering time is at least half an hour.  Stir every few minutes.

g)  Rice Time!  Sieve the rice from the starchy water.  Add boiling water to the rice and place on a hob.  Add seasoning.

h)  Time to add the 'optional extras'...I can't emphasize the importance of taste testing here.  The balances between creamy, over-creamy and under-creamy consistencies are narrow.  The golden rule is to add small amounts at a time.   Have curry powder or garam masala on standby also...if you 'over-sweeten'  the wok then you'll need something to bring the taste balance back.  Go slowly.  No rush.

i)  Add the creamed coconut or coconut milk - if it's the creamed coconut bars then about an inch should do it...with milk, the very small jars should suffice. Stir well.

j)  How much cream or natural yoghurt you use is down to personal taste.  As a good rule of thumb, I'd say about 3-6 tablespoons of either (depending on the number of people eating).  Add cream SLOWLY and stir it well into the curry before adding more.   

k)  Time for optional peppers, optional cherry tomatoes and/or optional pineapple bits.  Be careful not to overload the wok.  Taste-test regularly.  I like a fine balance between creamy and spicy, (creamy texture but with a slight growl at the back of the throat) so I'll usually aim for that.  You do it how you like. Experimentation is our friend.

l)  Add coriander leaves to the curry just before serving.  When the rice is cooked then it's serving up time.  Raise the heat on the wok for a couple of minutes before serving.  Season well and add any optional sugar.   

Enjoy!