Story and Poem of the Month

Thanks for giving me the privilege of choosing December's pick of the month.

 

The story that I finally chose impressed me when I first read it earlier in the month and remains strong.  It is "Sadie", by Sim, which was the pick for 4 December 2015.  

 

"Sadie" is a sensitive and compelling portrait of a grandmother, real or imagined, rendered in beautiful detail in a prose style that doesn't intrude upon the tale and its characters.  Enjoyable reading from a reader's perspective and a great example of what we try to achieve as writers.  It contains language that adds to the telling, such as the description of the grandfather as a "Flaneur of Piccadilly and St Denis".  The story describes what Blighters Rock refers to as "generational curses and dysfunction".  I loved the nature of Sadie's revenge.  Altogether, a great story.

 

Celticman's "By Dickens" gave "Sadie" a run for her money.  As usual, well-told, perceptive and entertaining writing from celticman.  Not a word out of place.  A Dickensian tale rendered with a jaundiced eye and a polished wit.  In the end, though, there was something about "Sadie" that took it.

 

http://www.abctales.com/story/sim/sadie-ribbentrops-chair

Poetry was a tough call, too, with Noo, Silver Spun Sand and Canonette all producing great pieces.  I very much enjoyed Canonette's "The Clairvoyant", which is almost mystical in its telling, with short, descriptive passages making up a still-fragmented whole - a surreal joining of the dots.

 

Silver Spun Sand's "Stars of Wonder" is of her usual high standard, containing wonderful imagery.  It also resonates with anyone who knows the pain of loss.  She takes the reader into her inner-thoughts and feelings to share.  Beautifully done.

 

But the poem I chose is Noo's "Hoc Erat in Votis", which feels like an allegory of life and death.  Its format works well to lead the reader down the page without appearing forced or superfluous.  It contains clock-stopping moments, such as "having no bananas on board couldn't save him... nor the touching of his collar..." and "He hardly dares stroke his (son's) head...  It's so warm, so vital... It contains Everything". Terrific observations that bring sharp imagery to the mind's eye and place us into the poem.  The feelings of the writer are conveyed to the reader.  Again, that seems to be what we are about if and when we get it right.

 

 

http://www.abctales.com/story/silver-spun-sand/stars-wonder