Story and Poem of the Month

Our Story and Poem for the Month of November, very kindly chosen for us by Turlough

 

 

 

ABC Tales Story and Poem of the Month for November

 

I’ve enjoyed picking out November’s poem and story of the month but I’m glad I don’t have to do it every month because the mountain of excellent writing to choose from makes it an extraordinarily difficult task. 

Congratulations from me to the writers of all the pieces I have selected, and apologies to those I’ve left out. If I had to go through the same process again tomorrow my list would probably be quite different. I really think that everyone who has contributed anything at all to the site should also congratulate themselves. I’ve read work of varying standards but each and every writer amongst us deserves a little credit at the very least for taking the time and trouble to participate. As well as skill it takes effort and courage to share words and thoughts with so many other people.  

 

Here are a few poems I’ve particularly enjoyed reading:

 

Rust, by queen beatle

The first line of the poem captured me… November: the month of rust. That’s just how I see November, if it’s not too dark to see at all.  

https://www.abctales.com/story/queen-beatle/rust

 

East Coast of Scotland (Reflection), by Angus Folklore

How strange it is that we are mesmerised and lured by the angry North Sea… It is like the Baltic's bad brother, as the poem suggests.

https://www.abctales.com/story/angusfolklore/east-coast-scotland-reflection

 

Watching the Fire, by Jane Hyphen

The strange things we see in a fire. We’ve all seen them, helped along by our imaginations, and many of them are described in perfect detail here.

https://www.abctales.com/story/jane-hyphen/watching-fire

 

Your Mental Health - A Handbook of Sorts, by ruthmg

A personal guide to dealing with the mind’s unwelcome thoughts. 

https://www.abctales.com/story/ruthmg/your-mental-health-handbook-sorts#comments

 

And some very engaging stories:

 

An ongoing series of highly entertaining and unmissable episodes of a real life, day-to-day drama taking place in north east Scotland, by purplehaze and her loyal friend Bus Pass. 

https://www.abctales.com/story/purplehaze/bus-pass-mostly-bpl-get-fix

 

Letter of Rejection, by Kilb50

A very clever approach to highlighting the terrible situation currently taking place in Gaza. 

https://www.abctales.com/story/kilb50/letter-rejection

 

The Cinnabar Moth, by Sim

I love a tale that takes me back to Yorkshire, especially when there’s a bit of local superstition and spookiness involved.

https://www.abctales.com/story/sim/cinnabar-moth

 

Endings, by Penny4athought

A personal and very brave look at how the poor health of a loved one can also affect our own health, both physically and mentally. The message I got about trying to make the most of such sad circumstances prompted me to read this several times and wander through my own treasured memories.  

https://www.abctales.com/story/penny4athought/endings

 

claptrap, by celticman 

No matter how dark the subject, celticman can always describe it in minute detail and with an element of humour. This guide to etiquette to be followed at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting had me as gripped as ever.

https://www.abctales.com/story/celticman/claptrap

 

 

Poem of the Month

The Bus Stop, by Caldwell

Two elderly ladies at a bus stop reflecting on a late bus and a late husband. The humour and rhyme in this excellent poem embrace the sadness of the situation and highlight how we should all concentrate on the positive things in our lives.

https://www.abctales.com/story/caldwell/bus-stop-ip

 

Story of the Month

Cricks Crocodile, by Jane Hyphen

Punch and Judy have always made me feel a bit uncomfortable but even more so since I read this wonderfully eerie tale that takes a close look at the domestic violence featured in their performances and how it can manifest itself in real life relationships.    

https://www.abctales.com/story/jane-hyphen/cricks-crocodile