the crone

opening the door to ideas

Why do we become who we become? I puzzle over this a lot. Fixated that I could’ve been better, done better, achieved more, ‘if only’, ‘if only’, ‘if only…’ Who were you supposed to be? Apparently, who we become isn’t just a matter of nature or nurture. For instance, murderers and psychopaths are both born …

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So, I went for a walk, and I stood to watch the river as it slid past. The sunshine made the water’s surface a mass of glinting white lines and triangles of light. Moving. Animated. Shining gulls over smooth green glass. I stared, mesmerised by the changing surface. Then I got the sudden vivid impression, the absolute …

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I saw the birds perched in a tree at the end of the road. Black bird shapes on black branches, settled in silhouette against the cold white winter sky. I count 10. I think there are 10. What is in their minds? I know birds cannot be said to have consciousness of self in the …

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Did you read this story? See Homeless ex-pianist dies So many questions I’d like to ask Anne. Why would an obviously gifted woman choose a life on the edge? Living in a car (or on a railway embankment) must have been tough and uncomfortable. What words could’ve persuaded her to come back to ‘normal’ life? What is ‘normal’ life, anyway? Why …

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Who else puts on a mask, just to face the day? I was doing my make-up today and suddenly realised what a strange ritual this is. Shading in an acceptable face. Drawing on a pair of watchful eyes. Crayoning on a smile. A face to show to no-one but my own four walls. And my family. Do they see me (ME – …

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