Author Archives: Linda Barnes

A few more poems from volume one If I’d backed up my thoughts on hard drive Or memories on a stick  I could reboot my brain and start again With processes sharp and quick Any viruses would be overcome  All connections would be good I’d search for words on the internet  So my conversation wasContinue reading “Computer logic”

Grief I’ve decided is a physical and emotional process, and just when you think you are okay, you’re not. I’m weary of the treadmill that seems the destination to nowhere, and feel bored but can’t be bothered at the same time. A close friend in exactly the same situation read me a recipe of allContinue reading “Poem Compilations”

The surgery fills with a certain demographic, over 60’s. Saturday, and today the flu clinic. We’re checked in by a receptionist sitting in the glass entrance wearing a thick jacket and a blanket on her knees. The door is wide open it’s eight degrees but her smile is warm and welcoming. Military rows of chairs,Continue reading “Saturday clinic”

I see myself in this description, there’s no denying that I keep myself busy: the planning project, the garden, two very different charities, writing, grandma duties and family, moving things around in the house, forever trying new things. However I don’t think I’m running away from myself. There’s a much more nuanced possibility: being busyContinue reading “Learning new ways”

I woke up in a cold sweat and with a thumping headache. The dream I’d forced myself awake from, (before my alarm) is still vivid. I was crying in my sleep; deep uncontrollable sobbing and painful tears. I don’t remember the context but I do know in my dream I was a child. I’ve aContinue reading “Talking tears”

Just where has September gone? Today the 28th and Mum’s heavenly birthday, for her as soon as it was over it would have been the count down to Christmas. Mum always wanted presents bought and wrapped by the end of October. Today is typically autumnal, or ‘back endish’ as one of my cycling pals wouldContinue reading “Season of change”

My iPad is playing up and I can’t quite get to grips with the new laptop, it’s been a busy few days, my excuses for the absence anyway. With Mum and Dad both away in different countries, ( not great planning we all agree) I’m on intensive grandma duty for a whole week. Tomorrow isContinue reading “Grandma duty”

Learning new things in your 60’s gets harder. The brain automatically sets itself to default. It may seem completely ridiculous to some of you tech savvy younger people, but navigating from a very faithful but increasingly tired and frequently needs charging iPad to a lap top has proved more difficult than I expected. I couldn’tContinue reading “AI”

‘It a secret, no-one must know my daughter tells me – but it’s a nice story for your blog.’ My granddaughter is back at school, year four, and there’s a realisation that she has more responsibilities now she is in an upper class. Apparently she felt a bit sick yesterday, Mummy got a call almostContinue reading “Secret story”

Tomorrow our daughter is forty. Forty. Where did those years go? There will be cake, celebration, laughter and lots of love. A milestone birthday deserves nothing less. But for me, tomorrow has extra meaning It was our wedding anniversary. Forty years ago, our daughter was born, On our third wedding anniversary, And not just onContinue reading “Two beginnings”