Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
As relayed in the poem Poisonous Pathogen, in lockdown I'm revisiting the literary conduit of poetry. In this case with a revamped sonnet in tribute of my paternal and maternal grandfathers. Two men whose jocularity fuelled my penchant of seeking a quip out of the most challenging of circumstances. Legacy “I was in Bagdad when you... Continue Reading →
During conversations with readers of my penmanship some feel moved to convey "I don't know where you get all your ideas from, Gary." Submissions I generally take to be complimentary observations of my creative prowess displayed within these daily chronicles. I don't make these assumptions from a position of hubris, moreover the complimentary tone in... Continue Reading →
When it comes to environmental protests yours truly's never been one to raise my head above the parapet. During many scores of hours I've undertaken voluntary work in the last few years, not one second of time or penny collected has been towards preserving the Earth's ecosystem. Not a conscious decision on my part, moreover... Continue Reading →
Ordinarily, I don't watch breakfast TV magazine shows. Indifference to celebrity gossip, unashamed self publicity of guest's new books and show biz 'idols' showing similar indifference in reporter Dan Wootton's selfies, negating my desire to pay it much mind. This morning, though, I was glued to a segment of ITV's Lorraine show, featuring a remarkably... Continue Reading →
Existential canvas; footprint experiential Caricature ponders own mortality What legacy sought on mattress moribund? Indelible stamp on life’s letter his goal? Goal evocations selfless, heritage humanity No ‘I’ in benevolent No benevolence in misguided No place like home according to girl in red shoes Karma didn’t get the email Devils and thieves do prosper... Continue Reading →
Despite both of my offspring being in adulthood for a few years now, like most parents I still attempt to make myself available for guidance, mentoring or just a good old fashioned chat where we rip the p**s out of each other. Over the twentysomething years Jonny and Rachel have resided in this dysfunctional universal portal (incidentally, that's planet Earth not chez Strachan), it's given me immense pride... Continue Reading →
"I was in Baghdad when you were in your dad’s bag." Proffered forefather, mischievous of trait, maternal of line Playfully admonishing grandson for misguided patronisation “In Armley Jail, you get no ale” A ditty to same boy, courtesy of paternal rooted gramps Tongue in cheek indoctrination of folly of crime Ancestors DNA disparate, humour homogenous. ... Continue Reading →
It’s St George’s Day today. A time for the English to have a ‘knees up’ around the globe in celebration of their patron saint. I personally shall be celebrating my Englishness by writing a blog on a Japanese laptop, pruning Dutch spring flowers, finishing treating my fence with French stainer and cheering on a football... Continue Reading →
Today marks the 104th anniversary of RMS Titanic sinking in the North Atlantic. It took just two hours and forty minutes for the much vaunted passenger liner to submerge after hitting an iceberg; leaving only 710 survivors out of 2,227 passengers and crew on board. Since the disaster, the story of the White Star Line’s... Continue Reading →