Reality Check

 I remember the future.

The one of youthful aspiration.

The one shelved along the way

as events fell short of expectation.

I recall the revisions,

ghost written by circumstance

in life’s scriptorium,

all prologue to a new edition,

drafted as the deadline looms.

John Walter Taylor

© All rights reserved

22 November 2025

The Cabin

There were warnings of a winter storm,

and now the evergreens

dissemble in their vestal white.

The snow is still falling, 

silently, unsullied by footsteps.

There is wood for the fire,

but no human warmth,

just the insulation of solitude,

with only questions for company.

John Walter Taylor

© All rights reserved

10 November 2025

24 August 79

Isn't it a marvellous view of the bay

from up here? And the golden flowers 

of the broom erupting on the slope!

Would you like some wine?

It's a fine Falernian.

Help yourself to the stuffed thrush.

What a heavenly spot, 

and not too hot.

Yes, a fine day for a picnic.

John Walter Taylor

© All rights reserved

6 November 2025