BED

Past

Once upon a time there was a little house…

In this little house was a tiny bedroom…

In this tiny bedroom was a small girl…

And this small girl was seated on a massive bed.

I was that girl and the bed was my cloud. I sat there, like an angel with my books open, my toys listening attentively as I filled them in on the exploits of Amelia Jane Again and the folk from the Magic Faraway Tree.

At night, with my thumb in my mouth, I would wrap myself up tightly in the quilt my mum had lovingly covered for me with a pretty floral fabric, my head would sink into a matching covered pillow. The pervasive Dry Musk perfume she wore washed over me, a spiritual reminder of motherly love that would gently lull me to sleep.

My bed.

Made, with love, by my mum.

Present

This is my bench with a view.

It’s of the river with boats and shit.

But as the joggers jog

A man with a dog

Stops and it pisses on it.

‘Cheers mate!’ I say, looking up.

But he’s hot-footing it down the path.

‘Come again then, you dick,

And bring a big stick,

We’ll all have a jolly good laugh!’

I used to be an angel,

On my cloud with my toys, reading books.

But it all went to pot,

As dad drank a lot

And mum gave him reproachful looks.

Eventually she left us,

And my cloud felt all acrid and dead.

I walked out of the door,

An angel no more,

This bench, ever after my bed.

Dad drank himself to the grave.

I was just told about it tonight.

We didn’t stay in touch,

And no one cared much.

Although I think my mother might.

*

It’s been a strange kind of week.

Mum found me on my bench fading fast.

The day turned to dusk

As I smelled her Dry Musk

And she held me,

She breathed me,

Her tears soaked into me

How I long for this moment to last…

Future

So my future bed is my past bed but where there once was a cloud, with a quilt so divine there is now a simple divan, too small for my limbs and too lumpy for my back.

But I can stretch like a cat, if I dangle my foot over the edge.

I can curl up in a ball, as long as I avoid the middle.

I can sleep like a baby, if I have the radio on.

I can close the door on the world so that sleep can descend upon me without any fear.

I’ve had two beds in my life, not including a cot. One saw me through childhood, kept me warm, save from harm and nursed me through sniffles and coughs. One saw me through heartache, kept me down, save from no one and bought my mother back to me.

Given the choice, I’d be where I am now, complete with the lumps and the occasional misplaced spring. I’ll die in this bed, I swear, but not yet. For tonight we’re off out, my mother and I, made-up and with Dry Musk pervasive.

©Lisa Lee 2012, re edited 2014

Dear Boys,

Remember me? I’ll lay odds-on that you do. I was the small, peculiar girl in the weird clothes that wouldn’t sleep with you but loved you just the same. The girl who casually accepted the unacceptable with a nonchalant ease and the girl with the brother who’d have terrorised you had I not been so accepting. Well, I’m not much changed but, thanks to medical enlightenment, I have come to realise that, contrary to my beliefs, I was not the fuck up you all left me thinking I was. Here’s why.

So, whilst I was at secondary school, you were working in one of the local factories. You were my intellectual equal, and my first love. Our families knew each other and you were definitely not the boy ‘my mother warned me about’. (Come to think of it, she never warned me about any boys). I spent every waking hour with you or thinking about you. You’d join me as I babysat for the family up the road and fill my head with your nonsensical ideologies, and our sense of humour was spot on. Long walks across town always culminated in an even longer chat sat on the cold wall outside my house. We’d talk about Thatcher and how she was killing our generation, stealing our future. We discussed our likes and dislikes, man; we’d talk about any old shit! But the chats I remember most are the ones where you told me that, one day, I’d come to your house and find you hanging in your room. I was 15 for fucks sake, and, as I recently found out, chemically unable to deal with extreme emotion. (Though I did try, by offering you a knife, I think). For years I thought I’d done something wrong but, no. It was you.

I hear you’re married now, with a child. I’m relieved you never felt the need to dangle yourself from a light fitting or such like. I’m pleased you’ve moved on and are happy. Most of all I am bloody delighted to have shifted the burden of your insanity from my own. I never really needed it.

After (well, in between) all that there was us. There isn’t an awful lot to say about us is there. Only that you were my childhood crush, until I found another. (Love is a fickle thing isn’t it?) We half-heartedly gave a relationship a go but you were not the cutie of my past and as you revealed that after walking me home at night, you carried on to my friend’s house to fuck her, I thought, ‘Cool. You’re not getting it from me so… yeah… needs must.’ What, seriously?? I actually thought that? Well, it is NOT cool! When I look back and wonder where my self-esteem went, I can almost see me handing it over to you. Thanks for that.

College was great and that was where you and I met. We should have been ‘real’. I mean a proper boyfriend and girlfriend thing but I think we were destined to be just friends. I wanted you to take charge, to guide me because I had no idea what to do. Instead you left me, stoned, in the middle of a town, I think. I don’t really remember so you have nothing to feel shit about! I was with you when I learned of the suicide of another ex boyfriend. I was with you when your ex girlfriend broke in with a knife, threatening to kill me. But I wasn’t with you when you finally grew up and did something meaningful with your life, assuming you did, of course!

Finally, we get to you. My knight. I’m really not sure what you saw in me at all you know. I always assumed that you just loved the fact I had tits and a pulse but, as you have since pointed out, many of the girls in the pub (indeed all of them), had tits and a pulse. So, I guess, there must have been something else. Whatever it was you have triumphed where everyone else fell short. And I am so very thankful. Thankful because I am now the woman I always knew I could be. Sure, I’ll always carry that insanity gene but I have learned how to moderate it now, thanks to you (and a daily dose of Thyroxine). It is you alone, though, who has single-handedly built my self-esteem back up to a manageable height. It is you who ensures my soul is kept secure and safe. You are utterly perfect for this bundle of weirdness and I heartedly thank you for your unerring patience.

I am a very lucky nutter :)

Love, forgiveness and all the water under the bridge you require,

Elvegren

©Lisa Lee 2014, sleeping in Open Letters (Illustration by Lady Of Sorrows)

Trees That Bow Low

Once upon a time, in a Norwegian wood,     

There lived a kind woodsman,

Both loyal and good.

He lived with his wife who bore him a child

Then another, a boy,

Unruly and wild.

The Winter’s were cruel,

No food to be found.

What little there was

Lay under the ground.

The woodsman despaired,

His wife became weak.

They drifted apart

And seldom would speak.

The children seemed happy, content in their play.

The boy schemed a scheme and

The girl would obey.

They gathered up clothes and food they could steal,

Oats, bread and honey,

Enough for one meal.

They entered the wood,

The trees bowed down low

Showing the children

Which way to go.

The animals hid,

Not wanting to see

The Devil’s own son

Reach his destiny.

The morning arrived, bringing pain and despair,

For the wife checked their beds,

The children weren’t there!

The woodsman, distraught, took his axe and said,

“Wife, do as you’re told

And stay under the bed.”

For he knew the signs,

Of the Devils game.

His son, his own boy,

Was just not the same.

He’d known it for years,

It pained him to say,

But he knew the game

Would be ended this day.

Entering the wood, axe slung over his shoulder,

He furiously paced,

Grabbing a boulder.

Then with stealth, grace and a view through the trees

He launched his missile

With impossible ease.

Again the trees bowed,

Obscuring the view.

The boulder was lost.

Now on to phase two.

With his axe in hand

He cut through the wood,

His children watching.

One Evil, one Good.

The small boy, with a smile, stood, knife at the throat

Of his sister beside him

Who’s eyes looked remote.

With both menace and calm the deed was then done.

The woodsman’s two children

Became only one.

The little girl fell,

Her father yelled, “No!”

The boy licked his knife

With relish and so

The sacrifice done,

Pure blood in his vein

The boy stood trembling.

The trees bowed again.

The boy stood, transformed and still covered in blood

From his sisters throat

Who was pure and good.

Too good, it would seem, for the Devil’s own son,

As Evil struggled but

It was Good that had won.

Now cradled and safe,

Sister and brother

Were transported home

To the arms of their mother.

The Evil now Good,

The dead now alive.

Winter now ended,

The family thrived.

And what of the Devil, who possessed the son?

He left them alone,

And went on the run.

But where he is now, you can’t possibly know,

Just please watch your sons,

And trees that bow low.

Friday the 13^th…

As always in tales of this kind, it was on a dark and stormy night. More than that, the day was Friday and the date was the 13^th. Now, really, would you go out alone, with the school Adonis, to a secluded spot, with the wind howling, the rain pounding, on the unluckiest day ever known? Well, Neve thinks it’s a swell idea. She sees nothing wrong with a ‘Friday the 13^th’ rendezvous with the most popular boy in the school, and she certainly isn’t going to let a mild storm scupper her twilight plans.

“I can’t actually believe I’m here!” Neve laughs nervously as she gazes deeply into Mike’s eyes. I say eyes but I mean shades. In recent days he’s not been seen without this cooler than cool accessory, increasing his popularity ten-fold, no doubt. He flashes her a dazzling smile, the kind you see in the toothpaste ads on telly. “Hmm,” he purrs and moves ever so slightly in his seat, “Why shouldn’t you be here, with me?” His hand softly touches hers and Neve instinctively casts her eyes downwards, a slight blush descending on her normally pale cheeks. “You um, you do have a certain reputation, I mean…”

“All completely untrue!” Mike interrupts. Then, smile on full beam, he adds, “I mean Neve, I’m really just a normal guy, looking for that special someone…” That last word hangs between them; Neve’s head fills with something like hopes and dreams as he moves his hand gently to move her hair away from her pale blue eyes. Her heart pounds hard to the beat of the rain on the car roof. In the background the radio continues to deliver the local news, Neve’s eyes drift to the dim light on the dashboard, the broadcasters voice draws her in:

“In a statement earlier today, DCI Lee confirmed that ‘the net is closing in on the serial killer. During his last attack the unfortunate victim managed to spray a repellent into his eyes….”

Mike smoothly switches the radio off, the dim light disappears and the car is plunged into darkness. Neve’s gaze snaps up to his shades. The winning smile has gone; instead he wears a crooked smirk. “Ahh, Neve,” he sighs, pushing his sleeves up to his elbows. Leaning forward towards her, he reaches his hands up to her throat… In a flash she’s on him. A blood-curdling CRACK as his arms are forced unnaturally backwards, brings a wicked smile to Neve’s face. Almost instantly the smile turns to a snarl, revealing a set of cold, sharp fangs. Mike tries to pull his head back, dislodging his shades, which tumble onto his lap. But all to no avail; as Neve sinks her teeth into the soft flesh just below his left ear she sighs and closes her eyes. Calmness descends all around. The storm abates, clouds part and the bright moon fills the car with an eerie light. As the vampire drinks her fill, the killer’s infected eyes begin to close.

© Lisa Lee, 2015

Peacock for Breakfast

We have a tradition in our household that calls for the adults (that’s us) to bugger off on the birthdays off the offspring (that’s Harrison in this case) and leave them a cider-stocked house to enjoy with their friends and the cat. This has only been since the first 18^th, I hasten to add - we were very much present at birthdays 1 to 17. It’s great, especially this year as we spent his actual 21^st with him, before setting off for our latest three-day adventure!

Aside from a hiccup at the very last moment with the sat nav, our journey was pretty uneventful. The farm was satisfactorily off the beaten track, off the grid actually, giving us no mobile signal thus no communication. That, along with the sight of Pippin the Gypsy Caravan through the part opened gate to the orchard, filled my heart and melted away the stresses of my hectic life. I mean, hell, just look at that…

*

We were welcomed most heartily by Dothie, Will’s mum, who was in the middle of preparing our ‘welcome hamper’ and leaving us kindling for the Queenie stove. Had we arrived at the proper time (4pm) this would’ve all been ready, but it did give us the chance to talk through all the bits we needed to know. The most important being how to heat the water for the shower, an innovative piece of kit that would’ve impressed my dad no end! Nothing innovative about the hot tub mind – it’s a tub, encased in cedar, that’s hot.

Steampunk Wet Room

Water Pump & Cedar Hot Tub

*

The Roma lifestyle has always played an intrinsic part of my psyche. This stems from my birth on a gypsy camp I suppose, though having my hands ritualistically crossed with silver florins by one of the oldest Romany families in the country may have left a spiritual mark too. I’d like to think that old Eli was looking down on me, nodding his weatherworn face and winking a twinkly eye in approval. I hope my skills with the fire and Queenie stove didn’t disappoint. I definitely nailed ‘getting the bed out’!

"Grab both handles & gently wriggle the bed out until it drops into place..."

Though I left Nige to sort out the bedding…  

…Whilst I tackled the shower. I went for a cold one in the end as I really had no success lighting the fire. Anyway, it was an extremely hot day.

"Use paper & kindling, add wood, heat up to 35˚c & turn tap 1 full turn"

*

Has anyone ever been to Totnes? No, me neither, though I can’t think why! What a beautiful town with some bizarre old houses and even more bizarre people (and I’m from Bath!). We got there early evening, looking for a place to eat, but despite being famished, we took our time, looking into shop windows, making a mental note of ones to visit the next day. Then we stumbled upon The Wild Fig Deli. A very unassuming little place, not massive on atmosphere but we were encouraged by the great Trip Advisor rating and the smiling face of the guy inside. A very good job too, as the tapas were excellent and the smiley man was an utter delight. If you find yourself in Totnes, do please seek out this little pocket of friendliness, you will not be disappointed. 

Totnes East Gate by Noel Hefele

*

Back at Pippin and almost immediately into the hot tub. We are hot tub virgins no more! So taken were we, that before long we were discussing where we could fit one in our garden.  (There’s a perfect spot at the top, by the way). Our first Roma evening spent under the stars, with hot bubbles, red wine and juvenile giggles.

*

We arose the next morning bright and early. We weren’t being virtuous, just desperate for a wee and once out of the bed we were reluctant to clamber back in. Anyway, the 7am start meant we could start the breakfast and coffee pronto and so eat by a decent time! I kid you not, the Queenie stove was in no hurry to heat up the coffee pot and Nigel’s open fire cooking skills were a bit amateur to say the least.

This gypsy needs coffee!

And this one needs bacon & eggs!

Even the cat, Patchy, got fed up waiting for the bacon and buggered off. I loved the Queenie stove though and could imagine that on a cold day it’s warmth a true welcome to the little wagon. But in this heat I wasn’t keen to keep it alight any longer than I needed to. Nigel, on the other hand, was in fire making mode and took himself over to the shower. I left him to it, choosing instead to roam around the farm. Dothie was feeding the hens so I joined her. We nattered on like old friends, talking about ducks, chickens, foxes, badgers and then dogs. She gave me 2 more eggs and told me of Totnes Market. That’s part of our day sorted then, I thought. And it was. So after his shower, Nige drove us back to Totnes where we wiled away an hour or more rummaging through the vintage style market and visiting the shops we had earmarked the evening before. I was in my element! We did visit other places; Salcombe (briefly) and Kingsbridge but these were accidental – Nige was actually trying to find Bigbury. We shall save that particular jaunt for another holiday.

*

Back at Pippin and the shower was still hot! The peahens visited too, with all their chicks. Patchy really doesn’t like them though and once she caught sight of them through the tall grass, she bounced off down the lane. I thought they were very regal, like princesses parading their children through the court. Jane paid us a visit, asked how we were getting on and told us all about the peacock and his harem. Lucky guy. It was cooler tonight so a fire was needed. We snuggled around the flame with our brie and crackers and bottles of beer. Patchy returned too. I knew she couldn’t stay away for long!

*

On our last full day we visited Slapton and Start Point. There’s a wonderful café/ B&B there that does the most amazing food. We had a Devon Cream tea before climbing up the steps to the coastal path and clambering over the rocks back to the car. We could’ve stayed longer, paddled in the sea even, but Nige was hankering for Dartmouth and who am I to disagree. My feet wanted to mind you, categorically deciding not to be picked up too high, only shuffling through the hilly streets of Dartmouth to the Seven Stars pub for fish and chips and a pint of ale. They were so relieved when we stopped at the park and stretched out on a bench for half an hour or so. Dartmouth is such a picturesque harbour town, with the steam train winding it’s way through the landscape and the steam ship ferrying people from one place to another. We left there, knowing that a return visit is required to explore further, especially the Agatha Christie tour. In fact, there seems to be a lot to do and see in Dartmouth and there’s a wonderful energy there that positively encourages us to stay there on our next visit.

Back at Pippin and a very quiet evening planned. Of course we spent most of it in the hot tub, taking in, for the last time, the evening view of the orchard and our tiny wagon. The fire was still ablaze, Patchy washing herself beside its warmth and the peahens bravely picking their way through the grass. Idyllic, for sure and a tough ask to give up so soon. 

*

On the morning of our departure we awoke to Patchy on the steps and the elusive peacock waiting for breakfast. It wasn’t a luxurious affair but he seemed content with scrunched up cereal bars and pastry crumbs. Patchy took herself into Pippin and as the peahens arrived with their chicks she quickly leapt up to the bed.

Not everyone can say they had peacock for breakfast!

What a scene to leave, more perfect than the one we’d arrived to, if that was at all possible. Farewell Pippin, farewell Queenie, quirky shower, gorgeous hot tub. Farewell Patchy. Veni, vidi, vici. Yes we did!

*

If you fancy this Canopy & Stars break, please click on the link Pippin, the Gypsy Caravan

©Lisa Lee 2014