The Weekly Round-Down! (No.21) Extended, super-apologetic edition!

Well I'm back! *Insert masses cheering.* My apologies for my trek into AWOL territory. My internet unexpectedly went down and I was left high and dry. Stupid me thought it was my phone playing up again, so I deleted all my apps as well. To be honest, it was kind of nice. All I literally had on my phone was the ability to text and phone people. Oh, and a dodgy version of my author Facebook profile thanks to internet explorer. Anyway, welcome to this extended edition of the weekly round-up. Amidst the events of recent weeks, I will be including a poem from myself and a poem from Nicky D White.

Regarding Life inside a Psychopathic Balloon. Without the internet, I have been unable to release it. It has been proof read by myself though and I will soon be getting it ready for release.

So on the note of poetry, here is one from me...

Death Blow

The wind blows cool to the touch,
Stinging my face; like jabs with a needle,
I stand up tall and realize I can’t do much.
Unable to anything but feel completely feeble

I try my hardest and approach with caution,
The fire burns my eyes; a beautiful disaster.
My thoughts flash by of how this set in motion,
Deep wounds will remain, not covered by plasters.

Flashing blue lights, blind my view.
Sirens echo, ringing in my ears;
The lives of many altered by a few.
Their actions haunting us for years

The paramedics blind me with torches,
Dilated pupils, hands shaking and pulse quickens.
Behind me, the fire still scorches,
As the smoke only thickens

They sit me down, the crash still near.
My heart overwhelmed by momentous dread;
I see them carrying her body, filling me with fear,
My gorgeous wife now lies dead.

The cold wind still whistles as it starts to snow,
A Christmas catastrophe, wrapped up tight.
My hollow gift, a death blow;
I kiss my wife one last time and wish her goodnight.

Before my internet went down - Maybe, Misery was featured on Michael Brookes' blog yesterday. So be sure to check it out here: http://thecultofme.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/tuesday-tease-maybe-misery-by-c-s-bailey.html
Be sure to snoop around as his blog is on my reading list, as it is always entertaining.

Big news! The lovely Wendy has finished reading the Talon Strand. I was glad to hear that she found it better than the first - especially as it is only the first draft. One of her notes was that at the end, she felt a bit 'flat.' I guess it's understandable. I mean, the Talon Strand was never planned. As you all know Maybe, Misery was supposed to be a one off. Somehow I managed to write a second book which still bewilders me. I started writing it before Maybe, Misery was even released. Back to the point, I'm not sure what to do now. The one thing I knew about the Talon Strand was how it would end - open. I didn't do it intentionally, it's just how I wanted the story to end, a sort of uncertain closure. Now rather than go back and forth for months on end, I have made a decision. I am going to buy a pad ... hold your excitement ... and on this pad, I will either write a new ending that closes everything up more thoroughly or somehow, drag a plan for the third book out of my imagination. If a third book is the case, it will not be for a long, long time. After the Talon Strand comes out, my focus on writing will be on the back burner as to increase my productivity of making a film.

Anyway... here is a poem from Nicky D.

Control ~

Always fighting for control
That need to be in charge
To be perfect
But who are you perfect for?
Yourself?
The judgemental stares of those around you?
Tiptoeing on shards of glass
Dancing around the edges
Hoping not to misstep
Cutting yourself
Bleeding while leaving a path behind you
Adding another scar to your tainted flesh
Whose reflection do you see when looking in the mirror?
Those hazel eyes staring back at you
Reflective pools of pain
Fooling you into seeing what isn’t there
You cover yourself, ashamed
Where is this beauty that others claim to see?
Why can’t you see it?
It’s there, looking back at you.
Deceiving you
Bending your will to break
Your strength is weakening
Hiding behind the hurt
You only want to be perfect
You only want to be you
But you’re not really in control
Not any more
The painful truth is consuming you
Your secret is killing you
As you purge…
Your body quakes as your soul screams
Chasing that high
To deal with the pain
Because in reality,
It. Controls. You…

Copyright ©2015 –ND White

Well, we're nearly done now. My apologies for not being around. It's safe to say I have downloaded the blogger app in case this happens again, so I can at least let you guys know. Oh, while I was gone, we hit 6k views so thank you everyone for that! 

I also saw John Wick this week, it was fucking awesome. If you haven't seen it, check it out right away. 

Here's your top 15. I'll see you guys on Tuesday. Much love,

C.S

  (Lwp)
1. (n/a) Telescope – Star Set
2. (n/a) Elastic Heart – Sia
3. (1) Halo – Star Set
4. (n/a) Anaesthetist – Enter Shikari
5. (4) Drown – Bring me the Horizon
6. (10) It has Begun – Star Set
7. (6) Friendly Fire – Nothing More
8. (3) Carnivore – Star Set
9. (5) Down to Earth – Celldweller
10. (7) Sex Metal Barbie – In This Moment
11. (13) Crystalize – Lindsey Stirling
12. (8) I want you back – The Jackson 5
13. (n/a) The Last Garrison – Enter Shikari
14. (9) Dirty Pretty – In This Moment
15. (11) One Month Off – Bloc Party

Story-time with the Four Bananas + Guests. (No.25)

Well hello everybody. It's that time again. Like caped crusaders, we are here to execute the boredom. This week, we once again have the pleasure of being joined by D.S. Scott and J.P. Royan. Also you get two from me this week, they're both Christmas related so I'll get them out of the way. One of them won me an Amazon voucher. By the time you've read this, the kettle should have boiled, so make that tasty beverage and enjoy.

1st Day of Christmas by C.S. Bailey

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me …
One dismissive comment, one look of disdain, one flimsy excuse of her whereabouts and a stone cold tea in the microwave!
So on this cold winter’s day, I decided to follower her for answers. She was watched like a hawk as she boarded her bosses’ yacht. I saw the boat was rocking, I found it truly shocking and now she’s chopped into pieces and stuffed into her stocking.
So on the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me; that feeling of finally being free.

The Empty Sack by C.S. Bailey

It’s December twenty forth and little Matt is up past his bed time. He’s way too excited to sleep, cowering with excitement under his quilt waiting for Santa to arrive. 

Suddenly he starts to here shuffling coming from the other bedroom. “Santa is here!” He exclaims loudly. Jumping out of his bed, Matt tip-toe’s towards his mum and dads bedroom. 

Gently knocking on the door, he mutters “Santa?”

His mother comes to the door. “What’s the matter Matt? It’s late, you should be asleep.”

“I thought I heard Santa coming!”

“Oh, that was your father … now go to sleep.”

The Aristocrat- Part Two by Nav Logan

That was before war came, and Ireland, still under British rule, must send its bravest off  to die in France. The aristocrat’s life changed on that day in 1914 when war was declared. No longer did he live with a silver spoon in his mouth. He, like everyone else, must go and serve his country.

As always he was a natural leader, and therefore, he was the one selected for the fore of the procession down O’Connell Street, past all the buntings and banners, and down to the docks where the ferryboats waited for their long journey overseas to Flanders.


The Chicken and The Egg by Bryan Thomas

"I came first!" said the egg.
"Rubbish!" said the chicken.
"Without me you wouldn't exist," said the egg.
"No. Without me 'you' wouldn't exist," said the chicken.
A cockerel strutted into our fictitious scenario, stage right. "Without me 'neither of you' would exist," he said, puffing out his chest.
"Nonsense, I'm not having it," said the chicken.
"The point is you 'did' have it, sweetheart, and that's where junior here came from," said the cockerel, gesturing towards the egg.
The egg and the chicken pondered the cockerel's argument.
"Sorted!" said the cockerel, who knew a done deal when he saw one.

HIGH TIDE by Rick Haynes

Foamy waves crashed into the rocks, spewing forth seaweed and debris. The sailor, sole survivor from the wreck, nursed countless bruises as he pulled his worn out body to safety. Only god knew how he had survived when all of his shipmates had perished in the storm.
Settling himself under the cliffs, he took in the water mark. Once the tide turned he could crawl around the headland and home.
He closed his eyes.
A rumble like the sound of thunder caused him to search the dark skies, but all he saw was the rock face rushing to embrace him.

Gangrene by D.S. Scott

I let out a groan of pain. This gangrene’s killing me … literally. I got lost in the woods a week ago. I broke my foot five days ago and the damn bones are sticking out. Four days ago it got infected. Three days ago I got this fever and two days ago I ran out of food. I can’t walk, can’t take care of myself, can’t do anything. Yesterday ... let’s just say yesterday was worse. This fever’s been messing with my head today. At least I hope so because part of my foot’s gone and I can taste something rancid.

Crazy in love by J.P.Royan

Sat on the bench Clara watched David talking to his friend by the water fountain.

She couldn't remember being so in love and happy before. He's undoubtedly the one! Clara thought how her mother was going to love him too when they finally met for lunch at Franco’s.

Realising the time she waved to get his attention. He glanced over sheepishly but continued talking, his back to her now. Clara smiled rising from the bench. "He's a right chatterbox" she sighed.

Walking over Clara could hear the conversation over the fountain’s splashes. "Yes officer, she's been following me all day!"

The Weekly Round-Down. (No.20)

Happy Friday all... well for you rather than me. I've had a week off from work this week and its been fantastic. Unfortunately, I'm back on Sunday. I've spent most of my time being lazy and beta-reading Nav's newest work. It's safe to say that it is quite good. Though I am slightly annoyed. I had planned to be proof reading Life inside a Psychopathic Balloon but those bastards haven't delivered my proof copy yet, despite paying delivery charges to ensure it had arrived by the fifth. 

It will only be a short one this week as I have a takeover to do soon so I'll be attempting to entertain people for a whole hour. 

The lovely woman who is beta reading the Talon Strand, told me yesterday that a part of it was making her feel emotional, so that's good. She also said that up to now, it's better than the first. I think that deep down, it is very much a drama. Where the first one was loud and brash, the second one is more grounded, well at least I hope. I think my main concern is that I don't want it to be like anything else. 

So it finally happened this week... I watched the fourth Transformers movie. I really fucking hate Michael Bay. I only watched it for Kelsey Grammer (Frasier) and at first, it didn't seem that bad. Plus anything NOT starring Shite Lebouf, can only be seen as a blessing. Surely enough though, Michael soon returned to his staple of shitting on my childhood. So avoid it like the plague if your eyes haven't witnessed the travesty already.

I also watched the Maze Runner. It could have been a lot better, but it had a whiff of teen-twilight-nonsense about it. If it's ever on the television for free, give it a watch. Otherwise, avoid it like I avoid the hunger games or as I call it, the poor man's Battle Royale. 

Anyway, I'll leave you all to enjoy your weekend. Have a good one, here's the top 15:

(Lwp)

1. (n/a) Halo – Star Set

2. (n/a) Death before Dishonour – Five Finger Death Punch

3. (n/a) Carnivore – Star Set

4. (n/a) Drown – Bring me the Horizon

5. (n/a) Down to Earth – Celldweller  

6. (n/a) Friendly Fire – Nothing More

7. (n/a) Sex Metal Barbie – In This Moment 

8. (n/a) I want you back – The Jackson 5

9. (n/a) Dirty Pretty – In This Moment

10. (n/a) It has Begun – Star Set 

11. (1) One Month Off – Bloc Party

12. (n/a) Big Bad Wolf – In This Moment

13. (n/a) Crystalize – Lindsey Stirling 

14. (13) End of an Empire – Celldweller

15. (n/a) Survival – Eminem

  

Actual Poetry Thursdays! (No.6)

This week we are joined by the multi-talented Nav Logan, so enjoy his poem and then proceed straight to his website www.navlogan.com for more.

Slipping Into Something Comfortable

Let me slip into something comfortable,

While we snuggle together and whisper our love.

Something just right, designer tight,

Ergonomically made, it fits so well.


Let me slip into something comfortable,

While we cuddle close and kiss the night away.

Tailor made to fit my body,

The feel of it making me sigh.



Kid gloves are nothing to this,

Silk and satin fall short of the mark,

Mink and Ermine are course in comparison,

To what I am wearing with you.



Let me slip into something comfortable,

And together we can fly to the moon.

Nothing feels finer than this apparel,

Nothing feels finer than you.



Let me slip into something comfortable,

Let me slip into you.

Attempt At Poetry Wednesdays! (No.18)

Well here we are again. In case you all have forgotten, or you just didn't see it, I mentioned a while back that everything you see from me will be new and not taken from Life inside a Psychopathic Balloon.

So I hope you enjoy it, have a great day everybody.

The Perfect II

Earth shattering beauty confined in a notion,
Beguiling in her wisdom;
Casting a spell with her otherworldly potion,
Until I am a slave to her kingdom!

Flowers bloom around her feet,
Illuminating the sun with her stature;
Her fragrance is nothing short of sweet.
A love like this will only ever fracture.

The uncertainty of her existence frustrates,
My mind constantly collapses.
The Fragile moral compass tergiversates.
Yet the positive emotion relapses!

Though all is not as it seems,
A reality we can never summon;
The creation of an artist’s dreams,
The ever imaginary perfect woman!

Story-time with the Four Bananas + Guests. (No.24)

Well hello everyone. We are back to entertain so go and grab that hot beverage you have been lacking and enjoy. As well as my bananas, we are joined by D.S Scott and J.P Royan this week.

Singular Pandemic by C.S. Bailey

I am close to the end. I can feel death stalking me with my every wheezing breathe. Lying in my resting place, all wrapped up, I feel only cold. The medication didn’t help me at all; neither did the constant rain at work.
My life is nearly over, I am ready to go to my final resting place and forever be in peace from this infernal virus.
Soon, my wife comes into the room to say farewell.
“Goodbye my love.” I whisper sweetly.
She replies coldly, “Get out of bed you lazy bell end, you've only got bloody man flu.”

The Aristocrat- Part One by Nav Logan

With a pedigree that went back for many generations, the aristocrat had always been destined for greatness. He had been born to it, like his father before him. Reared on the plains of Kildare, his life had been an easy one, this gentleman of leisure. His days were spent going to the races, or breaking a light sweat during a game of polo.

Inevitably, he would lead the winning side to victory with honours.

Later, he would bow his head gentle in acknowledgement of the applause, commoners and gentry alike, and be led off in fanfare to the waiting party.

The Dilemma by Bryan Thomas

"Dad?"

"What?"

"Jimmy's father has done something bad."

"How bad?"

"Really bad."

"Do you want to tell me what he's done?"

"I do... and I don't. I kinda promised Jimmy."

"So, you are facing a bit of a dilemma, son."

"Yeah, I suppose."

"It's a criminal act, right?"

"Some people would see it that way."

"I think I know what it might be, don't say anything, just nod if I'm right."

"I will."

"Jimmy's dad has murdered someone."

"What! No. He hasn't murdered anyone, he's bought a season ticket for Manchester United."

"That's a heinous crime by anybody's standards, son."

MISSING YOU by Rick Haynes

Here I sit, all alone on our faded cream sofa.

My feet are hanging over one of the dark wooden arms, as my hand grasps the tumbler ever tighter.

The half-empty bottle on the coffee table speaks volumes, as my eyes shed droplets like the whiskey tears running down the outside of the glass.

Was it only last week that she packed her bags and left, clearing out the bank account on her way to meet her new lover?

Someone I knew so very, very well; my mate and my best friend.

I really, really . . . miss him.

Dear John by D.S. Scott

Dear John,

Thank you for sinning! You go to church, you pray and you even read the Bible occasionally, but you still sin! Damned if you aren’t good at it too. You lie, cheat, curse, and hate. The list goes on. Please keep turning your back on God. Hell’s waiting, friend. Don’t stop now! You’re so close!

Oh, and thanks for having such beautiful children. I love watching them follow in your footsteps. Your wife’s on her way too.

Just remember, God doesn’t love you but I always will!

Anyway, thanks again, my friend.

See you soon,

Your tempter,

Satan

Whetstone by J.P. Royan

Shhhhhiiiing! Tyax looked along the steel that had been his campaign sword for many years. Morning sunlight glistened off its edge as the whetstone slid upwards from the base to the tip. Shhhhhiiiing! Tyax's thoughts turned to the horrors his blade had committed for the empire. The villages and towns that had fallen to their march south. Shhhhhiiing! The Kareenesh had finally turned up to give them a fight however. Tyax’s chance to show his swordsmanship. 

He hated everything about the southern scum but nothing more than their custom of execution for military prisoners. Beheading by your own sword. Sssshhhhhiiiiiing! 

Back to the Future.

Well hello all. Welcome to my first blog post of 2015. I really hope that you all enjoyed the festive period and that you spent it doing what you love, or at least with the ones you love. I went to my Nan's for Christmas dinner this year and it was quite nice especially compared to writing the Talon Strand with a bowl of cereal, (that's what I did the year before). I opted to stay in this new years eve. Though I enjoyed going out the previous eve, I just wasn't in the mood. I guess it's because I didn't really want to say good by to 2014. It was a good year for me.

But we mustn't dwell so onwards and upwards. Though I took a step back from my blog and writing in general, I was still quite the busy little bee. Mostly, I was working on Life inside a psychopathic Balloon and I'm delighted to share the cover with you guys...

I hope you like it. I like it a lot and I'm excited for this book to come out. I think, because it's an unexpected and unplanned gift. My good friend Nav Logan beta read it for me and though I had a list of twenty pieces of work to remove, Nav suggested I remove only seven. Six of those were the Painful Parody posts and a poem titled 'Plain Sailing.' I'm currently waiting on the proof copy to arrive so I can check it one last time.

I've also been working on the Talon Strand, with the first beta copy already sent out. To be honest though, I am taking my time with it, it still needs an awful lot of work.

I have indeed written a few poems and drabbles, but not as many as I thought I would. I guess I'm still unclear as to what's going to happen. I do know that if I decide to release another book after the Talon Strand, it will be Between Dimensions. That's all I know and I'm tired of rattling my brain about it. This year has a whiff of uncertainty about it; I am not sure that like it.

Anyway, this is really just an overly long re-acquaintance. I am back and will attempt to entertain once more. I'll be back on Tuesday with Story-time, so I'll see you guys then. For now, here is my list of things we should leave in 2014. Take care all.

-Game requests
-The new era of abbreviations
-Twerking
-Selfies
-Skinny jeans
-Fragile males
-The 100
-People lacking basic etiquette
-Updating Facebook every five minutes
-Saying you need to get in shape and then uploading pictures of your Mc Donald's
-Erotica books
-Ignorance
-Idolising entertainers
-Religion
-Minions (or as I like to call them, suppositories)
-Acting like perceptual teenagers
-Kim Kardashian and numerous other human beings
-Releasing documents claiming that America's stockpile of nuclear weapons has been shoddily maintained and then letting them piss of North Korea
-Spamming