Some verses — Said the girl — to the artificial brain “This first stanza of yours — is wholly lame. Your words are too lengthy — and so obscure That verse — is a soporiferous bore.” With some zeroes and ones — the brain replied In an obstreperous tone — it couldn’t hide. “I wrote…

A puppet’s tale — Fanny — the hand puppet — loved to entertain She would perform — happily — without constrain. Her large plump head — had a wide mouth — and white teeth While thick hair — and long dress — hide what was beneath. Her inner talents — were impressive — and broad Fanny’s young patrons — were diverted — and awed. Sweet songs and fun jokes — she regaled — by herself But smiled with relief — when returned — to her shelf.

A kernel has an epiphany — From an ancient tree — a fat acorn — hung lazily It swung in the breeze — basking in the sun — happily. Snug among other ripe siblings — content with — its lot Still — life was to change — whether it was ready or not. The majestic oak…

Short on words — Tall on impact — ‘Ban the Bomb’ — the showy placard said I waved mine wildly — above my head. I pushed and shoved — an ignorant boar Then whacked them directly — to the floor. ‘Equality for All’ — posed my sign I kept it high — in the brash sunshine. A voice was heard…

Not at all majestic — I show off — my diamond — crown All around — the nearby — town. The sad peasants — stop and — stare One does not — really — care. It nestles — my head — so neat My rich crown makes — me — complete. …

A journey of colours — On the first day of malaise — my doctor gave to me A small white pill — to ease my knee. On the second day of malaise — my doctor gave to me Two pink pills — so I could wee And a small white pill — to ease my knee…

A young man’s ruin — Visiting my younger brother — at home with — our mum I ascertained — there had been — a rather minor scrum. Too many silly words — had been exchanged — on both sides Mum’s slow burning temper — had flared — and much more besides. The culprit — was…

Sour and Sweet — Priscilla sat on her favourite green stool and chewed her freshly picked rhubarb stick. It was deliciously sour. Her sweet face distorted with every bite and her long auburn ringlets shook with delight. She was thinking. Everyone in her family was talking about this jokey thing. It was going to…

Another shiny thing — Priscilla frowned. Her young forehead wrinkled. An oversized gobstopper rolled precariously in her mouth. Her brown eyes were centered on the thing hanging around her uncle’s neck. She liked her Uncle Bryan. He was tall and slim with bright green eyes that seemed to sparkle when he watched you. He…