This morning I've received a rejection letter for some poems that I submitted to a magazine. It's not a setback for me though, it frequently happens (as does my receiving letters of acceptance) and so I won't worry about it.

It could be that the poems submitted weren't good enough; equally likely is that they just might have not fitted the personal preferences of the editor, or weren't suitable or appropriate material or subject matter for the magazine concerned.

Ideally, I'd like to able to do research on publications before sending off work, but I can't afford to be subscribing to numerous smallpress magazines. In this instance the internet certainly helps.

RITES OF SPRING

I'm so romantic.
I've often wanted to bring
You fresh-faced flowers, leave notes
Under your pillow, or
Stuck to the fridge door.

I'm so romantic.
Many's the time I've almost
Bought boxed chocolates, a bottle
Of wine, an unexpected
Girl's best friend. But didn't.

I'm so romantic.
Surely I've thought about it
Surprising you at the kitchen sink,
It's so much more fun with two
To pull your stomach in.

I'm so romantic.
Love on the Dole, shared April showers
Crushed petals hand in hand
A packet of three, two-thirds
Unused. Something left unplanned.

I've just received an email from an old friend who I haven't seen in years; he's responded to a posting I placed on a local forum. That's the best thing about the internet; how it can bring people together.

On a totally unrelated subject; I'm fealing a lot better after my piles bled last night.

ORDER OF PLAY

You told me
You loved me;
Then left me.

I walked out
Through the door -
Closing it first.

GENESIS

In the beginning
Eve was the apple
of her father's eye.