Katarzyna Popiel
Bio
A translator, a writer. Two languages to reconcile, two countries called home.
Stories (68)
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Blatherskite
Blatherskite is a Scottish word that refers to a silly talkative person or to foolish, nonsensical talk. I have to admit that this word was not my first choice. Balderdash caught my eye at first, making me think of Mr. Lear and his splendid limericks. Then I got distracted by things routinely described as life and another, less distracted Vocalite published her own take on balderdash first (https://shopping-feedback.today/poets/balderdash). So, off I went to have another peek at the list of unusual words (here), which was mightily educational. For example, has it ever struck you how many words meaning "nonsense" (or something similar) begin with a "b"? I loved them all but my favourite was "bambosh" (deceptive nonsense). The reason for this love at first sight was that the same word exists in my native tongue (Polish). The spelling is a tad different but the word sounds basically the same. Only the Polish "bambosz" means a slipper. Yes, I mean footwear. Now you know that Polish people use deceptive nonsense to keep their feet warm at home. How cool is that!
By Katarzyna Popielabout a year ago in Poets
One of a Kind
She’s good. Really good. This is hard to admit even just to myself. It’s not like I’m some wide-eyed, impressionable maiden. I’ve seen more bullshit than most, I’ve met my share of crooks and assholes and like to think that I can spot them a mile off.
By Katarzyna Popielabout a year ago in Fiction
Man on a Mission
My breath comes in rapid gulps as I peer cautiously through the foliage. No trace of pursuit. Yet. The jungle spreads all around me like a wild green blanket, shielding me from the prying eyes. My enemies are smart and wily though. I know they are hot on my heels and won’t give up easily.
By Katarzyna Popielabout a year ago in Fiction
Creative Process or the Brain Exposed. Top Story - September 2024.
Actors: ME MY BRAIN The setting: An ordinary bedroom with the usual bedroom furniture. Lights are off and everything looks eerily dark. Stars can be seen through the only window in the room.
By Katarzyna Popielabout a year ago in Writers
Late
The soup got cold. Guess who has to heat it up again? Of course I get to do all the work as usual. And of course no one respects my effort. Least of all that ungrateful daughter, late for dinner although the school ended four hours ago. I keep her timetable on my bedside table so I know when she’s supposed to be home. She won’t fool me. It’s only a ten minutes’ walk and she knows the dinner is ready at half four. But what does she care? Yesterday, she even had the cheek to tell me she didn’t want dinner. That she ate at school. So what? Does she think I make an effort to cook so that it can go to the bin? Two courses every day! So disrespectful of her.
By Katarzyna Popielabout a year ago in Psyche
Third Choice (full story). Content Warning.
When her mother was in that mood, Annie knew better than to reason with her. The best option was to stay silent. Entirely non-reactive. Even a flicker of emotion in Annie’s eyes sufficed to fuel her mother’s vitriol.
By Katarzyna Popielabout a year ago in Fiction
Third Choice. Content Warning.
With Annie’s mother in that mood, it was best to stay silent. The elderly woman loved Annie’s sore points. An ugly divorce, childbirth injuries… Anything was a weapon. Last year, Annie shared her financial worries. She listed her debts, started crying half-way through. Annie’s mother has been demanding money at every opportunity since. Little jabs every day.
By Katarzyna Popielabout a year ago in Fiction
