Raymond G. Taylor
Bio
Author living in Kent, England. Writer of short stories and poems in a wide range of genres, forms and styles. A non-fiction writer for 40+ years. Subjects include art, history, science, business, law, and the human condition.
Stories (625)
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Oh Jeff flash fiction challenge. Top Story - December 2024.
But what? Don't be a loser like Jeff. Complete the story in as few words as possible and you can be a winner. Just write a micro fiction story, any word count, or a poem in any format, and submit to Vocal in the usual way.
By Raymond G. Taylorabout a year ago in Writers
Bashing the bishop. Content Warning.
You might think that the most important elections around the world have already taken place. Not only has former President (number 45) Donald Trump been elected 47th President of the United States of America but, earlier in the year, UK voters ushered in a new majority Labour Government, to replace the many new Conservative governments that had appointed themselves since the previous general election. In the UK we do not elect our heads of state, or our heads of government. The anointed, hereditary monarch (currently King Charles III) is Head of State of the UK and his other dominions. The Prime Minister, who heads the elected executive branch of government, is appointed by the King on the basis of majority support in the UK Parliament's House of Commons. Us poor bloody Brits only get to vote for our local member of Parliament (MP) who will sit in the Commons as our representative. Confused? Not as much as you will be if you continue to read this article. You have been warned.
By Raymond G. Taylorabout a year ago in The Swamp
Pugilistic Portrait
"Are you alright, sir?" I felt as if I had been punched by a heavyweight, and one without gloves at that. I tried to focus. I was propped up on a low chair or stool of some sort and was looking up at a middle-aged man who seemed somehow familiar. There was nothing familiar about my surroundings.
By Raymond G. Taylorabout a year ago in Fiction
Old pond
Consider Old pond Frog jumps in Sound of water This is a figurative translation of a poem by Matsuo Bashō, considered one of the Japanese masters of haiku. I have not attempted to rewrite it into the typical haiku 5-7-5 syllable format because it would sound clumsy and crude. In Japanese (written using English characters) it would sound something like:
By Raymond G. Taylorabout a year ago in Poets
How to see 25 years into the future
Imagine what life will be like in the year 2050. Hard, isn't it? New technologies will emerge, new forms of entertainment, political dynamics will have changed. There may be countries that exist in 25 years that do not exist now, there is highly likely to be fundamental political change in some countries and, sadly, there will be many wars.
By Raymond G. Taylorabout a year ago in Writers
Cage within
Cage within a cage Smaller cage imprison thus Ending bring release O ~ 0 ~ o Some readers may quickly guess the meaning of this haikuesque conundrum. If you do, please feel free to let me know that you have, in comments, but without giving the game away. If you can't guess, please put it down to my obscure frame of reference.
By Raymond G. Taylorabout a year ago in Poets
My wonderful sudoku adventure. Top Story - November 2024.
Are you a person who likes to do puzzles? I'm not. Yet I find I am drawn to sudoku with almost a passion, and one that I find hard to explain. Unravelling a sudoku puzzle, to me, is like unravelling a problem in life.
By Raymond G. Taylorabout a year ago in 01
Diary of a wimpy poet
Dear Diary, I know you don't really exist, I know I don't really keep a daily journal, despite the recommendations of just about every 'creative writing' pundit. I know you are only an imaginary diary, a pretend friend, but I am going to address you thus in any case. Get over it!
By Raymond G. Taylorabout a year ago in Motivation
Just met Donald Trump
Am I the only person who feels any sense of optimism about various recent election results in the USA and its little cousin across the water, the UK? I make no comment about my preferences for the numerous candidates or how I may have voted in the one election I voted in. I tend to avoid discussing politics online as it just leads to bullying and noise.
By Raymond G. Taylorabout a year ago in The Swamp
