Increasing Flexibility

My flexibility is improving with noticeable results. I've been experimenting with various techniques. One method of stretching I've been using is bouncing. If I'm trying to touch my foot with my head I reach towards the foot with my head until I can't go any further. I bounce towards the foot with my head around twenty times. After the twentieth bounce I hold the stretch at it's optimum length for twenty seconds.

The second method I've been experimenting with is using breathing to aid my stretching. Starting in a relaxed posture I breathe in. I breathe out as I execute my stretch. When I'm at my furthest reach I breathe in and at the same time as I breathe in I stretch my body a further one inch. I maintain my position whilst breathing out and relaxing. If I can comfortably go further at this point I can but if my muscles are too tense and I feel I'm at my longest reach I can stop at this point and take three slow natural breaths.

I feel flexible enough to continue so I breathe in and continue to stretch one more inch. I'm maintaining this position as I breathe out and relax. I can stop here but I'm choosing to go on as my leg muscles aren't too tight yet. I breathe in and stretch further half an inch. I breathe out and relax whilst maintaining my position.

I relax into the stretch as I take three slow natural breaths. I've discovered that by using this method I can allow my body to reach further with each training session. I'm really starting to see the value of warming up prior to stretching as it greatly enhances the pliability of the whole body.

The third method I've been experimenting with is very simple. I make sure my posture is correct and I stretch using the aid of my muscles. I stretch my body to it's furthest reach and hold the position for as long as I feel comfortable doing so.

I'm making progress thanks to these three techniques. I'll continue to experiment and I'm sure I'm approaching monumental possibilities.

The Galloping Tiger Leaps Over Every Obstacle

Andrew James asks me how many articles I write nightly and when I tell him he tells me I've got too much time on my hands. I tell him that
'Writing is my passion' and it really is. I truly believe I can take my writing to high places. The articles on my website are very short but I am very capable of writing long pieces. I practise my craft every day and I'm always improving my knowledge and learning more about grammar.


Today was very eventful. I started training at one o'clock and I've just got in. It's now twenty to eleven.

I've been thinking a lot about my attitude. I've noticed that when I let my anger show in my attitude or if I let my frustration affect my attitude I leave myself open to all sorts of negativity.

I let facets of my old way of living manifest in my behaviour at times. I realise I'm changing and I'm always developing. I notice that people don't react well to sarcasm and cynicism. I'm not that type of person right now and I can't pull it off. I see the respect that people hold for me but I'm aware that I can tarnish my own image by putting myself across in a destructive manner.

I'm really fit. I'm not being big headed or complacent. I am really fit. My fexibility is improving vastly and all throughout the day my Parkour has been magnificent. I judge my ability by my standards. Everything felt right.

I did a lot of tree climbing today to build upper body strength. I felt like my arms couldn't hold my bodyweight any longer after the eigth tree. That's a welcome feeling but one I haven't felt in a long time. I ran with all the energy a young man practising Chi Gung should have. I ran through the skate park with shouts of
'What the fuck' from young guys on BMXs as I leaped into the air over the skate ramps.
'Jonny it's free running' one young guy called to his friend as I sprinted onwards.

I stopped to catch my breath and a young dark skinned gentleman asked me
'Are you a gopher?'
'Am I a gopher?'
'Yes, are you a gopher?'
'I'm a human being' I explain. He nods and asks me what I'm doing.

I'm not letting his joke become an insult in my mind so I'm free to be mature and he respects that I'm sure. I pass him a kung fu flyer and he tells me he's enthusiastic about coming along to a class. I tell him he's welcome to try a class for free. I'm not sure if he'll actually attend but I like to think that if I give enough flyers out I'll get new people involved in Shaolin Kung Fu.


My body is weak and heavy. My back aches slightly. I'm about to soak my body in hot water for a good half an hour. I'll do some stretching soon to ease the tension on my overworked muscles.

The Positivity of Shaolin Chi Gung

Five Elements Chi Gung is a method of breathing designed to harness Chi Energy and channel it to various places in and around the body. Using Five Elements Chi Gung one can lose weight but retain considerable strength. Once a healthy flow of Chi is achieved one will be healthy in mind and body. This is a Chinese philosophy. This is Chi Gung.


I've been using the microcosmic cycle to enhance my Chi Gung and by doing so I'm feeling a greater sense of concentration and focus. All my training is improving as my Chi Gung improves. I'm considerably more flexible, I'm stronger and my limbs are tougher. Kung Fu has got all I've ever wanted and all I could ever want for developing myself as a human being. I'm spiritually, mentally and physically healthy.

I used Chi Gung to quit smoking. I'd tried around two hundred times to quit nicotine with little success. Chi Gung gave me the energy and focus to give up my forty to sixty a day habit. I'm now free of alcohol and caffeine and I'm stronger, more focused and I like to think happier than I've ever been. I thank my master and the masters before him for this great gift.

To feel a brotherhood with my fellow pupils is a blessing. I feel as though I'm watching my own brothers and sisters when I meet and greet my fellow pupils. For an only child this is a great blessing. The wisdom of my teacher is a true inspiration. I often wish I'd found Chi Gung at a younger age. I'm adamant that my life so far would have been quite different and certainly more healthy and positive if I'd have discovered Chi Gung and Kung Fu.

Puissance

Do my watery emotional eyes lead you into the false belief that I'm weak? When I open my mouth do I not bellow loudly with a large lung capacity and clear intent? You make your initial judgement and stare at me. I'm relaxed as we make eye contact. Suddenly you're feeling nervous and you look away. You gazed into my eyes and saw strength, didn't you?

Under the polite calm surface lies the heart of a warrior. I have strength and belief in myself. I see the doubting eyes, the pouting lips. I'm looking at you without malice, without any serious judgement. You're looking away. I glance but your eyes don't return to mine.

Maybe the next person will lock eyes with you and look away fearfully. You'll win. It'll feel great. When you look into the hazel circles, my pupils growing and shrinking you notice something. I'm not scared.

Cogitating

I remember when I considered myself to be a nice guy with women. My inability to argue with women left me at a huge disadvantage. I wasn't able to disconnect. I obsessed about connecting with women and therefore didn't get very far.

I always looked at the bad boys and the arrogant guys. I wondered why beautiful women found thugs and arrogant guys attractive. I'm not a thug, a brute or a bad boy however I do see the reality as to why these women went for these guys. Women like men that they find interesting and exciting.

I've always had an appreciation for romance and romantic gestures. I think the women I've dated have always appreciated my romantic side. I like to give women flowers and write poetry for them. More than a couple of women have said that my gifts were the nicest thing anyone has ever done for them. To me romance is exiting and a way to build deep connections.

I once told a guy to give a girl he liked a flower. He laughed and said
'I'm not sloppy mate.' She didn't go for him. I ended up dating her but that's a different tale.

Ever since I learned the value of sticking up for myself and being able to let go with women and relax I've been a lot more comfortable and I like to think I've been considerably more successful.

I Know Who I Am

I'm very rude at times. I don't take negative criticism well. I can be very impatient. I know what thrills me in life and what doesn't. If I feel bored or uninterested I tend to amuse myself. My attention span is shorter than my little finger if I'm feeling nervous, uncomfortable or uninterested.

I'm the type of man who has respect for everybody. We're all equal and I've got plenty of love to show. When I sense someone doesn't like me my attitude and my whole demeanour changes. I'm instantly flat and unresponsive. I'm realising that letting people know this through my manner isn't the greatest of ideas.

If someone says something disrespectful to me on Facebook I delete them instantly. If someone insults me purposely and personally in person I have difficulty in talking to them and smiling at the same time. I know I'm whimsical. I know I'm sharp but I also know that I can't afford any negativity whatsoever in my life at the moment.

There might be ten shouting louts around me. I'm keeping my head clear. There may be a fight going on near me. I'll see clearly. Anything that threatens the harmony of the way I live must be eliminated. I really can't spare precious time on stupidity and negativity.

I have unconditional love for my Sifu, my Mother and my Girlfriend. There are a lot of people I love and respect. There are plenty of people I like. I'm very amiable. Relationships must start with respect. Respect me for who I am and I'll do the same in return. It's a cycle. If you trust me and like me there's a huge possibility I'll like and trust you.

If you choose to hate me for whatever reason I'll cut my losses and walk away. That's Daniel Thomas Wood. That's me.


I study people's eye contact. I notice people staring at each other. I often see the conflict and the discomfort. I notice some people making eye contact with me before looking away nervously. I can make eye contact with anyone but when I sense awkwardness I can't look into someone's eyes. If someone's holding back I can't let go like I really want to.

I can often tell when I sense people don't respect me. My face is one of calm perplexity. Why can't people respect others for being human and being civil? I'll not spend long on that question. I'm focusing on the positives. If you're finding it hard to understand me and I can sense it I have no choice but to move onto the next person. Hopefully I'll meet many open minded individuals in my life.

I interact with people of yesterday and yesteryear. It's unfortunate but I can see them holding the opinions they've already formed of me. They're looking at me as though I'm still that older version. There's no moving forwards from this. You're talking to an illusion. If you look closer into my soul you'll find other things. I'm different.

I've given up friends that I loved and even though the pain of losing them ripped through me like sharpened blades I knew it was the best thing. Sometimes people lose respect for you. You've got to decide what's more important. Do I care about keeping the friends that don't respect me or do I care more about my well being and who I perceive myself to be? I already know the answer to that question.


My thoughts and goals are clear in my mind. I know what needs doing. I know what I want to achieve.

I make jokes that people don't laugh at. I'm very controversial. My sense of humour is very unique and it's a blessing to find someone on the same wave length. When I look into the mirror I see my own honest eyes peering back at me. My thoughts consist of a hundred things at once. There's always something going on in my head. I'm perceptive. I can see what people are feeling towards me sometimes.

Writing is my passion, Kung Fu is my passion and Parkour is my passion. I'll live my life according to my rules. No-one will tell me how to live my life. I'll see the bigger scale image and the finer detailed drawing. I feel very emotional. My emotional well being is forever important. I've had enough of alcohol and I've had enough of caffeine. I've had enough of animosity and negativity. Be who you want to be and live how you choose to live. I'll be living my life. I think it's great.

Danny Wood, Master of Disguises

I must have been on the laugh rag for two days. I saw the new Indiana Jones movie on Sunday. Ever since I stopped drinking alcohol and caffeine it's like the world has turned into a Blu-ray DVD with cinematic surround sound. My senses are heightened, alive and twitching. I'm thinking clearly.

Today I went on a double date. We drove out to Castleton where we ate in a tradition English pub and enjoyed a short walk around the village before driving up through The Devil's Arse. I was aware that my lack of sleep caused my anger levels to rise but I felt like I had my temper under complete control.

After a short sleep on the floor of my girlfriend's apartment I walked home in my bright yellow jumper. I arrived in my estate and walked towards the co-op hoping for some chocolate muffins and some fresh orange. I was greeted with grey shutters where a bright entrance usually stands. Shit.

There were three youths standing next to the machine. I turned to walk away and one of them said
'Wanner youz cash machine mate?'
'No thanks. The shop's closed. thanks.' I'm walking away and I can hear one of the youths laughing.
'E speaks like a primary teacher man.' Thoughts dance around my head like playful sheep. I am quite well spoken. I do try and communicate clearly and eloquently. I do value the language that I was taught to speak.

Maybe if I constantly speak with a whining tone in my voice I'll fit in around these guys. Maybe if I act like I'm twenty percent stupid and swear in mid-sentence they'll see me as one of them. It's a good job I don't care about being one of these guys. It's a blessing that I'm happy they think I'm different. I leap into the air and land on the concrete path then walk onto the grass.

I approach my block of flats. I can hear the buzzing of music and voices. I need to get out of this area. My heart is set on the city centre. I've lived in council estates all my life and now it's time for a change.

Now I'm painting the walls in my flat white. Every room will look white. It'll be a whitewash job. I'll paint the flat and clean the kitchen. I'll get my life organised, clear my debts, find a new flat, look into work, train hard and generally improve myself. Life's great.

Woe is the Hand that Doesn't Touch Me

Does she know I'm staring at her? I'm dancing in and out of suited gentlemen and pretty ladies. She stands out like a bruised toe. I'm chasing her. Her white dress billows in the cool summer breeze. She takes a right. I follow. She's so hard to get.

I watch her pushing the key into what I think is her front door. As she lets go of the door I'm sprinting. I manage to catch it an inch before it closes. I sigh. I follow her upstairs quietly and wonder how surprised she'll be that her lover has come to greet her.

I watch her undress and she slips her leg into the steaming bath water. Behind these curtains I'm invisible to her. She's grabbing the razor and shaving her smooth golden legs. I cough and my hear sinks. The game's over.

She looks to me as I wave my palms in front of me to show I'm non-threatening. She screams like I'm a monster. I tell her to calm down but her screams evolve into panic. She's jumping out of the bath clutching her razor. I'm stepping backwards towards the stairs.
"If you love me you'll not do this" I cry.

I take a step back as her angry eyes fixate on my throat. I realise my error. There are no floorboards under my feet. My right foot is on the corner of a step. I'm tumbling and the world spins around me. I feel punches to my shoulder, my spine, my thigh, my toe and my hand. I'm laying still and she's screaming for help in another room. Why must you evade me like this my love?

The ambulance carries me to good health and a policeman takes my details as I lay unable to move. She is so coy. These games she plays are like the sunshine that lights up my life. I can't wait till she sees her next surprise.

Changing Motives

Pushing wasn't something he always did with the bouncers. He'd scream into their calm faces. He hated them. Gritting his teeth he growled like a wild animal. The bouncer held out his brown palms. The white man in the creased white shirt spat white foam from his trembling mouth as he shouted.

The look in his eyes reminded Skizz of a rabid dog. There was danger in his stance. Skizz knew this man better than he knew himself. Keep your cool Skizz. Look for that punch. When the attack comes you have to be ready.

Bentley was poised and angry. he could feel the blood coursing through his hot veins. I'll kill him. I'll kill this dude. If this guy touches me I'll kill him. I'll do it. Licking his lips which tasted like aftershock he felt the dizziness in his mind. My legs are going.

Skizz watches the angry man as his face turns to one of vacant surprise. Skizz tries to grab the man's arm but he's falling to the grey concrete paving stones that line the floor outside De La Mare's Nightclub. The angry customer's face hot the concrete with a loud crack that reminded Skizz of a coconut hitting wet rocks.

Skizz lifts the man and says
"Don't warry sir. I know first aid. Every thing's going to be okay." Half of the guys who drink in De La Mare's act like they want to kill me until they need my help. Why can't people understand that we're here to help? Skizz checked the man's air passage and laid him in the recovery position, taking off his jacket and giving the man's head support.

Shadow in the Night

Written by Duane Gene Emsley

"Duane Gene Emsley is a very descriptive and talented writer and that's why I'm featuring this short story of his on my blog" - Danny Wood


'Hurry up bus.' I curse silently to myself.

I don't want to be here in the cold, in the dark. I only came to meet my friend to buy him a birthday drink. I haven't seen him for a while and we go way back... I always keep my word. His bus came quickly, always the way. He had three pints of Fosters while I drank Diet Coca-Cola.

He joked with me,
'On the wagon? Still doing tha martial arts mate?' I smiled and felt warm to the sound of that glorious word.

'Yes. I'm training all the time now. I'll keep at it forever, it keeps me rooted. I gave up drink, so that I can focus on what I need to achieve more.'

He put out his hand, and noticed my forearm flexors. He granted me a
'Well done!' It was nice to catch up.

I check the time on my phone. It's nearly eleven. I feel edgy out in the city centre at this hour. That's when the night crawlers surface; hulking presences intoxicated displaying male hormones like it's acceptable. I can see and hear a couple of night crawlers walking my way. I look down at my shoes, take a breath then glance up at the stars. I begin to shake with the cold and adrenalin.

I tell myself that I have the tools to protect my self. ...I know I have. They are loud and lairy. I step back into Marks & Spencer's doorway,
'Hurry up bus!'

There's nobody else around but a few cameras.

'Your training's made you so aware.' I tell myself. They're walking past me, 'Don't notice me, keep your head up Duane, you've took down bigger lumps than these in sparring at nine n half stones ...Be bold.'

One of them moves a drunken eye in my direct. I can feel their movements before they can. I can anticipate.

'Fucking twat!'

The first assault has been passed to me. My body is full of chi energy, my shoes don't feel the pavement and my black leather provides me with body armour. I smile to myself and take no notice. I'm not interested. I need a cup of tea and a good book.

His mate pulls him back but he hates me for no reason with his drunken violent ways. I'm in a predicament. He's on his way. I can hear the sounds of a bus. I see this doorway that protected me for so many years from a new angle. My foot work takes me to a safer place.

His haymaker of a punch begins it's journey towards me but time freezes like a dream. Now I'm running onto the bus flashing my bus pass and taking a seat near the driver. I can feel the floor again. I look out of the window as my late bus pulls away. I see two drunken males. One's screaming in pain on the floor clutching his leg. His mate is trying to dial a number and I think it's nine nine nine. Nobody can see but me; The shadow in the night. I'll wait for my morning visit from the police and marvel at their response when I try to explain to them Jeet Kune Do's leading knee kick that the camera barely picked up.

Crying in Delectation

I cried that day. Maybe it was the thrill of passing the exams I'd studies for four long years to sit. Maybe it was the sun poking out past the sullen rain clouds. Whatever it was I knew it was a good sign. Men aren't supposed to cry. It's socially unacceptable. As the salty tears tickled my top lip and absorbed onto my tongue I smiled. I jumped into the air, my purple gown flying around my waist.


I walked through the door in my suit and placed my bag down on the grey carpet. I stared at my reflection in he mirror. I chuckled involuntarily.
"You did it man. You're established now." I had dreams of becoming a doctor and the thought that I might be one step closer to my goal thrilled me beyond comprehension.

She smiled at me from under the silk white sheets. She was the picture of health. I was always greeted with an exuberant welcome at home. Jenny knew we'd find a bigger place once I got my PHD under way. I unbuttoned my pinstripe jacket and tore my shirt off in frustration. Buttons flew everywhere. I pounced on her.

In the throws of passion I cried again. She bit my ear and I let my nails trace lines down her spine. She was all I'd ever wanted in a woman. It didn't matter that we were getting by on part time wages. It paid our way through university.

Writhing like two bodies coordinating as one she whispered into my ear.
"I'm pregnant," I pulled away slowly from her smiling face. Her eyes were glistening. I laughed and wrapped my arms around her. I never wanted to let go.

Contentious

"He's an adult who plays with toys man" Jimmy heard the young blond girl saying hastily. He stopped bouncing his yellow tennis ball and glanced up. Her face was screwed up like she was chewing barbed wire. Jimmy slipped the tennis ball into the pocket of his white hooded top, walking towards her.

Her face changed to one of passivity and she looking around as though she'd lost something. She glanced up at her tall male male Asian friend.
"I know why you hate me" Jimmy proclaimed. "You don't like to see others that are different, others more happy than yourself. I don't wear baseball caps, I don't spit and I don't wear big fucking hoop earrings in my ear lobe. I'll use your hate, use it to get stronger." He was grinning.

She stepped back slightly, glancing at the floor.
"Fuck you want weirdo?" Jimmy smiled and his cheeks burned. He stopped walking. Lifting his hand he kissed his fingers. She scowled. He shot his fingers towards her face and stopped with an inch to go. Blowing onto his palm and watching as her body relaxed in relief Jimmy walked away laughing.

Monsters Live in Daylight

He's shouting with frustration pasted all over his angry face. I can't hear him. I can see his bald head shining in the bright white glow from the brilliant sun. There are a hundred shouting voices. His voice is just a drop of water in an ocean. I'm reading his lips. It looks like he's saying 'yar yar' but I can tell he's actually telling me to
"Come On."

There's no time to think about my safety. All that matters now is self preservation. I charge towards him and he's squatting slightly to steady himself. He's the angry buffalo and I'm the rabid cheetah sprinting forwards. He's my prey but he doesn't know it yet.

I'm running faster and I can hear his voice now. "Bring it. Come on. Have some." I'll show you just how much I'm going to have mate I think, squinting to focus my eyes on the thriving chaos that surrounds me. I stamp my feet down on the hard concrete floor as I run and hear pieces of glass from broken bottles crunching as I charge forth. I'm two metres away now.

I stamp down and my body rises into the air. I'm sucking up my guts. I'm pushing my chest out. A grimace forms on my determined face. I scream. It's the type of scream you hear on ancient battle fields. It's the scream of a frightened man ready to fight for love and for will.

I fly through the air and I can see surprise in the depth of the bald thug's eyes. He doesn't want me to know he's surprised but I can see it in the whites of his eyes. His cracked lips part slightly. His facial expression screams out 'fuck.' He lifts his fat fists, his chubby forearms shielding his face as my foot flies closer to his nose.

I'm stamping the sole of my foot down on his big shoulder and pushing down hard. I'm over the guy, still rising. I glance back to see his furious face turning in bewilderment as I grab the lip of the orange bricks that line the top of the graffiti ridden wall.

I can see the reluctance in his manner. He wants to charge after me but the sight of me climbing the side of the tall brick building that miniatures him puts him off. I'm looking down as I reach the halfway point. There are eight or so faces staring up at me, some pointing.

Some of them throw stones but all miss me by metres. Pathetic. I'm grabbing the roof and climbing up. My arms are aching as I stand watching the huddle of blue and red beneath me. Football violence isn't for me I think as I sigh. What's this world coming to? I shake my head and walk along the rooftop away from the noise.

It's Pitiful

Kissing me on the lips she's turning and walking towards the red car. She doesn't look back. I'm dropping my arms that are folded at my waist.
'Come back' I say but my voice is an inadequate whisper. She's pulling the jangling keys from the pocket of her black trousers. She slowly unlocks the door. I watch her hand pull the door open. She pauses. Look back. Please look back. She sits down inside the car. Yellow leaves fall past from a withering birch tree standing next to the black cement of the long road in a small patch of dying green grass.

The engine starts growling. I'm speechless. I'm trying to wave my arms, trying to scream at her but the will power doesn't reach my limbs or my vocal chords. She glances at me and my heart skips a beat. Her brown eyes are full of sadness and she's looking away slowly towards the road. She's checking her rear view mirror and accelerating slowly.

I'm staring up at the sky. The brilliant grey clouds leave an imprint in my retina as I glance up at the tall yellow birch. I'm letting my chin hang towards my chest. I stare at my battered trainers that once shined a brilliant white. I'm glancing at the rips in my jeans, the scuff marks on my grey jumper.

I'm turning back to the old red house. I walk with stumbling steps towards the massive front door. I'm pushing the cold wood and the creaking door welcomes me. The cold draft sweeps into my face from the huge spiral staircase and I stand staring at the chessboard-like marble floor. What's all this if she's not here? Nothing.

Let There Be Thoughts

I'm faced with ignorance every single day.

I must not let it affect me.


If you think I care about your negative opinions of me you're very much mistaken.

Running on Concrete

Tell me I can't do it. Tell me I can't rip through this glass shield and become a better person. Tell me I can't succeed. I won't believe you.

If you stop me with force I'll have to use wit to overcome it. You're just an obstacle and I'm the terrific bird flying high. Isn't it funny how when I thought I couldn't do it I was only two steps away?

I'm rushing. I want to be outside so fast my hands are shaking. My feet are crashing against the concrete stairs. I fling open the security door and inside my mind I'm screaming. I run and the wind blows through my hair. People watch. They stare in amazement. I'm running with energy. It's limitless.

I come to a wall and fly over it using my hand to carry the momentum. This is what man was designed for. In my mind I'm on a pedestal and I'm laughing. I'm grinning now and running through the park, past the broken swings and the smashed beer bottles.

'You can't stop me any more' I scream as I run. My grin grows wider as I kick my foot down on a bollard and fly through the air before landing on another. I'm sprinting now and my entire demeanour changes. I'm learning to be a better person. The wind blows and I look in the eye of every human being I pass. It's beautiful out here.

Fipping

Be still my beating heart. Awaken me only when the rain's gone, when the clouds have evaporated and the sun shows it's smiling face through the dripping rain. Tell me closely that you love me. Judge me for what I am but don't walk away. Isn't this what we fought for? Isn't this what we always said it'd be like?


Walking through the green grass and the tall thin trees I licked my lips. My gaze piercing I made sure I felt aware. Danger lurked in this forest but I didn't know the full extent of it.


Wake me up when it's time to leave. Make me aware when the helicopters fly in. I dreamt of the moment we'd be rescued. I fantasised about that welcome fipping noise from the chopping blades, the wind from the blades thrashing at my face. I'd imagine my slight smile and my squinting brown eyes as I stared up. I'd know we'd been found. Our prayers had been answered.

My wounded hope is my only voice. I sit and I know Shelly's been gone for over three days now. If only I had the strength to get up and find her. If only my leg wasn't broken. Please god, please let her be safe and sound. Let the hairs on the brilliant wet green leaves listen out for her soft voice. Let the pine and the oak feel the breath from her soft lips. Keep her safe for me.

I'd been waiting for the fipping of the blades for days and the sound of Shelly's loving voice. Why had I let her explore on her own? What if she never returns? What can a man with a broken leg do out here in this wilderness? How I wish I hadn't tripped over that damp log. Why am I such a loser?

I close my eyes and my beating heart imitates the beat of a drum. I'm breathing shallowly and the cold air's hitting my wet clothes and making my legs numb. My vision blurs. Please let me find a way out.

I'm blinking now. My blinks are two, maybe three seconds long. My vision is blurring more and my breathing is short and shallow. My heart's telling me my body needs to shut down. It's sleep time now Alex. I hear the music coming from my right ear and I can't tell if I'm awake or dreaming. Is it real?

I close my eyes and the music grows louder but it's distant. It's time for sleep now Alex. It's time for the rain to hit your lifeless body and for that to be the end of this horrific ordeal. I feel myself slipping away. Time stops ticking. I don't know how long passes.


Her arms are around me and I can hear the fipping. Please Shelly...
'Please Shelly.' My voice is withered and dry like that of an elderly man's. She doesn't say anything. I can hear her grunting with the strain of dragging my fourteen stone frame. Out of the distant music comes the fipping. It's welcome like a lost relative, like hope when previously there was none. The fipping gets louder and Shelly's laughing, a long laugh that sounds like crying.

'Is it here?' Suddenly the fipping drowns out and the music plays softly. Shelly's crying. I want to speak, want to tell her every thing's okay, tell her that she'll be safe. All that enters my mind is that music. It grows louder and my vision turns into darkness. Someone's turning off the light.

Encouragement to Feel

I don't understand why I need to look her in the eye as I'm walking out. Maybe it's the resolution I seek or maybe it's the way she's sitting naked at three o'clock in the afternoon with the blinds drawn.

As my hands clutch the cold brass doorknob I stop and take a deep breath into my abdomen. I look around to see her grinning like she's just eaten a marvellous meal. She's blowing me a kiss and I can't help but smile as I open the door and walk out.


I was with the boys and we were celebrating passing our exams. I was quite shy for a twenty year old and talking to women seemed like a big deal. We were in the slumber bar sitting on one of the beds scattered around the room for people to lay on.

I first caught her eye looking across at a group of girls sitting on the purple bed by the window. The street lamp from outside cast a yellow glow over the foursome. She was grinning at me and I couldn't believe it. I even looked behind me to see if she was looking at someone else.

I was at the bar ordering drinks and she was ordering snacks. She'd later tell me she didn't even like crisps. She'd said she walked to the bar to get near me.
'You seem familiar' she told me and my chest twitched and I hoped she couldn't tell. Does she fancy me?

She could see I was nervous, something about the fact I couldn't look at her without glancing at the floor maybe. She grabbed my hand and I glanced back at my three mates who were now open mouthed and making hand gestured towards me.


She pushed me up against the brick wall and her lips pressed against mine. Was it the fact that her immaculate straight blond hair smelt like flowers or that the feel of her dress reminded me of long nights alone in bed? I don't know what it was. All I knew was I wanted this woman.

She left me her number on a slip of paper and jumped in a cab with her three mates. I let my shoulders slump. I didn't know her name. The guys were punching my arm and telling me that I should call her. I slipped the piece of paper into my shirt pocket and walked to the next bar.

I stared at the wall and sipped my beer. I didn't want the revelry. I didn't want the loud banter. All I felt like doing was going home and staring at that slip of paper. I made the excuse I was feeling ill to many disgruntled insults and walked out of the busy bar.

I walked home and although it took hours I felt good about myself. there was something to be said about the warm night air and the solitude of knowing I'd just seen the most beautiful woman of my life.


I'm halfway down the path and she's got dressed in a long red robe. She's calling to me from the doorway.
'I love you.' The words sink into my throat and down into my belly. I'm turning and my eyes are hot. My face feels warm.
'I love you too.' Opening my car door I can see her smiling as I sit down. I'm turning my key, not taking my eyes off her. I'm so lucky to have her.

Like Lips to Skin

It's hard to explain how it feels when I let her down. It's almost unfathomable as to how it feels when she forgives me. See she loves me. It's unconditional.

I've made many mistakes in the past and these actions weigh on my mind like lead pipes. I understand that when she's unhappy I'm unhappy and I can't think about anything else. My kung fu suffers. I can't think straight. I don't feel like writing or making music.

She looks at me and smiles when I apologise and that's when my whole demeanour changes. My eyes get hot and watery and I can't stop smiling. I don't want to stop smiling. There's a point where we're laid in bed and she's asleep but I'm kissing her head and whispering in her ear, telling her how much I love her. I know her heart hears me.

I realise I'll make mistakes and that's what makes people human, it's what makes us living, breathing beings. She smiles and the smile lasts for a minute. I'm staring at her teeth, at her smiling eyes. Here's where I'd rather be. I'd rather be in bed with this beautiful woman than anywhere else in this whole wide world.

Tiger Soul

And there's something touching my very soul. I'm walking with my bare feet twitching as the wet residue from the icy cold grass touches nerve endings and muscle. I'm staring up at the sky and the moody clouds cast a light on my emotions.

I'm smiling and skipping and the sun's rising giving everything a warm yellow glow. Black birds fly in threes and I'm picking yellow flowers from the midst of thick green blades. I'm staring ahead then getting on all fours.

Nothing can touch me now. That's what they don't realise when they see my face. What they don't realise when they gaze into my staring eyes is that I'm unstoppable now.

I'm sprinting and my feet are sinking slightly allowing fresh brown muddy water to rush in-between my fingers and toes. I'm ripping off my shirt leaving my muscular body glowing in the sun's rays. I've no need for the restriction of clothes any more.

Apparently when given the heart of an animal you should make use of your instincts. That's what I am. I'm the running man, the tiger, the lion in the midst of all this crazy madness.


I opened my eyes to see the tube screaming past, it's many sullen faces gazing floorwards as the heads they belonged to tried to ignore the existence of one another. There were dangers there. I could smell the five pound notes in the old man's wallet. I could hear the twitching of fifty pence pieces in ladies handbags. But I'm just the lone tiger. No-one must fear me.

I witnessed the sneering expression under the dirty black hood, those wrinkled brow lines and tired eyes peering at me in what seemed like hatred. I stood up, roaring and letting out my joyous battle cry. He was the fearful mouse running as I climbed and stood tall on top on the telephone box, beating my naked chest. There's a lot to be said about having that instinct.


From the rising of buildings and the spreading of trees I stood tall amongst the humans as they wandered around aimlessly trying to find out what was important. The only thing I missed was my kind. I looked back to my mother's fair eyes and my fathers distant stare. It was all manifesting into what I wanted to be.

Although I ran with the spirit of the animal inside me I knew people feared the passion that the soul of a tiger could bring. I had to live in shelter, hiding and eating what I could. Who could tell me that life had to be lived a certain way? Who'd teach me right from wrong? I had to make my own way.

On the shallow puddles of the windy rooftop I cried out and renounced mankind and everything it stood for. For years I'd seen wars and destruction. I'd witnessed death and deceit. I was tired of this whole place. What could I do but walk alone?

Maybe one day I'd find my way and truly be at peace but I knew I couldn't do that in the city. I couldn't wander a man with the burden of perfect taste, heightened sense of sound and a will to see and understand everything. I ran to the hills and never looked back. If I'm to find myself I have to do this alone. Nothing or no-one can ever stop me on my pursuit of finding my soul. This I know.

Her Heart's a Stone

She's crying. Telling me I can't leave. I can't breathe without her. She's the one who's right next to me. She's turning away. She's not here in her heart. She's somewhere else.

I'm pouting and staring at those curly locks and that long lavish red dress. She's letting her bottom lip droop down until it's close to her crumpled chin. A shiny tear runs down her soft white cheek and I'm reaching out with my hand to wipe it from her.

She's pushing me away and crying
'No Danny, I don't want it.' The strange thing comes when my love turns to rage.
'Why, why can't I have you?' I tell her she's teasing me and her sobs turn to wanton laughter as she looks down her nose at me.

She's running away from me down the spiral staircase and I'm sprinting but to me this isn't a game. When I catch her my hands might make their way round her laughing throat. She's out of the big double doors, her giggles becoming hysterics.

We're running and I'm not at full speed. There's not a sole around for miles and I know I can wait to catch her. It's the love of the chase, that's the thing I've always loved about Alice.

'Alice wait for me, don't run' I scream, my face reddening and hot. She's looking back with a fearful look in her teary blue eyes and she can tell it's no longer a game. As she approaches the river she's shrieking, something about my grimace and red face making her quiver and the blood in her veins boil and coarse like angry wolves.

Don't run from me, don't make me chase you like this I'm thinking. Please don't. Please. I'm on my knees crying with my palms pressed against my hair and I'm tearing strands out. Please come back Alice, Don't leave the man who loves you, who's always loved you. Don't leave me here alone.

Bus Stop Confrontation

Written by Corey Christian

"I was so impressed at this piece of writing I decided to feature it on my blog" - Danny Wood


Michael sat on the cold metal railing by the bus stop, his hood up, the long sleeves disguising his well toned muscles. He reached into his Armani jeans and retrieved an expensive new phone, his fingers whirring over the key pad as he fired off a quick text to his best friend Jay, ‘Be there in bout 15 mins pal’.
The tall broad shouldered boy shunted his way forward pulling down his hood and exposing his closely shaved scalp. Michael saw the youth and hastily stuffed the phone back into his pocket, but he let out an inward sigh, ‘Shit! To late’.
“Oi mate lend us ya phone, yeah?”
Michael dropped athletically from his seat on the rail with all the grace of a dancer. He knew where this confrontation was heading and braced for the inevitable.
“No credit pal sorry”
“Bollocks, you rich twat!”
Michael chuckled, he was far from rich. “Listen mate I haven’t got any credit or I’d lend it you all right?”
“Fuck off! You tellin me that you aint got any cred, fuck that I just saw you textin a minute ago”
Michael knew that he was cornered, but there was no way in this earth that he was handing over his phone to the skin head thug standing across from him. “Listen mate I’m not lending you my phone” It had been an early birthday present from his dad and he wasn’t going to risk handing it over to some imitation hooligan.
“Nah fuck that you fuckin twat I’m avin that phone now”
Michael grimaced at the constant barrage of offensive words, he had to restrain himself from laughing in the guy’s face, as his constant use of vulgar language and his inability to pronounce simple words like ‘telling’ demonstrated his total lack of anything regarding basic intelligence. “I’m not arguing with you mate, bye”.
Michael turned to walk away but he felt a strong hand grasping his shoulder.
“Oi twat you’re not going anywhere”
Michael let out a long breath, his heart was thudding uncontrollably in his chest and it took all his effort to stop himself shaking. Clearing his mind he readied himself, there was no alternative, he pulled his fingers back into a tiger claw position and turned. His hand flashed out towards the aggressors face, forcing him to release his grip on Mike’s shoulder as he grasped at his own face manically, and then without pausing for a breath he followed up with a vicious side kick into the thugs abdomen. Then, not even checking to see the damage he had caused he turned, vaulting over the railing, and sprinted away breathing heavily as he ran into the distance and the relative safety of town.

This is NOT Me I Promise!