Ghosts to Carry, Stories to Keep

Where memory meets the page, one moment at a time.

The Collection

2–3 minutes

A curated gathering of poems, vignettes, and small moments.

A chance introduction to a writing workshop brought me into a room where people weren’t just writing — they were enjoying themselves, leaning into the simple pleasure of shaping words. Something in that atmosphere opened a door in me. I wrote a small poem for my granddaughter, and without realising it, I began gathering memories that had quietly shaped my life.

This collection is made of those moments.

They come from different seasons — some bright, some difficult, some still tender. A few were written in the very breath of their happening; others arrived years later when memory finally loosened its hold. In my blog, they aren’t arranged by date. They sit where they resonate, drawn together by the quiet gravity that brought them into being. Some truths take their time. Some recognitions wait for us. Some words only find us long after their first spark.

Here, I’ve gathered them in chronological order, or at least I have tried to. Some are numbered, so a reader may follow a timeline if they wish.

This collection doesn’t need to be read straight through. Each piece stands on its own, and you’re welcome to begin wherever something gently calls to you — a title, a memory, a season of life. Some readers may choose to follow the chronology; others may wander by instinct. There’s no right path. These moments surfaced in their own time, and you’re invited to meet them in yours.

I’m still building this page. Over time, I’ll gather my poems, vignettes, and reflective pieces here so they’re easier to explore. It’s a work in progress, growing slowly, and you’re welcome to wander through it as it unfolds.

Recently, I have been breaking up some of my longer posts because I discovered accidentally that they were quite challenging to view on a smartphone screen. I hope that giving each story its own space makes it easier on the eye and allows my writing more room to breathe. I’m still working through this, so if you find any errors or breaks in flow, I apologise in advance.

Thank you,

Gary

Author’s Note / Disclaimer: This memoir reflects my personal memories, experiences, and perspectives. Some names and identifying details have been changed to respect the privacy of individuals.



The Visitor Years


Becoming Part of The City


Returning Echoes — Words That Arrived Late


Further Memories Beyond This Point

Three Short Stories — International Beer day 2026


Small Bright Things — The Unsorted, the Playful, the Unexpected


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