Lipstick and Stilettos

Mum and Dad were on a holiday, a "weekend away" that's what Uncle Oliver said. Uncle Oliver was downstairs, pacing in the hall way, in his grey jacket. Aunt Judy tells gim to wash it every week, but it still smells of old cigar smoke."Judy, Hannah!" he's claling upstairs, he sounds like he's smiling,
"Oh, that man," Aunt Judy mumbles as she's pasting red lipstick on in the mirror, "Coming darling!" she then calls.
I'm sat on the bed, in my white and red spoty dress. Uncle Oliver is taking us out, I'm excited but Aunt Judy's panicing, totering around the room in tights, stilettos and make-up,
"I just don't know what to wear!" she exclaims, she was wearing a black dress with lace sleves before, but apparantly it was wrong.
"You could wear your jeans," I said, she stared at me and laughed, I don't know why, "Can I downstairs?" I then ask, she tuts as she pulls a red silk skirt out of her wardrobe,
"Oh no!" she beams, "It can be us up here, girls together!" Aunt Judy only has boys, so I think that's why she's making a fuss of dressing up. I nod and sit silently as she tries on her fifth outfit of the evening. We still managed to make the reservation.

Books.

The spine is cracked and the pages torn,
Everything about this book is worn.
The print is faded to a grey,
Though the words, with me, they stay.
I turn a page then several more,
I read until my eyes are sore.
And when I finish, I smile and sigh,
Without a book, I want to cry.
And so, I walk on down a street,
Straight to a friend I long to meet.
I open the door and hear a "DING!"
I see full shelves, I want to sing.
Row upon rows of unread books,
Here, I get no weird looks.
I trace my finger along each spine,
"One day, you books, you will be mine."
I find a title, a blurb, a cover,
A whole new world that I'll discover.
I pick a few, a sturdy pile,
And to the counter I walk and smile.
I buy my books, a reasonable fare,
I breathe in the papery air.
And then, I leave back up the street,
The plastic bag has friends to meet.
In this outside world, I get strange looks,
No matter, for I have my books.

Swan.

I watch upon the river bank,
Sapphire waves a washing low,
The gentle reeds and willow trees
Through the waves they go.

Upon the waves swims a swan,
A silver, glowing light,
It's orange beak and orange feet
Rise in graceful flight.

This gentle swan is gliding,
Almost dancing in the air,
It's brightened eyes match brightened skies
With such a graceful air.

As I clumsily watch from the river bank,
Webbed feet plunged in dirt,
An ugly duckling, I keep on sulking,
And I can't help but feel hurt.

My charcoal feathers ruffle,
As my darkened eyes doth stare,
My ink black beak and ink black feet,
Turn away - I do not care.

This pretty Swan is showing off,
Though look the same. they do,
Come Summer bright, I will take flight,
And, Swan, I'll look like you.

First Impressions

Scene One
A busy hospital corridor, Lily Crozzgrove is sat alone reading a book

Eliza: (Flumps down next to her and sighs) Hi!

Lily: (Looks up from her book, startled) Hello

Eliza: Hospitals are weird, aren't they? So many people... Can't find a Doctor to give me a hand!

Lily: I could call for a Doctor, if you like?

Eliza: (Snorts with laughter) It's alright, I don't mind waiting (awkward pause) So... What cha reading?

Lily: Oh, erm... Nothing really. You're going to wait here?

Eliza: Oh yeah! Don't worry (holds up her green scaley hand) This happened last time, they gave me these tablets, then I was right as rain! (Pauses) Why are you here?

Lily: (Grins a bit) Last time? What on earth did you do?!

Eliza: It was originally a new type of cat food for my cat, but Eurekaa started breathing funny again so I gave her some milk, the milk went in the solution, then BOOM! Lizard hand!

Lily: (Stares) Are you on meds?

Eliza: (Sighs) not anymore, well, not since a new nose started growing, but I won't bore you with my scars!

Lily: Maybe I should call a Nurse

Eliza: Don't bother (pause) This is so boring... I'm going home (gets up to leave)

Lily: Wait! Just... Don't. I've kind of been here for... Well, ages! You're crazy, but just... Don't go yet

Eliza: (Flumping down back next to her) But it's so boring! (Puase) Want to come with?

Lily: (Considering it) I can't just leave! The nurses will...

Eliza: Come on! Just for an hour or two, I swear I've got tablets at home for this hand anyway (pause) It'll be better than staying here

Lily: ... But... But they'll notice! I really shouldn't

Eliza: An hour, that's it. I'll show you my cat, she likes people

Lily: (Sighs) Oh what the hell! (Gets up and joins her)

Eliza: Brill! (Linking arms with her almost skipping down the corridor) Wait till you meet Eureka's kittens, they keep on glowing, it's great!

Lily: ... Did I mention you're crazy? I'm Lily by the way

Eliza: I'm Eliza. Crazy's better than boring, come on!