Stories from all categories

the two languages of dream
2
I went to a strange and interesting event which was sentimental and yet truthful and moving. Afterwards we stood around in tiny groups and two men who had spoken out about crying in public put ...read more
the blooming grime
2
Though I live in one of the grimiest areas of Berlin, and that's pretty grimy, right now and for a few short blessed weeks I can walk - from my house - clear down to ...read more
Department of Honour
17
I just acquired the most beautiful new German word. We are discussing privilege and a new acquaintance says he has to do something ehrenamtlich - oh, how divine, can 'ehrenamtlich' mean 'voluntary'? An 'Amt' is ...read more
favourite moon
9
It's a moonlit night and I am with my favourite person. I am lying on his chest. He lies propped up against the head of his bed whence I propelled him via my exhaustion and ...read more
for you, now that you no longer need it
40
My friend has died. She was very courageous and had cancer. She was a photographer, a maker of exquisite works. She was Dutch and chose euthanasia when the pain she was suffering became, after months, ...read more
new under the sun
4
Walking through the park in the unexpected sunshine yesterday I realised suddenly: strolling through summer in Berlin is like strolling through an off-duty circus. People are riding bicycles with no hands, they are taking turns ...read more
spring peaces
8
The hottest bath imaginable. Coconut oiled my hair. Wrapped head to hip in towels. New book and early to bed, ahhh thank you blissful alone time. I can hear people on the street outside cobbling ...read more
always the waitress
12
I saw a couple come into the cafe out of the sun, I have seen them before. One woman has a sour aspect and it is difficult to get her to return a smile. Her ...read more
bullying
8
On the bridge I pass two young women pushing prams walking with a guy chugging beer. They have their responsibilities, he has his beer. He is much larger than his baby mama, and in order ...read more