What should we talk about today?
The world according to Kirkey
Being accused of forgetfulness, especially as I am forced by dint of nature to accept the onset of adulthood, can be worrying. And as much as I may rebel by simply categorising the data I don’t recall as trivia, the associated accusations of either being uninterested, “you don’t listen,” or idiotic “I’ve told you that … Read more
There’s something irresistibly paradoxical about Poole Pirates. In a sport built on speed, chaos, and heroism, they’ve mastered the art of stillness – of sustained success that feels almost certain. Year after year, while other clubs flail in the dust of reinvention, Poole simply win. Not necessarily always with swagger, but with the quiet efficiency … Read more
I’ve reached the season of life where 60th birthdays are no longer rare, and work reunions carry the silent weight of those who will never attend again. The next twenty years—if I’m fortunate—are my golden age. If I can sidestep the big C and keep my mind sharp, I know time will still gently erode … Read more
I never imagined that a complimentary cup of tea at John Lewis and a free cinema ticket from Sky would spark such a profound shift in perspective. Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale wasn’t my choice. On the surface, it embodied everything I recoil from—entrenched privilege, inherited power, and the polished veneer of inequality. And yet, … Read more
Storytelling has been a feature of my life. I wrote this piece in 1991 (typed by my late wife Theresa in the typing pool at Bracknell Police Station) but only recently rediscovered it whilst clearing out the attic. A true account – embellished for comedic value – that recounts a period of my life lost … Read more
Is good fortune purely down to chance or are other forces at play? Could my lost love really be talking to me from beyond the void? According to several academic and medical metrics, I am presently negotiating 50% of the top ten most stressful situations people commonly face. The specifics – at least for this … Read more
I am fortunate beyond words to have Arthur (5), Darcie (3), and Theo (11-months) in my life. Just thinking about them sends a tingle down my spine. Although they can all – to varying degrees – exhibit classic temper tantrums, usually over seemingly mundane issues such as being unable to eat a packet of sweets … Read more
I think I’m a serial worrier; I base this assumption on the simple fact that I have often found myself worrying about having nothing to worry about. Riddle me that one if you can! I think I handle this state of mind, nestled within my consciousness ever since I can remember when, fairly well. Granted … Read more
My mind is usually in a state of chaos with thoughts – both abstract and defined – fighting for supremacy. At one end of the continuum, daydreaming can be therapeutic and provides the space for creativity and imagination to enthrall and entertain. At the extreme, I can indulge in over thinking. Wherever the cognitive dial … Read more
My friend died the other day. A few years had passed when I unexpectedly bumped into them in a supermarket some months back. Social media had allowed us to occasionally touch base remotely, but the level of communication between us was, at best, sparse. Only in their 50s, death had claimed them far too soon. … Read more