The Slush Pile

Monday 19th January 2026 9:04 am

I have been living in this body for 38,001,600 minutes
Or maybe 38,001,601 by the time I've written this line
Most of theses minutes ended up on the slush pile
Only a few worthy of submission to the final edit
There were minutes when reality tore brutally
Through the blank verse of my days
- the split second when our eyes met
- the call from the hospice
- the sunrise over Nagarkot
- the screech, the bang, the yelp
There were many such minutes
But so easily obscured
By the marketing plan
To make my life
A best seller

Commments

Hazel ettridge

Thu 22nd Jan 2026 15:04

Really appreciate all the likes.

Hazel ettridge

Thu 22nd Jan 2026 15:04

Hi David, my intention for 2026 was to live each day as a blank page and just see what turns up. I'm looking to all the other living beings on the planet for some clue as to how to live authentically. I get so caught up in our cultural values and norms - but having been around the block a few times, that old marketing plan is delivering a rather sad and flimsy narrative. I am loving standing on the beach, huge hungry waves rushing towards me, being windswept along with the pebbles .... times when this moment is so demanding that it becomes the only one I know.

David RL Moore

Wed 21st Jan 2026 14:04

Hello Hazel,

I have returned a few times to this Hazel, each time hoping to be able to collect my thoughts that I might formulate a coherent comment.

It reminds me of reflecting on so many seemingly wasted mundane days in my life, trying not to let the guilt of squander flood over me.

Thankfully, I too have had moments of wonder and sometimes traumatic impact which have soldered my grey matter into something resembling a life.

I've given up on planning these days, all the best and worst of things have happened to me without my own intention.

David

Hazel ettridge

Mon 19th Jan 2026 09:22

Ah thank you , dear Graham. I think I'm aiming at being a Classic rather than a Best Seller these days.

Graham Sherwood

Mon 19th Jan 2026 09:16

I’m sure you’re a best-seller Hazel! Life is a book they say. I think you’ve just flicked the pages past our eyes here!

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The Slush Pile

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