This month was renamed in 8 BC in honour of Augustus Ceasar as it was the month of several of his greatest triumphs. There are other interesting oddities about this month: first week, from 1st to 7th, is International Clown Week, while August 8th is Happiness Happens Day. And August 13, the 3rd Saturday, is International Lefthanders Day which I mention in honour of at least one of my cousins. Meanwhile, I relax on the beach …
ON THE BEACH
his spade digs in
casually for his gaze 
is fixed on rise and fall
crash and withdrawal
of waves
his shadow rests
on sand follows
the undirected hand
as it lifts and drops
into gleaming flat
wet sand
his hair flies
out in feathery wings
about his head
while blue eyes remain
focused on the heave
of waves
To Bethlehem: ‘This little book is delightful, full of … poems on this timeless subject. … the most fun is the little prose vignettes of the common people in the Christ-child story. The slave who looks after the wise men’s camels, or the overworked maid at the inn who has to fetch water for the birth, and many more. A lovely gift for the reader on your Christmas list!’ Rosalind Adams. Available from Amazon and Kindle.
1960willowtree 