“If a nation loses its storytellers, it loses its
childhood.” — Peter Handke
Meeting 1st April 2015
Present Wendy, Geoff, Cath, Jo, Di, Terry
and Lynn
Word s of the Day
plethora - plentiful, excess
hyperbole - exaggerated, not to be taken literally
chicanery - trickery
shrive - cleanse, forgive
manslaughter – killing without malice
frigate - general purpose warship
circumspect – watchful, cautious, prudent
malevolent – wishing evil or harm
From these words came stories of intrigue, murder and
mayhem, pirates, witches, politicians & childhood fears.
The Washerwoman
It was around twenty years ago when
I was in desperate need
That a good friend told me of some
lass so therefore I agreed
It was somewhat embarrassing but I
plucked up and forged ahead
Recognizing if I were seen, that
harsh words could be said
She’s out in Parramatta mate, just
near the old brick gaol
Not so easy getting there, if you
have to go by rail
But you’re a businessman I know, and
ain’t short of a golden dollar
Still just to make sure you’re not
seen, I’d pull up your bloody collar
Her premises is only small, still,
she don’t need a lot of room
Though the red light she has on at
night, contributes to the gloom
I wouldn’t say she’s pretty, and her
arse is pretty wide
And she has to work long hours,
since that bloke of hers has died
But mate, she knows a lot of stuff,
you’ll surely go away happy
And if you know just what you want,
she’ll be pretty snappy
Just make sure your nuts are clean,
or else you’ll make her shirty
‘cause she’s got pretty fussy since
she reached the age of thirty
Well I gathered all the necessaries
and headed off out west
I thought I’d find this person and
put her to the test
Dark was fast approaching when I
pulled up just outside
I sat and pondered what to do, just
what do I decide
But as I thought of leaving a window
curtain moved aside
Too late I thought as this dark
haired lass beckoned me inside
I lifted up my collar and picked up
an oil stained bag
And walked toward the darkened shop,
it was more zig than zag
The lass opened up her door and
asked “Can I be of help to you?”
“I really hope you can my dear, I’ve
come to get a screw.
Well, actually, not just a screw,
but other things that you provide
And it must be worthwhile coming,
satisfaction can’t be denied
I followed her into a room, it was
full of crannies and nooks
“Do you get a lot of customers, I
suppose some just want to look”
“Well with what I’ve got to offer, I
put a smile on every face
Most transactions go through
smoothly, it’s my skills that most embrace
Now what is it that you most desire,
and is it Whitworth or BA
And in just what material, on the
phone you didn’t say
No worries ‘cause I’ve got the lot,
nuts and bolts and screws
But I specialize in washers, they’re
the easiest things to lose
I guess that’s why they call her,
the Washerwoman, she’s the best
‘cause she’s got the biggest stock
of washers, from Sydney to the West
In sizes, types and materials that
would satisfy any bloke
So when you next go out to Parra,
drop in and have a poke…around
Terry
McLafferty
Exercise for the day was to write a
short story beginning with The last time I saw Charlie…
From this came stories of a
comedian, actor, prince, banker, a flatmate, monkey and a dog.
Homework for next week
Write a story of 750 words or less
inspired by the photo of keys. The original
photo shown by Terry to the group was a set of various keys with a USB memory
stick attached that had been lost, found or thrown away on a road.
Lunch
12 noon on the
21st April at the Pelican St Georges Basin . Meals can be pre booked see
Wendy.
