A star shines brightly / Lighting the darkness of noir / As Kevin scribbles:
CRIME AT THE FIVE AND DIME
A story told in Haiku-Noir
By ~ Kevin J Mackey
A dark Friday night
Lenny, looking for trouble
Didn't make it back
=========================
At the Five and Dime
Lenny - shakin' the place down
Word reaches the Boss
So Boss sends two goons
"I wanna talk to him - right?
Don't you kill him - yet"
------
They leave; she enters
"Sending guys? Send a woman"
She croons to the Boss
"If they don't work out
You go pick up the pieces"
He can hear her purr
------
The boys go in soft
Seems Lenny missed the memo
Unloads both barrels
"My turn now," she said
Lenny spun - he was too slow
He never saw her
------
 |
The dame at the Dime?
It's a crime, mistaken late.
Sorry sisters' fate
|
"So, how'd it work out?"
She paces like a tiger
"Lenny? History"
"And that Five and Dime?"
"My sister," she said, "worked there
He did the wrong dame"
*Kate,
The idea of Noir Haiku seemed very odd to me, but I resolved to give it a . . . shot, as it were.
The first below came shortly after a 3-hour drive to the Russian River, and seemed like fun. So, maybe a few more of these Noir Haiku were possible.
And then . . . the idea that the first was but a story in summary and the rest . . . the rest . . . they could be the whole story, told a piece at a time, in Haiku.
At which point I went to bed. Don't be silly, Kevin!
Thanksgiving day - and the story presented itself. It doesn't have a title. In the finest of traditions, I'll leave that up to the publisher. I'm not calling the first a prologue, for that might mandate an epilogue! So, it remains a blurb, a summary, an intro to the unfolded story below it.
I hope you enjoy,
-KjM
My dear *Kate,
I've been enjoying your NOIR festival AT THE BIJOU. You've assembled quite a set of writers. My noir haiku are fun and will be a novelty in mix - but the stories you've collected are really good. I'm glad to read ('hear' even, the voices are so clear) such noir. It assures the style hasn't gone out of…style.
My best to you. You are a gift to the writers you showcase.
- KjM
Five short stories - not for children: At Amazon, Sins of the Father - and other stories or as a Barnes & Noble Nook book. Five short stories digging through the darker sides of relationships - and the far-reaching impact we can have on one another.
Poetry and Photographs, hopefully in harmony: Haiku - Through a Lens at Amazon, or as a Barnes & Noble Nook book. Those who follow my tweets, or have seen my Facebook page, know that I am fond of haiku. The small, beautiful, Japanese poetry style forms the vast bulk of my Twitter activity. From time to time I have included photos of the world around me, pairing them with haiku.
The first of KjM's novels will be ready for the world in the first quarter of 2012. More to follow - news (and, perhaps, novels ... hmm, see below).
Other of my work can be found right here AT THE BIJOU and on the web at the links on my blog, KjM - on the web. My thanks to those who've been kind enough to feature my stories.
A*K: The following is a sneak preview co-authoring tour de force. I am fortunate to be writing with Mr Mackey a novel of social-political intrigue, spanning sensations of the deep South up to New York City's high life. Each chapter delights us the more as we listen to our characters, learning to decipher and discover their secrets...
A*K: Looking forward to chaptering our Carolina Beatrice Templeton character and her cohorts the more with you Kevin -- but you're centerstage AT THE BIJOU now. You're looking uptown downright dapper ~
Will you tell our red-velvet seated audience what you would like them to remember about the Author you see yourself being?
A*K: Will you share something inside which you've never told a full-fledged audience of readers and fellow classy authors in a ritzy theatre, where the single spot holds you in a pool of light that just keeps glimmerin' . . .
Absolutely*Kate: There seems ever an answer when we surround ourselves with those who truly take our minds the higher. Kevin Mackey and AT THE BIJOU Authors of the Shadows of Our Noir do raise spirits and the bar, where words speak soft and whisper loud their own brands of excellence. Grace o'my thanks readers, friends, colleagues.
My dear Ms. *Kate,
I don't know if you've ever run across this poem, or the poetry of Gerard Manley Hopkins, but my sister sent me a column of poetry (actually, they've - strangely enough - recently republished the poetry book we used in High School, and that's what she sent me.)
Looking through it, and fondly remembering how I immersed myself in it while in school (one of the few school books I took real time with back then) I ran across "The Windhover" by the above mentioned poet.
Reading it, I was reminded of your playfulness/power with/over language.
See if you recognize yourself in this link.
My best to you, with much affection,
- KjM
"Where Writers' Raves are Readers' Faves"
LINK delicious INFLUENCES of ~
LINKS TO OUR NOIR SO FAR ~
NOIRTORIOUS COMING ATTRACTIONS ~
Luca Veste, on the record OFF THE RECORD
She paces like a tiger
"Lenny? History"
"And that Five and Dime?"
"My sister," she said, "worked there
He did the wrong dame"
© 2012 NOIR Haiku Author ~ KEVIN J MACKEY
Cold crimes for Jump-Jivin' January NOIR ~ AT THE BIJOU
IMAGES: Vintage travel sign and 1940's Hairstyles
So one day, an author I admire tremendously mused how AT THE BIJOU shot out NOIR:
"Terrific post about Noir - I love the idea that it's a feeling rather than just a collection of words and scenes and characters.
As with all good writing, it's the sense of the place, the time, the situation that reaches the reader. And noir done well - well, what can I say that you ain't already heard?
Noir, here AT THE BIJOU - is how it's done."
I'm Absolutely*Kate and I challenged that lyrical Irishman, waxing eloquent in 'Frisco, to shadow his style to Our Noir.
He tendered me this note:
The idea of Noir Haiku seemed very odd to me, but I resolved to give it a . . . shot, as it were.
The first below came shortly after a 3-hour drive to the Russian River, and seemed like fun. So, maybe a few more of these Noir Haiku were possible.
And then . . . the idea that the first was but a story in summary and the rest . . . the rest . . . they could be the whole story, told a piece at a time, in Haiku.
At which point I went to bed. Don't be silly, Kevin!
Thanksgiving day - and the story presented itself. It doesn't have a title. In the finest of traditions, I'll leave that up to the publisher. I'm not calling the first a prologue, for that might mandate an epilogue! So, it remains a blurb, a summary, an intro to the unfolded story below it.
I hope you enjoy,
-KjM
I DO enjoy what Kevin Mackey created, more so due to the inner spark I sense he's lit. He's like that, that way. And I like that. A lot.
Our notes continued:
I've been enjoying your NOIR festival AT THE BIJOU. You've assembled quite a set of writers. My noir haiku are fun and will be a novelty in mix - but the stories you've collected are really good. I'm glad to read ('hear' even, the voices are so clear) such noir. It assures the style hasn't gone out of…style.
My best to you. You are a gift to the writers you showcase.
- KjM
I know he's customarily kind. I smiled. He got to me. I wished to know more. Wouldn't you?
Mr Mackey, what's the best gift YOU ever received?
Mr Mackey, what's the best gift YOU ever received?
- KjM: A new group of, likely to be, lifelong friends almost two decades ago in the Midwest. That, for sure. And a second, if I may indulge, the memories conjured by the unexpected arrival of a re-published schoolbook, of poetry. I am fortunate in my siblings.
A*K: I believe many are fortunate, in the knowing of how you grace lives encountered. What then, good sir, is the best you ever gave?
A*K: Touche, man of depth and character. How then does one go about gifting KjM Writings for greater happiness in a world that needs more happiness gifted about?
A*K: I believe many are fortunate, in the knowing of how you grace lives encountered. What then, good sir, is the best you ever gave?
- KjM: Perhaps best I not say
out loud in a crowded theatre.
A*K: Touche, man of depth and character. How then does one go about gifting KjM Writings for greater happiness in a world that needs more happiness gifted about?
- KjM: A story for children: At Amazon, Ribbon in the Darkness also available as a Barnes & Noble Nook book
Little by little some of my stories, and some of my poetry, have begun creeping out into the wider world. That they have done so is a source of great pleasure to me. That they bring pleasure to others, to readers, is an even greater source of pleasure.
The first of KjM's novels will be ready for the world in the first quarter of 2012. More to follow - news (and, perhaps, novels ... hmm, see below).
Writing keeps me awake - that's as much as one can ask
A*K: The following is a sneak preview co-authoring tour de force. I am fortunate to be writing with Mr Mackey a novel of social-political intrigue, spanning sensations of the deep South up to New York City's high life. Each chapter delights us the more as we listen to our characters, learning to decipher and discover their secrets...
A Duet in the Key of C
~ By Absolutely*Kate and Kevin J. Mackey
A*K: Looking forward to chaptering our Carolina Beatrice Templeton character and her cohorts the more with you Kevin -- but you're centerstage AT THE BIJOU now. You're looking uptown downright dapper ~
KjM: A storyteller, from a land filled with storytellers and storytelling, in whose stories readers could get lost - and find themselves.
KjM: Late at night, the time when all the big questions seem to get asked . . . sometimes there is an answer.
~ Absolutely*Kate
My dear Ms. *Kate,
I don't know if you've ever run across this poem, or the poetry of Gerard Manley Hopkins, but my sister sent me a column of poetry (actually, they've - strangely enough - recently republished the poetry book we used in High School, and that's what she sent me.)
Looking through it, and fondly remembering how I immersed myself in it while in school (one of the few school books I took real time with back then) I ran across "The Windhover" by the above mentioned poet.
Reading it, I was reminded of your playfulness/power with/over language.
See if you recognize yourself in this link.
My best to you, with much affection,
- KjM
Oh Kevin, keep that breathless charm,
won't you please arrange it, for you recharge us?
~ Absolutely*Kate
and our ritzy staff
AT THE BIJOU
 |
| THE BIG SLEEP IS WIDE AWAKE AT THE BIJOU |
BOGIE: Baby, tell the kids to stick around
BACALL: Stick around Kids.
BOGIE: I love when you mess around with the script.
BACALL: Imagination is the highest kite one can fly.
BOGIE: HERE'S LOOKIN' AT
NOIR, AT THE BIJOU
Kevin Michaels ... Graham Smith ... Julie Morrigan
Paul Bishop ... Anthony Venutolo ... Eric Beetner
Matt Hilton . . . Jeanette Cheezum ... Nigel Bird
Zelda Martin . . . The GRIMM TALES Gang ...
Ian Ayris . . . Steve Miscandlon ... Helen Howell
Sal Buttaci . . . and Absolutely*Kate so far . . . .
Every-few-days, cold crimes . . . jump-jiving January's NEW NOIR
Paul Brazill ... Leon Jackson Davenport
BR Stateham ... Fiona Johnson ... Jack Bates
Julian Bramwell Slater ... Christina Vincent
Charlie Wade ... Darren Sant ...
Lily Childs ... Walter Conley
Carrie Clevenger ... Daniel Stine ...
Thomas Pluck and the Lost Children benefit show
New Year's new NOIR, Publisher BLASTED HEATH
editor John Kenyon, publisher of GRIFT magazine
with telling tales of GRIMM TALES' greats
Rex Pickett picks a surprise ...
plus . . . return of our pally, the great Randisi ...
AT THE BIJOU'S Harry B Sanderford ... Matthew Magda ...
& intermittent intermission intermezzo by masters of the ceremonious ~
Kevin MadDog Michaels and Absolutely*Kate ...
Why ~ Who knows who's getting into the act? . . .
RAYMOND CHANDLER may be channeled!
ABSOLUTELY*KATE, BOGEY & PALLY PRODUCTIONS
Jump-Jivin' January's New Year, New NOIR ~ AT THE BIJOU
12 comments:
Mr. Mackay...you have offered new ebooks without telling the world? I shall go hunt them down promptly.
Congrats on your fine noir haiku. You pulled it off well, as *Kate knew you would.
Fantastic. Original and very noirish. Must have taken ages to write them.
Noiretry. I think probably Hammit and surely Chandler had some up their sleeves. Probably thought, Nah, too soon. That Parker dame is skirting pretty close to that on her own anyhow. So, we're left with Absolutely Macky and Empress Kate to bring it out. Perfect timing. I tried out the form for Black Heart Mags Noir Issue. Not Haiku, but poetery anyhow. Called it Tommygun Morality. Worked pretty good, but, you're right it is H.A.R.D. Kudos, Poetryman M. Cool!
@Laura - It was *Kate who thought up the idea. Wouldn't have occurred to me in a long day's journey into noir - not never! Thanks for the congrats.
Re the books - I did tweet about them just before Christmas, but the world was very full then...
@Charlie - Thank you. Glad you enjoyed them.
@ajhayes2 - "Noiretry" - I love it! And I agree, Ms. Parker had a way with words that hew very close to the art of poetry.
I like the sound of "Tommygun Morality" - glad it worked out for you. But yes, pulling it together is *really* good exercise. Thanks for the "Cool".
Not an easy task to pull off, but you did a great job with this, Kevin!Looking to see more from you!
Blaze
What a fantasically hard style to write in. You pulled it off brilliantly.
Evan though am suppose to be taking a break from the computer (drs. orders) I just had to come over and read Kevins hiaku story - Loved it! Kevin you are truly the King of Haiku ^__^
Opps that should have been haiku - damn keyboard types what it wants! ;)
Noir Haiku, a brilliant idea. Your execution is superb and I'd happily read a whole bookful of similar. It's not an idea I'd have thought of for a million months of Sundays.
And as John Cooper Clarke said (at least he said something like this) 'to write poems in seventeen syllables is extremely diffic'
@Blaze - glad you enjoyed it. The haiku went through a revision or two (as you might imagine). But I'm tickled by the result - and by *Kate's presentation.
@Graham - very, very kind. Thank you.
@Helen - happy you came here, Helen. But, please take care, ya'hear? You know, Laura's got a mechanical pencil. And you a keyboard that types what it wants? What marvels the world holds. :)
@Nigel - Yes, a brilliant idea. All *Kate's. Glad you enjoyed the results. Your quote is hilarious! It reminds me of a limerick I once heard:
There was a young lady from Wyatt
Whose voice was exceedingly quiet
And then one day
It just faded away...
Kevin, what a absolutely creative idea: noir haiku! I enjoyed them immensely.
Salvatore - I agree, a wondrously creative idea that *Kate had. I'd never have come up with it. But I was happy to run with it once she'd email me about it. Glad you enjoyed them. They were fun to write.
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