Garth Dutton

Sonsopkom – A Poem

“Sonsopkom” is the Afrikaans word for “Dawn”. This poem is my take on sunrise.

Sonsopkom
© Garth Dutton, 2008

At the first faint light of day
Birds sing
To encourage the sun to rise.
It pays heed to them
And always does.

Tags: afrikaans, dawn, garth dutton, poem, poet, Poetry, south africa, sunrise, writer, Writing

My Red Jumper – A Story

Here’s another short story which was written as homework for the Kensington & Norwood Writers Group. It’s called “My Red Jumper”.

My Red Jumper
© Garth Dutton 2007

I used to own a thick red jumper once, when I was living for two winters in London. It became a sort of ‘trade mark’ for me. I must have looked a real picture with it, plus my grey corduroy trousers and fawn desert boots. I had long blonde hair then, too, as it was the ‘hippy era’.

I used to share a large flat with an American hippy of Danish descent, two South African lads from Johannesburg, and a white lad from Zambia. The place was wall to wall beds. The flat was in Pennywern Road, just around the corner from Earls Court Station. (The area has long since been converted into hotels.)

We all used to drink at ‘Japie Corner’ in the Kings Head Pub , which was on the opposite side of Earls Court Road. On our way home we would often stop for a coffee at the “Café de Wheels” near the station. Or we would buy chestnuts from the man with the brazier there, too. (The “Café de Wheels” was similar to Adelaide’s pie carts, but mostly served coffee, tea and sandwiches.) I can still remember brushing the winter night’s snowflakes off the shoulders of my red jumper whilst waiting for my coffee.

I suppose we all have fond memories of various articles of clothing we have owned in our lives. Donovan even wrote a song called “I Love My Shirt.”

Tags: author, garth dutton, london, short story, writer, Writing

The First Post (Of Many)

My name is Garth Dutton and I’m a writer, musician and avid environmentalist. This site is my attempt to share my thoughts, feelings and experiences and to network with other like minded individuals from around the world.

I write songs, poetry, haiku, short stories and novels. However, I also love writing about the environment. Sometimes what I write is pretty straight-forward while other things are controversial and confronting for some.

Welcome to my website and feel free to contact me about anything you find. I love a good conversation.

Tags: Environment, Garth, garth dutton, haiku, Music, Poetry, Prose, songwriter, songwriting, writer, Writing