Post NaNo

When I got started on the sci-fantasy work, it edged out the western novel, time-wise. It's the nature of NaNo month to rob one's other projects in that way. But it was a helpful respite for the western, because that one was approaching a cliche of an episode, which I hoped to make otherwise. I couldn't think of an alternate course to take before yesterday. Now when I get back to it it will move ahead.

Christmas Sad

Next went sleigh and crew
To the lands of gloom and grue,
For the heart of the season
Knows not spirit's treason;
But ministers to wrath and rue.

Santa, said one elf named Joe,
There's a child whose father says no
When asked if there is love named Santa.
The child has no gift;
He's not on the list.
Oh, Santa, what is the answer?

Santa clucked sadly with woe;
There is no answer friend Joe;
For magic dust I sprinkle
To make their hearts twinkle;
But, I cannot alter the nature
Of despair, of disbelief and failure
If hearts are closed and avenues cut off.
He choked with a sob and a cough.

That one's meager Christmas they served,
That one they lost the nerve.
Another one slept in booze and pills,
Soon to forget his worldly ills.
And when they left the plain of gloom and sadness
It left a stain on all their remaining gladness.

Gwenn's Surname

I am casting about for a better surname for her. Also, a number of names used in the text are changing. Arnold was chosen on the spur of the moment, when I was anxious to get the narrative moving.

GWENN ARNOLD, OR, THE HOLLOW PLANET

Newest title. Riffing on Hans Brinker, or, The Silver Skates