TONY ON AFRICA, HEALTH, NIGHT

Including Manic Monday and Writers’ Island.
Have you had a go yet?

Welcome to my Monday Magazine post.
Zimbabwe has hit the headlines once more as the opposition pulls out of the fake second election to return Mugabe to power. And as his campaign of terror continues to bully people into voting for him, the world turns a blind eye.

Zimbabwe is a total disaster.

I used to be cynical about claims that the west only intervenes when it is in their economic interest, but as I watch this tragedy unfold, I no longer think that way. But most of my contempt goes to many other African leaders.
Nothing shows the total corruptness of government in Africa than the way other leaders fail to bring this mad man to book. Just one unanimous declaration against him and it would be all over. But the reality is, they won’t. Many of them are almost as bad themselves.

Dementia is expected to rise massively in the next two decades.

This has prompted a warning that Britain’s health service could collapse under the sheer pressure of the care it is going to have to give.
This is a growing problem – and not just with dementia. We are suffering from too much understanding of medical conditions, prompting ridiculously expensive treatments. Which is, of course, just what the huge drugs companies want.
The answer has got to be to two fold. First, look elsewhere for much of our treatments. I’m convinced that if enough money is put into holistic and herbal research, great benefits could result.
And second? Abandon the huge mega-hospitals and health centres, and return to a smaller cottage-style hospital for most ailments, encouraging local charities and volunteers to play their part. Stop runaway expansion and return much of health care to the community.
Next Magazine post, Wednesday. Call tomorrow for my Tuesday essay.

© Anthony North, June 2008

TRIBAL NIGHTS

Tribal man would often leer,
into the night, full of fear,
of beast and terror lurking out there,
lighting fires, safe in their glare

Storyteller lit by flickering flame,
told stories to often great acclaim,
of wondrous spirits of the night,
gods of wonder, miracle, flight

Spirit and beast became as one,
in man’s mythology, tale and song,
pushing back fear of terrors old,
guardians stood, strong and bold

Culture, religion rose from this,
saving man from a manic abyss,
enriching tales that could delight,
now destroyed by the electric light

(c) Anthony North, June 2008

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AWAKENING NIGHT – Horror fiction

The Sun melts below the horizon, its last breath of light touching the clouds. A blood red sky pays testament to the battle as night pounds it down to another hemisphere. And soon, twilight heralds the coming victory of the night.
Shadows expand as it arrives, stealing sight, sound … safety.
‘Tis the night, and you. Alone.
Enshrouded, you exist. But what’s that you see? Surely only tricks of the dark – tricks of the mind. Nothing to explain that beat inside.
You remember: there is nothing to fear but night itself.
And the dark gathers around you, becomes … ?
Substantial.
Clinging.
Smothering …….
And something else? Is this the monster of the night you see materialize, with …
(But surely it is only a dream?)
…with teeth, eyes; hot, fetid breath ….
Wanna bet?

© Anthony North, June 2008