Author: lazaruscarpenterauthor

Lazarus Carpenter I have lived in Wales for over twenty five years. Born in North Yorkshire, I am now an author, actor, musician and song writer, previously being a therapist, trainer and researcher, specialising in mental health. He was educated in Middlesbrough, Sheffield and Cambridge. With a fascination for Welsh History, I create worlds within worlds; magical, haunting, spirituality permeating sound moral codes of life. I live quietly with Debbie Eve (also my illustrator and our dog, Noodle in a small cottage surrounded by the beauty of the Brecon Beacons in the Valleys of South Wales.

A She-Wolf’s Vision: The Tale of the Crystal Vase

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Once upon a time, a majestic grey she-wolf named Shadow lived in the heart of a dense, mystical forest with her pups. Shadow was known far and wide for her keen intelligence and sharp instincts. She roamed the forest with grace and power, respected by all the creatures that called it their home. One day, while exploring a hidden glade deep within the forest, Shadow stumbled upon a mysterious crystal vase resting on a pedestal of ancient stone. Intrigued by its shimmering surface and the emanating whispers of magic, Shadow cautiously approached the crystal vase. As she gazed into its depths, the crystal vase began to glow with an ethereal light, swirling with images of distant lands and unknown adventures.

Shadow was entranced by what she saw, visions of a world beyond the forest flashing before her eyes. The crystal ball spoke to Shadow in a gentle, melodious voice, offering her a glimpse into her own future and the challenges that lay ahead. It revealed a great darkness that threatened to consume the forest, a shadowy force that sought to bring chaos and destruction to all that Shadow held dear. Determined to protect her home and pups, Shadow vowed to uncover the source of this darkness and end it once and for all. With the guidance of the crystal vase, she set out on a quest that would test her courage, strength, and unwavering resolve. Through trials and tribulations, Shadow faced fierce adversaries and daunting obstacles, but she never wavered in her quest to save the forest from the encroaching darkness. With each challenge she overcame, the crystal vase shimmered brighter, its magic strengthening as Shadow drew closer to her ultimate goal.

In the final battle against the forces of darkness, Shadow stood tall and resolute, her fur bristling with determination as she faced the greatest foe. With a mighty roar that echoed through the forest, she unleashed all the power she had gained on her journey, channelling the magic of the crystal vase into a blinding light that banished the darkness once and for all. As the light faded and peace returned to the forest, Shadow knew she had fulfilled her destiny and saved her home from destruction. The crystal vase, its purpose fulfilled, vanished in a shower of sparks, leaving Shadow with a newfound sense of wisdom and purpose. From that day on, Shadow was revered as a hero among the forest’s creatures, her name spoken with gratitude and respect. And though the crystal vase was gone, its magic lived on in Shadow’s heart, guiding her and the pups on new adventures and ensuring the forest remained safe and protected for generations. And so, the tale of Shadow the She-Wolf and the Crystal Vase became a legend, a story of bravery, sacrifice, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.

Images 2/3 by Gill Brooks http://www.gillsplace.com

‘Before It’s Too Late’

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Mosquitos in February

Spring buds upon a tree

All so unnecessary

Nature cries to be free

Temperature up, now down

All growth is in a whirl

Ice melts, penguins drown

Mutating viruses unfurl

Give it up; give up all

Before it is too late

Writing clearly on the wall

Cessation from debate

Men stand, they talk

Whilst nature cries in pain

Give up cars and walk

Restricting aeroplane and train

All soul searching now done

The hour has come for you

Heat our winds and sun

It’s time for a change; so true

Politicians close the door

All this useless debate

Greedy talk no more

Before it is too late

‘MOVING MOUNTAIN’

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2012 AND 2017, REMEMBERED

Through centuries-long, worked mines ran deep

Atop the mountain grazed generations of sheep

Cottages and houses, a village built all in a row

Standing over a century, through rain and snow

Mines long gone, buried, broken, deep and lost

Ruins, empty stones, dreams, an occasional ghost

In the sixties and eighties came rumble and crack

Our Moving Mountain coughed, trembled and shook

Rock and mud slid and shifted, boulders and slime

The hearth’s of many a family now lost in time

Penygraig slipped down in Two Thousand and Twelve

Left standing alone, frozen, perched on a precarious shelf

Water, as it will be done, flowed here and there

A drainage system in a state of mutant disrepair

Sewers and drains are there but almost forgotten

Gaffer tape and string stitching pipes have gone rotten

Now again, in Two Thousand and Seventeen

Fifteen homes soon to vanish in the mist unseen

Somehow, it just does not seem honest or right

A council can steal your home in the dark of night

From under your feet without a ‘by your leave.’

Corporate negligence makes you vomit and heave

Somehow, it does not seem right or honest or true

How can they do this to him, her, and you?

The Unlikely Trio: A Tale of Adventure in the Welsh Wilderness

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Once upon a time, in the breathtaking landscapes of Wales, an unusual trio set out on an extraordinary adventure. This trio consisted of a courageous dog named Max, a clever cat named Luna, and a strong-willed badger named Boris. Each with their unique abilities and personalities, they embarked on a long journey that would test their friendship and resolve. It all began on a crisp morning when Max, Luna, and Boris met at the edge of a dense forest near the towering mountains of Wales.

The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a golden hue over the rolling hills and valleys that stretched out before them. Despite their differences in size and species, the three friends shared a deep bond and a thirst for exploration. With wagging tails and eager eyes, they set off on their adventure, their paws and claws carrying them over rocky paths and through lush forests. Max, with his keen sense of smell and boundless energy, led the way, sniffing out the trail ahead. Luna, with her sharp wit and agile movements, navigated the tricky terrain with grace and precision. Boris, with his burly strength and unwavering determination, provided protection and guidance to his smaller companions.

As they journeyed deeper into the wilderness, they encountered obstacles and challenges that tested their teamwork and spirit. They crossed roaring rivers on rickety bridges, climbed steep cliffs with sheer determination, and braved dark caves filled with mysterious echoes. Through it all, they relied on each other’s strengths and supported one another when needed. Along the way, they met a variety of creatures, from wise old owls to playful foxes, each sharing tales of the land and its secrets. They tasted sweet berries plucked from tangled bushes, drank from crystal-clear streams that gushed from the mountains and rested under the canopy of ancient trees that whispered stories of ages past. As days turned into weeks and the landscape changed around them, the trio forged a bond that transcended words and species. They became not just companions on a journey but a family united by a shared purpose and a love for the wild beauty of Wales. Finally, after many trials and triumphs, they reached the summit of the highest mountain, where a panoramic view of the rolling valleys and shimmering lakes unfolded before them. As they stood side by side, wind tousling their fur and whiskers, they knew that their adventure was not just a journey through the wilderness but a journey of the heart.

And so, the unlikely trio – Max, Luna, and Boris – descended from the mountains, their hearts full of memories and their spirits forever intertwined. As they returned to the forest where it all began, they knew that their friendship would endure, like the ancient mountains and valleys of Wales, standing strong against the test of time. Ultimately, it was not the destination but the journey itself, the bonds forged, and the memories made along the way. And so, the tale of the adventurous trio of a dog, a cat, and a badger in the Welsh wilderness became a legend, whispered by the winds and echoed by the rivers, a testament to the power of friendship and the magic of exploration.

Images 1,2,3 by Gill Brooks http://www.gillsplace.com

Flat Cap Fred and the Mischievous Ferret

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A man known as Flat Cap Fred lived in the quaint village of Willowbrook, nestled amidst rolling hills and lush greenery. Fred was a jovial soul with a penchant for adventure and a heart as big as the countryside surrounding his humble abode. One of Fred’s most beloved companions was a mischievous ferret, Finn, with a sleek silver coat and eyes that sparkled like dewdrops in the morning sun. Fred and Finn were inseparable, their bond forged through countless escapades and shared moments of laughter. The villagers often marvelled at the sight of Fred with his trusty flat cap perched jauntily on his head and Finn peeking out from the pocket of his worn tweed jacket, always ready for their next adventure.

One crisp autumn morning, as the leaves danced in a riot of colours and the air was filled with the sweet scent of harvest, Fred and Finn set out for the woods on the outskirts of the village. Their destination was a secluded glade where the old oak tree stood sentinel, its gnarled branches reaching for the sky like ancient arms frozen in time. As they wandered through the golden carpet of fallen leaves, Fred regaled Finn with tales of legendary creatures and forgotten realms, his voice carrying the magic of bygone days. Finn chattered in response, his excitement palpable as they ventured deeper into the heart of the woods. Suddenly, a flash of silver caught Fred’s eye, and he saw Finn darting towards a burrow hidden beneath a tangle of roots. Curiosity piqued, Fred followed his furry friend, his heart pounding with anticipation. What secrets lay hidden in this forgotten corner of the woods? As Fred peered into the burrow, he saw a pair of gleaming eyes staring back at him, filled with fear and curiosity.

It was a young fox cub, its russet coat shimmering in the dappled sunlight that filtered through the canopy above. The cub whimpered softly, caught between instinctual caution and a yearning for companionship. With a gentle smile, Fred extended a hand towards the fox cub, his eyes filled with warmth and understanding. Slowly, the cub emerged from its hiding place, drawn to the kindness radiating from this unlikely duo of man and ferret. Finn chittered softly, inviting the cub to join their merry band. And so, under the watchful gaze of the old oak tree and the approving rustle of the leaves, Flat Cap Fred, the mischievous ferret Finn, and the curious fox cub embarked on a new adventure together.

Bound by friendship and shared love for the wonders of the natural world, they roamed the woods of Willowbrook, their laughter echoing through the trees like a song of joy and unity. Ultimately, it was not the size of the adventure that mattered but the depth of the connections forged along the way. Flat Cap Fred and his unlikely companions taught the villagers of Willowbrook that true magic lies in opening one’s heart to the beauty surrounding us and embracing the bonds that transcend species and time. And so, the tale of Flat Cap Fred and the mischievous ferret Finn became a legend in Willowbrook, a reminder of the power of friendship and the enduring magic of the natural world.

Images by Gill Brooks http://www.gillsplace.com