Tinnitus.What a beautiful word.As it drifts from your lips, it conjures up the image of wind charms, catching a gentle, spring breeze.Eight letters, arranged in perfect harmony, as if created on Mount Cithaeron itself.Yet, behind these letters lay a Victorian factory of loud screeching machines, grinding wheels, vibrating metal tubes[…]
Their voices are sharp. They are fuelled by either hatred or jealousy. Maybe both. In the kitchen, she is repeatedly shouting out, ‘quieter’. The aggressive response, booming from the front room, is to turn the music up even louder, drowning out her rival’s demands. Then the one upstairs suddenly joins[…]
Nothing happened on Wednesday. Nothing happened on Thursday either. Ah, but Tuesday was so different. Ignoring you at the hotel breakfast buffet, the tense client meetings, the silent coffee breaks, the contract signatures, the countless handshakes and over-familiar hugs, the pop of corks, the exciting chatter of future plans, the[…]
I always take this bend in the road carefully.The dirty grey, plastic wrappers flap from the new lamppost like flags at a Grand Prix.I slow down even more, as if instructed to by the marshals.Eyes, on the fading photograph, follow me as I drive past.Every time I see this roadside[…]
Background: This is real-live theatre. A one scene passion play Stage Layout: Two empty wine glasses on a dining table, creating a false comfortableness. One gyuto knife under a blue, cotton napkin. Leading Lady: Actions researched. Words practised. Hint of inebriation. Preparation: Suitcases packed. Documentation collated. Bank accounts emptied. Car[…]
Never able to cope with change, he’s now desperate for it.Six different schools, three fathers, and eight homes dismantled him; leaving him to pick up his own pieces. Loose relationships and unsecured employment weakened him further.He shakes his cracked cup at a passer-by.‘Spare me change,’ he begs. Published: Vine Leaves[…]
I’ve read somewhere that swans are partners for life. I toss a few more pieces of buttered toast into the water. They calmly accept my gift, causing very few ripples. A few weeks ago, I was bringing food for five signets, gliding around with their dedicated parents. I guess they[…]
I’m not ready to move yet. Thirty minutes ago I helped Sophie Anne unload her belongings and carry them into the university’s dormitory block. Apart from a couple of damp tissues, the passenger seat sits empty.Alone, I sit motionless, pretending the reason for my stagnation is to allow time to[…]
A cold wind blows pounding rain against the window. Metal hits metal, rhythmically, like an alarm clock ticking.The first sheep suddenly crashes straight into the hedge. Using power, associated with larger animals, it quickly smashes its way through into the neighbouring wild meadow. Fearfully, it looks back to check if[…]
Once upon my bike, I started gathering stories. There’s a tiny one squashed into my back pocket. I created it in Blythe. Thepanniers are stuffed with an anthology, unlocked in Berwick. My words will free them from sentences of solitary confinement. Near the cliff edge, a new one is about[…]