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[…]
The rising cost of heating his home made him shiver.Thin blankets feebly fought off the cold until pneumonia wrapped itself around his lungs.Now, at the crematorium, he’ll soon be warm. Next month, his only grandson will jet off to the sunshine of the Caribbean, burning through his inheritance. Published: Vine[…]
The front wheels of Joan’s stroller wobble slightly as she pushes her way over the tiles onto the worn-out carpet. Manoeuvring her way past the hallway bookshelf, she pauses for a second to catch her breath and looks down at the loaded middle shelf.Thirty copies of her Lonely Planet’s Guidebooks[…]
Bill held the fish steadily in his hand, admiring its natural beauty. Lowering it back into the burbling river, he pushed it to his left and watched it swim upstream. Filled with joy from his first catch, Bill flicked his hook in search of the next capture; another fleeting pleasure.[…]
Why is he in here?Tanned and toned.Sitting there, tall and erect.A galleon, sailing high and proud, surrounded by all the old wrecks. I cough loudly into my hankie and he slowly turns his head towards me.A name is called and the old man by the radiator shuffles slowly towards the[…]
She died last night, yet I smile as I begin the process of calling her friends to share the sad news. Grandma’s address book is a coded document. One left for me to decipher. ‘The flower lady.’ ‘Number 16.’ ‘Land Army Dot.’ Curiosity leads me to check out my own[…]