Cheers Warming glow spills across damp pavement, burps of laugher escape into the night. It’s warm in there and everyone belongs. I have belonged in several: The one by the sea, where the dog knew the way Those where every night brought possibility – endless evenings, life-changing encounters The tropical bar teetering above a lagoon […]
Tupperware – 100 words
Tupperware Immaculate and grown up. It starts as a solution. Cordoned off leftovers, egg and cress clicked for freshness. Matryoshka, BPA-free, a regiment of storage in a roomy billet moving up, always room for one more. Squares, rectangles, circular ones for cakes, clever closure tabs, Until the drawer pings open. More and more. Tubs […]
Grim Etymology – 100 words
Grim Etymology Humbert Humbert was a monster. Who’s he? He raped Dolores Haze when she was only 12. Horrible, but why are you telling me? You’ve heard of her. No, I haven’t. She’s Lolita, the victim of an evil abuser. Not Dolores? The rapist who pretended to be her daddy used that name. Oh. That’s […]
Strangers – 100 words
Strangers It’s a small hot room for waiting in. Brightly lit. A woman comes out of the treatment room. We’re at the physio – she’s been, I’m going. There’s a flash of familiarity. A look, a colour, a scarf. Connections nudge my brain. “Hello, how are you?” She smiles. Her nudge reaction triggered in response. […]
Muses – 100 words
Muses On my own I listen to the radio There are songs for astonished young lovers deranged by desire There are verses for broken hearts dumped and depressed There are anthems of revenge with a beat of hurting rage There are misogynistic marches – a soundtrack for the beautiful babes There are triumphant celebrations of […]