Randy has always been charming. It’s the reason he has his job. You can’t be Dean of a department at his age unless you have an extraordinary intellect or a family member on the board. Randy has neither. It is his uncanny ability to detect talent in others that has allowed him to rise swiftly … Continue reading The Red Devil
Short Story: Ikram’s
‘A perfect California day’ the announcer says over the radio as we drive to the hospital. Outside, the sun is lemonade -yellow. Katie has her dark glasses on and growls about how hungry she is. ‘Fuck not eating for twelve hours’ she says. Later, she sits grumpily on the hospital bed. "I'd kill for a … Continue reading Short Story: Ikram’s
Short Story: Dane’s Mum
Stan, the guy in the flat above, has been creeping on Dane's mum. He knows this because he found the notes ripped pieces crumpled in their rubbish bin. They'd been there, on-top of that night's cold leftovers. They made him feel sick to his stomach. Torn pieces of exercise book paper, the writing scratched and … Continue reading Short Story: Dane’s Mum
Huntsman
Sitting on the toilet I can see the hairs on its legs From finger to thumb it measures the length of my hand. Abel and Kane Our arachnid friend is unaware its significance is biblical. It would have been his 40th birthday this year All bones and dust The remains of our bond … Continue reading Huntsman
Short Story: Daily Commute
It’s been a hard morning, struggling to get the baby up, changed and dressed before walking to the bus stop. She needs to be carried and she is almost too big for it. It’s stinking hot too. Sweat is trickling down my back by the time we pass the corner shop and I wish I’d … Continue reading Short Story: Daily Commute
Short Story: After Dark
I watch the two boys dismember the marquee. Their bodies look stretched and wrong in the dark. Wrapped in layers to keep out the chill, they move awkwardly, reflective vests shimmering in the grey light – fish in a muddy river. I’ve given them responsibility for the whole row. Twenty tents. Eighty weights. Against the … Continue reading Short Story: After Dark
Shame
We slough skin from our bodies. Seven lives -- We emerge pink and newborn from each heartbreak. Fists closed; eyes squeezed shut in protest. Not again, Not again. Left cold by our past selves We flee each pin-prick of realisation. Breathing our cold breath out over the valley of expectant upturned faces Forcing our gaze … Continue reading Shame
Falling in love over and over again
A book is not an isolated being: it is a relationship, an axis of innumerable relationships. — Jorge Luis Borges Like many people living in the modern era I spend at least 7 hours of my day in front of a screen, whether it’s on my computer at work, or on my phone texting friends … Continue reading Falling in love over and over again
To forgive and forget, or not?
What literature tells us about forgiving, forgetting and vengeance. Forgiveness is a concept most of us are familiar with. When someone has wronged you, whether its to break your heart or your phone, the virtuous way to deal with it is to forgive and forget. Right? Forgiveness is a psychological concept, enshrined in religion and … Continue reading To forgive and forget, or not?
You have a lovely vagina
I've been waxing since I was a teenager. Growing up in the modern world you soon learn that our relationship with body hair is contradictory. In winter it keeps us warm but having smooth silky body-parts is synonymous with being attractive. I'd love to say my attitude to body-hair hasn't been formed by a culture that … Continue reading You have a lovely vagina
