Flamingo

“Is it dead?” “I can’t tell from here.  Why don’t you go and give it a poke?” “Eww!  No, you do it!” “You’re the one who wants to know if it’s dead.” “I wonder how it got here.” “I don’t know.  Flew?” “Don’t be ridiculous.” “It looks kind of sad, just lying there like that.” […]

The House

In its heyday, the house stood in substantial grounds, and its nearest neighbour was at least half a mile away.  The family that owned the house could trace their history back generations and were extremely proud of their heritage.  The house hosted many a lavish party and saw hundreds of guests enter through its magnificent […]

The Waiting Room

The room was bright, perhaps a little too bright.  The space was difficult to define, stretching as it did perhaps only a few dozen feet or perhaps to infinity.  The undefined whiteness made it impossible to tell. The five of us sat in a group of comfy armchairs, somewhere in amongst the brightness.  Clay very […]

She Loves Me

I watch her cooking Each movement precise and confident Concentration and grace Punctuated by joyous singing along to the radio I watch her entertaining Talking, laughing, making sure everyone’s glass is full The perfect hostess Queen of her domain and ruling with benevolence I watch her working The cute frown line forming between her eyebrows […]

The End of All Things

I wait.  Formless yet conscious, just beyond the edge of reality.  I know I have a role to fulfil.  The passage of time has no meaning for me yet, but my time will come.  Nothing can remain static forever.  All things change and, when the change comes, I will be ready. There is a shift […]

On This Mountain

The slopes of your disdain rise before meRocks strewn about to trip me at every step You say I am worthlessThat I cannot stand on my own You push me down as I struggle to riseLaughing at my aspirations I will climb this mountain without your helpIn spite of your hindrance Under the blue skyEmbraced […]

Organs of Donation

The lungs Take in the air around us And separate out life-giving oxygen Sending it on into the blood And releasing built-up carbon dioxide. The lungs Give us the action of breathing A focus for meditation exercises Providing perspective On our privileged place in the world The stomach Takes in nourishment And speeds it on […]

From the Cold

I knew when the letter came that it was all over for me. I answered the door to a blank-faced man in an immaculate uniform.  He said my name, his voice toneless.  When I nodded, he handed me an envelope, then turned on his heel and walked away.   His appearance and manner told me […]

Who Are You?

Bubbles rising. Air, the stuff of life, escaping to the surface. I remain below, searching the depths for an answer. The water is murky, which feels appropriate, given my state of mind.  The currents swirl like my thoughts, threatening to spin me around and distract me from my purpose. But I know the wreck is […]