The haar eased in
like a metaphor;
the sun fought briefly
but not enough.
The couple on the beachside bench
stood
and walked away
from each other.
Moments
olive grove
sun beats down
wind drops
olive grove a car park
The old lady in the laundrette
The old lady in the laundrette offered to help me fold my sheets.
Are you left handed, she asked.
No signora, but my mother-in-law was.
That explains a lot, she said.
Awake in the night
Awake in the night
I confuse the sound of the palms
with the sound of the sea
and imagine I have slept on the beach.
When I awake there is no one
but the heat.
sea time, night
north breeze on wet skin shivers
white horses under a midnight moon
hands touching hands sparking fire
His shadow led him
His shadow led him as he walked away from evening.
Turning to catch the falling of the sun, the path of his life was clear, scuffed through the grass of experience and forgotten lovers.
He turned away again and closed his heart. Forward, always forward, until the end.
Chased
He was being chased. Through the dark woods he ran, nearly caught as he reached his front door. He leaped up the stairs and hid beneath the blankets.
He woke up, the dream still vivid, but kept his eyes tight shut.
In the silence he heard the door handle turn.
Written for Scottish Book Trust 50-word competition April 2022
when we are gone
when we are gone there will still be rainbows
light fractured through our loved ones’ tears
As midnight approached
As midnight approached, I took the old year in the palm of my hand and squeezed. The first bell chimed and I opened my fist. The new year shone there, hope and diamond bright. Now I am not afraid.
Through the candle flame
Through the candle flame and out of the barn door I saw the stars piercing the velvet night. I walked outside; snow creaked. Straight above our heads a single star shone brightest as others spiralled in silence. Your hand was warm in mine. It is time to go back in.
Written for Scottish Book Trust December 2021
simonsalento 