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 there will still be rainbows
light fractured through our loved ones’ tears
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 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
Some people in the jeweller’s where he used to shop seemed to recognise him so he left. In the pound store the prices were still too high. He grabbed a handful of plastic earrings from a stand and bolted. They recognised him in the pound store too. Nobody gave chase.
Written in response to a request for a tweet-length story from @ellipsiszine 16/12/21
clouds begin to gather above the distant mountains across the sea
swimmers wade from the water, warming bodies with wrapped arms
a lizard disappears behind the waterfalling caper bush
and, as we look at one another, we understand
world stop turning
every day the morning sun lips the far horizon
and the ever-present present stretches to the future
no idea what to say or to do
swimming for the horizon
to see what is over the edge
playing chase in parks
sitting and thinking and talking in parks
walking alone around parks
stars softly look down
a single distant owl calls
stones wise as lovers
simonsalento 