when we are gone there will still be rainbows
light fractured through our loved ones’ tears
Moments
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
In the pound store on Christmas Eve
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
last day
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
world stop turning
every day the morning sun lips the far horizon
and the ever-present present stretches to the future
no idea
no idea what to say or to do
swimming for the horizon
to see what is over the edge
in parks
playing chase in parks
sitting and thinking and talking in parks
walking alone around parks
stars softly
stars softly look down
a single distant owl calls
stones wise as lovers
I awoke
I awoke, ate breakfast
wasted quite a lot of time
pretending
and suddenly
it is evening again
simonsalento 