“I’ve gone into hiding.” “We’re in Pizza Hut.” “That’s what you think,” Laverne lowered her voice. “Look around… what do you see?” “Happy fat people.” “All of them?” “All the ones eating pizza,” I was able to confirm. “What about him on his own over at the salad bar? What’s his story?” “That’s a woman.” … Continue reading Local Weirdough
But somewhere, somehow Judas turned And walked away from all he’d learned So when the two men dipped their bread They both knew one would soon be dead. We’re not sure how it came to this Why he betrayed him with a kiss To bring about the earthly end Of someone he had called a … Continue reading Double Cross
Should I love youTake hold of youOur first kiss would be your lastBlood pulsatingSeeping, satingTaking more than I had asked.This lifeless life out of the sunExiled from God’s own planIts beastly feast that’s fit for noneWas not how I began.Still, you near meDon’t you fear me?I can pull you down to hellNoI’ll leave youLet me … Continue reading High Stakes
The figure on the mountain knewFar higher than the eagle flewBeyond the sun and past the lightWere men who crossed the sky by night.Soon after dusk their fires appearedThen slowly, once a course was steeredTheir caravan set out en masseTo make its empyreal pass. Like beasts migrating on the plainsLike swarms that form to greet … Continue reading Constellation Prize
The cashier took my money Without even glancing up So I said something funny As a means to interrupt Her name tag spelled out Mary And she didn’t think it cute When I rhymed it with scary Before asking: Are you mute? The parking lot attendant Waved me past while on the phone A job … Continue reading Chat Room
Father Marc assumed his usual seat in the front pew of St Jude Church and unfastened his collar. Each evening after mass the old Jesuit liked to collect his thoughts for several minutes before extinguishing the candles and clearing the altar. His church had a cheery interior by day but sunset draped a grey cowl … Continue reading The Abomination
I don’t remember what I woreOr who sat next to meI don’t remember who cried moreAnd who came just to see I don’t remember hymns they playedThe readings that were readOr why he paused before he saidThat you weren’t really dead I just remember how you lookedWhen you slept next to meThe Sunday dinners that … Continue reading Soup For One
The new teacher entered the classroom and took her seat, greeting no one. Perpetua Tightwaters was having a bad day but her deportment made it impossible for the students to tell because she held only one expression in her armoury: disapproval. A fierce-looking woman with grey-blue eyes which devoured their prey whole, she could scan … Continue reading Don’t Stand So Close To Me
Remember, Man, that you are dust And unto dust you shall return... God, if we're due to re-combust Do you give discounts on the urn?
Several years ago while travelling around Ukraine I entered the only shop in a remote village to buy a couple of cold drinks. Placing my purchases on the counter, the elderly shopkeeper tallied my bill on an abacus then pushed it toward me. Not entirely up to speed on ancient counting tools which predate our … Continue reading Emotional Baggage
