The Enlightenment of Elsie

‘We are an onion,’ Marnie said in her soft sing-song way.‘I feel a bit more like a pumpkin,’ Mrs Harris said but Elsie lay on the mat contemplating the tired light fittings and wondering why she’d agreed to join the weight loss meditation group.‘Have you ever thought about meditation Mrs Parkes? Maybe join a group?’… Continue reading The Enlightenment of Elsie

Freewheeling

‘I know it’s not what you asked for but I hope you like it.’ Mum’s words echo in my head, I’m 12 today and I desperately try and hide my disappointment. ‘Great, thanks Mum, a bike is ace.’ It’s not ace really but I know I’m lucky to get a present at all this year… Continue reading Freewheeling

CHANGES

Terry sat in his usual seat, tucked away in the corner of the saloon bar in ‘The Main and Tail’, nursing a pint of stout. The sound of the clock echoed in the large empty space, the fireplace bare of flame, the bar bare of customers. Lily was making herself busy tidying behind the bar,… Continue reading CHANGES

Pretty Polly

After some rummaging Polly found the shoes at the back of the wardrobe, red silk with ribbons to tie around the ankle, skinny heels and a peep toe. She’s seen them in the shop window every week for a month before she’d plucked up the courage to go in and try them on. The eye-watering… Continue reading Pretty Polly

Early

The mist stalks the fields, fills the furrows and masks the hedges. Crows are ghosts hopping in and out of sight. Sound is deadened in the fog, my coat soon heavy with the enveloping damp, my hair clinging to my face. I look up, there’s a faint blueness above but no warmth as yet from… Continue reading Early