Languorous, lingering, luxuriant and self-indulgent. I never could have dreamed of such a day, before the other night, when he called me: ‘Ingrid?’ ‘Yes?’ ‘Are we still on for tomorrow?’ ‘Why ever not?’ I asked: ‘What was the plan again?’ ‘A picnic,’ he said, ‘by the lake: I’ll bring the sandwiches, if you’ll bring the... Continue Reading →
Pandemic Panic – a Satire #dVerse #prosery
Prime Minister Burris Jackson addresses the people of Brexitannia, after the Corollavirus outbreak has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation... "We face an invisible, unprecedented enemy. We are fighting a foe we cannot see, with the simple tools of soap, water, and our own singing voices. Remember to wash your hands for... Continue Reading →
Execution Day #flashfiction
All those close to the President would be lined up outside the Palace and told to run, but they wouldn’t get far. I was in the airport. They were coming for us there too, but there were no guns, only razor blades. I escaped down the service lift and hid in the luggage conveyor. I’d... Continue Reading →
Guest Post: ‘Tilting at Windmills’ by Valdis Stakle
I am an old man. I had a busy life once. A wife, a family, a career, but these days, retired, I live alone. I am swiftly advancing in years: too swiftly. I have some friends. I value those friends, and I hope they value me. We meet on a regular basis, in pubs, and... Continue Reading →
Curiosity Shop #prose #dVerse
There was a fireplace in my old bedroom, or rather, an empty space where a fireplace used to be. Except that the empty space had now been filled by a blue-and-white chest of drawers. Every night, I'd wait until the grown-ups were asleep and then I'd move them. Because only I knew that behind that... Continue Reading →
Chronicles of Lockdownia #17: Finale
In the dead of night we come upon the castle. We are an army. An army of the forgotten. An army of the usurped, the persecuted and betrayed. We have brooked long lockdowns and isolation, to the point where we almost became locked down at heart. But always within the heart there is a spark,... Continue Reading →
Chronicles of Lockdownia 16: Deep within the Dragon’s Lair
Dear Children, I write to you from deep within the Dragon's Lair, with heavy news. Though the news I write to you is sad, I do not want you to be sad for long. I only write to say, I visited a Dragon yesterday. The Dragon needs my help to defeat the evil Wizard, Koronin.... Continue Reading →
Chronicles of Lockdownia #15: The Stone Castle
The Journey this far North has been graciously uneventful. In every town we stopped, we were welcomed. We vaccinated everyone we could, instructing them with joy that in a matter of weeks they would be able to step out into the sunshine and enjoy life in the Spring once more. Of course, this depends on... Continue Reading →
Chronicles of Lockdownia #14: Departure
And now, the time has come to leave the Southlands and once again and this time head North to Quarantinia. Following Erasmus' funeral, we returned to the Summer Palace and made preparations for the ride North. The rebel leaders mustered men and equipment. Palace staff ensure the vaccines were stowed safely within our coaches, for... Continue Reading →
Chronicles of Lockdownia #13: Erasmus’ Funeral
After the feasting and celebration following General Vector's defeat, the next day, in stark contrast, was solemn. Even the sun seemed to be muted by high cloud, though it shone defiantly all day long upon the sombre proceedings. Remembering Erasmus As Head of State, I led the funeral procession down from the castle to the... Continue Reading →