Iain Kelly's Blog, page 13

A PIZZ A’ NONSENSE

‘Looks more like a wedding cake about to fall over than a pizza.’ ‘A pizza?’ ‘The Leaning Tower of Pizza.’ ‘No, it’s Pisa.’ ‘That’s what I said, Pizza. Anyway, don’t worry about the photo, I can straighten that up in Photoshop.’ ‘No, it’s meant to lean over like that.’ ‘That’s ridiculous, who built that?’ ‘It … Continue reading A PIZZ A’ NONSENSE

BAD FAITH

The world lurched from side-to-side. She staggered into the busy marketplace, bumping into people milling around the stalls. Disgruntled looks followed her as she crossed the square. The church loomed above her. It looked sinister now, after what she had just been told. It had been her haven. A safe place that protected her from … Continue reading BAD FAITH

CAT-ASTROPHE

It had worked. The strategically placed books – Hugo, Zola, Harari – showing his new colleagues he was an educated reader. A man of philosophical thought. A last minute decision to move Michael J. Fox and some puzzle books into view showed he also understood modern culture and had thoughtful pastimes. Even the cat showing … Continue reading CAT-ASTROPHE

PICK-UP

They waved him through the road block. No one noticed the sweat on his hands where they gripped the steering wheel. No one checked the rusty trunk on the rusty flatbed truck. They were looking for a Prius, not a clapped out pick-up. He drove for another five miles, then pulled into a layby. He … Continue reading PICK-UP

SHATTERED DREAMS

He ducked under the blade, but the man crashed into him and they toppled over the barrier and then they were falling towards the lights below. *** ‘Are you breaking up with me?’ She could feel the tears forming. ‘You’ve got the wrong idea.’ Sitting under the magnificent glass ceiling in the opulent ballroom, now … Continue reading SHATTERED DREAMS

EXPECTO PATRONUM

She watched him, sitting quietly in the corner, a book in front of him, lost in his imagination. She willed him to look up, to notice her. They were kindred spirits, him and she. Every day she saw him in the library. They were both lonely lovers of books, seeking the fulfilment of magical stories, … Continue reading EXPECTO PATRONUM

CLOUD SPOTTING

Agnes held the cloud spotting book up to the sky. ‘Cumulonimbus, I’m sure of it. What do you think?’ ‘I see a dragon breathing fire.’ ‘Very good, but I’m trying to spot the actual types of clouds. 10 points for a Cumulonimbus, quite a common one.’ Archie sighed. This was not the Hawaii vacation he … Continue reading CLOUD SPOTTING

PARENTAL SUPPORT

‘Thank you,’ he accepted the coins. Not much, but another sale. The tourist trade was still slow. He started on another picture. Bright red, purple, yellow, swirling together. A shadow cast over the paper. He looked up. She offered him an apologetic smile. ‘That looks wonderful. Can I put it on our living room wall?’ … Continue reading PARENTAL SUPPORT

SINK OR SWIM

‘You see that peak over there?’ Get to the top of that and it’s all yours.’ ‘That’s quite a climb. How close can the boat get to the shore?’ A pause. ‘You misunderstand. You start from here. Sink or swim.’ Was it worth it? To reach the top of the mountain. The promised land. It … Continue reading SINK OR SWIM

THE ACTIVIST

Her little hands scrawl circles. She places an assortment of toys inside them – Lego, a pencil. a toy truck. She babbles in words that make sense to only her. She looks up seeking recognition for a job well done. I nod and smile and say that’s lovely. She accepts it and begins the process … Continue reading THE ACTIVIST