Iain Kelly's Blog, page 47

COLOURBLIND

I can only see one colour. Of all the colours I would have chosen to see the world in, this wouldn’t be it. It’s not red: filled with passion, love, lust or danger. It’s not yellow: warm, welcoming, bursting with life. It’s not blue: cool, calm, serene. No, it’s grey. Dull, drab, neutral, washed-out grey. … Continue reading COLOURBLIND

AFTER THE FALL

The ruined building had only one window left intact. On it was a star. ‘Your star.’ ‘What do you mean, Father?’ ‘The star of David. It belonged to a religion, long ago.’ ‘A religion?’ ‘Like a belief, a faith. People gathered to worship their God.’ ‘People believed Gods were real?’ ‘Before science had given us … Continue reading AFTER THE FALL

LAY ME DOWN HERE IN THE SHADE IN THIS SMALL HOLLOW IN THE GROUND

Lay me down here in the shade in this small hollow in the ground, Let the rush of the world pass me by, Lay me down and let me rest awhile, Take the weight off my shoulders for I can carry it no longer, Release my burden for I am too old to carry on, … Continue reading LAY ME DOWN HERE IN THE SHADE IN THIS SMALL HOLLOW IN THE GROUND

ON THE BEACH WITH SANDRA

This was not what he had in mind when Sandra invited him on a beach holiday. He’d thought of golden sand and her golden hair; revealing swimwear barely concealing her tanned curves; frolicking in the sea… Sandra rubbed her grimy, seaweed-covered hands on her dirty overalls and threw the trowel aside, her smile beaming. ‘Another … Continue reading ON THE BEACH WITH SANDRA

BEYOND THE LIGHT

Beyond the trees the light shone. If they could just make it through the darkness of the forest they would survive. He rallied his men, ‘One last effort, push through!’ Bullets flew, splinters of wood stung, shells exploded, dirt and debris sprayed around them. Gradually they made the advance up the slope. Higgins fell, Young … Continue reading BEYOND THE LIGHT

HUGO

Paris, 1829. Victor hastened along the snow-covered street.  A warm fireside awaited him. Soon he would be surrounded by dear Adèle and his children, no doubt excited by the late snowfall. ‘Excusez-moi monsieur, a few francs for a veteran?’ The beggar held out his hand. Victor drew back, revulsed at the sight of the disfigured … Continue reading HUGO

FATEFUL DECISION

He had reached a crossroads. It was now or never. Should he ask her or not? They had been getting on well. He wasn’t great at reading these sort of situations but there was definite chemistry between them. While at work they sought each other out to chat, there was laughter, there was smiling. Come … Continue reading FATEFUL DECISION

CLOISTERED

The ridiculous habit made it difficult to clamber down the bush-covered arch into the cloister. From there it was a sprint across the lawn to the door, where she knocked four times. The door was opened. They paused at the gateway. Was this what they really wanted? Would the Lord be watching them? No time to … Continue reading CLOISTERED

THRESHOLDS

This was far enough. He had reached the limit of his strength. The tide would come in and fill the cave within a few hours and wash away his tracks and any traces of evidence. He gave the sack one last heave and let it flop to the ground. He looked back and made sure … Continue reading THRESHOLDS

THE GRAVEDIGGER

This was the tree alright, the dead one with no leaves. Streetlight nearby, no need for the torch I had brought. A night of hard labour ahead, best get to it. Sweat and dirt, clanging metal on rocky, hard ground. Takes longer than you think to dig a deep grave. At three in the morning … Continue reading THE GRAVEDIGGER