She pinched the brown pine needles between her fingers and turned them upside down, tracing circles in the tablecloth like a compass. On an invisible map, she charted her course, and longed to be in some new world. Far away from blaring speakers, beer bottles and wild unruly children. Yet, some small contentment came from … Continue reading Heatwave
Author: 2021aine
First year students
The lecture drags us through the morning, stretching itself out like a lazy housecat and making only minor painful increments of progress. In his own well meant way, the professor with a sedating monotonous voice tries to explain to us the finer details of quantitative research and its relevance to the healthcare sector. Meanwhile, over … Continue reading First year students
Say hello for me
It was probably about ten thirty in the morning when I had finally reached the other side of the ravine. Gasping for air, not from the October heat, but from my climb to the top of the hill. Yet, I beamed at my accomplishment, ignoring the older experienced hikers who had made the trek with … Continue reading Say hello for me
You were made for more . . .
You were meant for more than this,but your wings were clipped.How will you reach those distant shores?The ones you have only heard of in tales?You were made for more. Dreams can only take you so far.Within those fantasies you cannot stay,So, you carry them with youIn the refuge of your heart,But what good are they … Continue reading You were made for more . . .
This world is not made to last.
What a tragic idea and yet it is one that many people have believed to be true for thousands, or perhaps hundreds of thousands of years. It is an idea that has been bothering me for quite some time amid the Western world’s apparent fixation with all things eco-friendly, not because I have any objection … Continue reading This world is not made to last.
But when the party ends . . .
What can you say? You want to say so much. You need to. But, can you? The question hangs there until dead, but at some point it will need cutting down. You draw breath to speak, then catch yourself just before anyone around you notices. You let it go and the silence remains undisturbed, at … Continue reading But when the party ends . . .
Midnight Caller
He called at a ghostly hour, and hovered outside the front door. She had seen him approach from the other end of the street, just as she was retrieving her keys. There was no urgency in his pace. His gait was tall and menacing against the amber streetlights, and he took slow purposeful steps. She … Continue reading Midnight Caller
Surrender seems to be the hardest word to me
She promised herself she would not let it happen again. This was meant to be her final flop. Then she could resolve to change all the worst things about herself. If only her temper, or her tongue had not slipped, unmasking the rabid dog in her. If only this, if only that . . . … Continue reading Surrender seems to be the hardest word to me
Put on a happy face
My family and friends have never seen me smile naturally. I do not do it to be deceitful; I just feel pressured to keep up appearances. It is what most people expect from you. It reassures them you are not about to lash out or to suddenly take a bite out of their arm. If … Continue reading Put on a happy face
Fix
The first of the day. I notice the bitterness before the frothy milk or warmth, then sigh ecstatically. My caffeinated blood thins, rushes, and pounds through the rooms in my heart with greater urgency. The rhythmic drumming of a washing machine in mid-cycle fills my ears and a confused comfort comes with the after effect … Continue reading Fix
Ardent Writing 