"Okay," Gina said, "let's get this straight right from the get-go. I am not your love, do you understand, Euan?" Gina fixed an icy stare onto the awkward young man."I'm just saying ... " Euan shuffled his feet and sank his hands deep into his pockets. "Look, why don't we pop into the museum, grab… Continue reading Be Happy
Unexpectedly rising out of the castle top, the giant rose, furrowing his brow and rubbing his nose, just like he might be about to sneeze. Initially, startled by his appearance, beachcombers on the sand below, felt doubly concerned, with rapid assessment given to the potential outcome. “Great giant, God-like seeming in so many ways, disturbed… Continue reading Giant
It all happened three years ago Yet I remember Like it was only yesterday * My care-worker Kontiki From French Polynesian Tahiti Some warned watch her, she's definitely sneaky * Turns out, she had possession of everlasting life An elixir that turned back the clock To youthfulness and immortality * But she didn't want it… Continue reading Back at the Nursing Home
They said that I ain't too smart I tell you from the lowest reach of my heart This, is what I appreciate, in art Butterfly, garden flower pollinatorSquish you between my fingersHalf a world away, waterfalls reverse Nature, naturalism or naturalist?Have you ever raised an angry fist?Or bothered with some dumb bucket list? Butterfly, garden… Continue reading New York City Cop
It's been a while, hasn't it? Way back, in the early 2020s, I owned a café-bar in Söder, Stockholm, called Mellan Broarna, the meaning of which made sense, if you happened to be familiar with the island. Known locally for late hours, fine schnapps, a range of delicious smørrebrød and original entertainment, we welcomed local… Continue reading The Smiling Ballerina (~900 words)
It's true, with my job as restaurant critic for Food World magazine, we went everywhere together. With a mission to cover all fourteen states of the Eastern Seaboard, the last 12 months had seen Jürgen and I move around regularly. Typically, while I developed an extensive directory of remarkable places to eat, he'd take up… Continue reading We Went Everywhere Together
Like someone coming out of a trance. Tie-dye pattern, white, blue and lime green hat. How I reached this seismic fashion statement, Known only to Gods and Prophets. Revelations they're not revealing. Noticed on the street. Pedestrians make way, doors held open, traffic stops. Café coffee refills, merely for a presence. 'Live' advertising, Eye-candy snagging… Continue reading Like Someone Coming Out of a Trance
Outside Pulkovo airport on a fresh, springlike, early summer morning, Alexander wrapped his arms around Elena and positioned an affectionate, slightly moist kiss upon her temple."Missed you." He whispered into her left ear."What?""I said I missed you.""Really? You sounded and looked fine, during our video-chats." Alexander gave Elena a squeeze, pulling her in, ever more… Continue reading Elena’s Gifts
Scientist:"Listen Doctor Wong,You've got it all wrong.No benefits are gained from 'Chinese medicine' concoctions." Doctor:"Blue-eyes, I object.Counter in effect.Our recipes are handed down through generations." Scientist:"Maybe as you say,But Mao Zedong had his way,in 1950 driving forward their popularisation." Doctor:"Young scientist, think you're hip?Well, just you regain your grip!To suggest political necessity and conniving motivation!"… Continue reading Suddenly
"Mike!" Alona shouted, her voice cutting through the mewing seagulls overhead. "You've got to pull yourself together. Come on, let's take a stroll, I need fresh air." Separated by an intentional gap, they headed across the car park towards the quayside. There, under watchful eyes of mothers, a huddle of children leant over the edge… Continue reading A Stroll Along the Quay
