I couldn’t quite make out who it was through the rain-drenched window, but someone was talking to mum. A man, I thought, noting the deep, disparate tone that reverberated through the thin walls of the conservatory. Though I was surprised and, being worn down by the long, monotonous summer, strangely intrigued by this, I remained lying in the leather sofa, hunkered down as if drowning … Continue reading The Intruder
I’m feeling a little hollowKnock, and you’ll hear an echoLean too hard and I’ll crumble Concealed,Afraid to speakAfraid to moveAfraid to uncurl my fingersAnd take up any more space than the one Between my skin and my bonesMy toes and my scalp So, I have emptied myself out Served it on a plateHidden away in the shell Which has become my home. I would like a new … Continue reading Hollow
Palau made Eddy Carvajal feel like a giant. Like the world was not a world at all, but this microcosm of land; just three-hundred-and-forty freckles on a cerulean marble. The archipelago itself held so much oceanic treasure that, for a marine biologist, it made a life-long career. This is why she was seriously considering moving here permanently. The trip that her research group was taking … Continue reading Jellyfish Lake
Before I fall asleepAfter the lights are outAnd my head on the pillow – That’s when my brain awakens. It’s when the past and the present and the future Meet and mingle,Talk over each other,Spilling drinks on each other’s clothes And stepping on each other’s toes Trading secretsAnd gossipUntil I don’t know which story belongs To whom anymore. They allocate blame,And shame,All with one target … Continue reading Mean Friends
By Yvette Chan Continue reading Bearer of Sorrow
Blue as the tranquil water of the lakes, or of the unseen breeze, or flying kites. Or of ink pens that stain our hands and smear all over the white of the table beneath our weight. Blue as the rising tide, the falling rain, the last crayon in the box that day. Blue as the uniforms we grew up in, and the highlights in … Continue reading Blue
Midnight. When the sky is pitch black and all is dead silent. A time when everyone hides away in their bed, letting sleep protect them. As the moon’s dull light embraced the silent houses and the stars luminous shine promised a brighter tomorrow. No one dared wake from their slumber. No one dared open their eyes. No one dared move from their bed. No one… … Continue reading The Forest
by Alex Cole Continue reading Flowers
Jacksie wakes abruptly, eyes snapping open, immediately on the alert. He strains to see in the darkness and stretches carefully. The space is surprisingly large despite all the boxes and – thanks to the trench coat he found upstairs – he’s warm and dry. He’d come across the stone-built cottage while wandering through the woods, searching for somewhere to doss down. Some old biddy had … Continue reading The Perfect Guest
