Iain Kelly

WHEREVER I LAY MY CAP

They sat finishing their beers as the sun dipped behind the tenements.

‘See you in the mornin’,’ said Malky.

‘See you,’ replied Frank.

They would be up before the sun, dragging themselves back down the pit for another shift.

A metal bin clattered. Angry voices came from a top floor window. That would be McPeters and his missus having another domestic.

Frank stood. He felt the dirty soot on his skin and in his lungs. He dreamed of clean air and blue skies, sand and sea and space.

He pulled his cap down, hunched his shoulders, and set off home along the oppressive street.

hats
Copyright Jan Wayne Fields

Written for Friday Fictioneers hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields (more details HERE). The idea is to write a short story of 100 words based on the photo prompt (above).

To read stories of 100 words based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.

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My new novel, ‘State Of War’, the final part of The State Trilogy, is out now, in paperback and available to pre-order in eBook.

You can find it to buy or pre-order by following the links below:

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Iain Kelly

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89 responses to “WHEREVER I LAY MY CAP”

  1. neilmacdon Avatar
    neilmacdon

    I like the thought process and the sub-text here

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Neil

      Like

      Reply
  2. Tannille Avatar
    Tannille

    Reminds me of the song We’ve Got to Get Out of this Place by The Animals. Painted a depressing picture. Well done.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you. I don’t see it as depressing so much as just life happening.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  3. Anthony North Avatar
    Anthony North

    Depressing indeed.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Just reality for the majority. The trick is to find a way to not get depressed by it.

      Like

      Reply
  4. Lynn Love Avatar
    Lynn Love

    A wonderful little snapshot, Iain. Just people getting on with their lives, so well done. Very touching too.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Lynn, there’s some sort of beauty in the everyday, which we may appreciate now more than ever.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Lynn Love Avatar
        Lynn Love

        Very true. Got to appreciate the small things

        Liked by 1 person

  5. ceayr Avatar
    ceayr

    Well painted picture of life as was.
    Nowadays a lot of folk would be glad of this humdrum existence.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      I’ve always been a big fan of humdrum. Much less stressful.

      Like

      Reply
  6. rochellewisoff Avatar
    rochellewisoff

    Dear Iain,

    Gritty and well constructed with vivid images. I feel like I need to take a shower to wash off the soot.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Rochelle

      Like

      Reply
  7. Susan A Eames Avatar
    Susan A Eames

    Very sad, but beautifully descriptive, Iain.

    Susan A Eames at
    Travel, Fiction and Photos

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Susan

      Like

      Reply
  8. Dale Avatar
    Dale

    I enjoyed this snapshot of hard-working folk. It’s a dirty job, but it’s a job.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Dale, it’s just life really, what else is there to say?

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Dale Avatar
        Dale

        It is. And there is no shame in it, either. (As some might think…) You have to respect the working man/woman.

        Liked by 1 person

  9. J Hardy Carroll Avatar
    J Hardy Carroll

    Vivid picture. I especially like the use of “domestic.” Well done.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you, much appreciated

      Like

      Reply
  10. Rowena Avatar
    Rowena

    Good to hear he’s still dreaming while getting through the day to day. Hope he gets to the seaside soon. There’s been quite a lot of images of blue skies around the world during lockdown, which have been great. It’s great to catch up again and come in here and see many of the usual faces and some new additions. My research has been all consuming over the last six months but I decided to get back into blogging again as lockdown continues. Wanted to pick up again with my online groups, friends and connections now that I’m shut off from the real world.
    Anyway, I hope you and yours are keeping safe.
    Best wishes,
    Rowena

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Good to see you back Rowena, hope you are safe too. All good here, I’m still working, so some degree of normality in these strange times.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
      1. Rowena Avatar
        Rowena

        I live just out of Sydney. So, aside from being in New Zealand, I’m in one of the safest places on the planet atm, which is very comforting not that I’m exploiting that. Our lock down largely continues. My husband is working from home, which is great and it doesn’t impact on the rest of us too much. He’s also been doing a lot of projects around the house, which were desperately needed. So, we now have a dig proof back lawn and the grass is green. He won a couple of pallets of floorboards on an auction on Mother’s Day and he’s had to clear the back shed to stash them away while we try to clear out one room at a time. He’s actually looking exhausted. Our kids are doing school from home. Our son started back one day a week yesterday. They have 9 students and one teacher in the classroom. Hand sanitiser in and out. Wipe down the desks. The interesting thing he mentioned to me was how almost eerily quiet it was at school and how he could even hear the train go past. I really appreciated that precious insight into his day. Meanwhile, we kept his younger sister home. Not worth the risk.
        Take care & best wishes,
        Rowena

        Like

      2. Iain Kelly Avatar
        Iain Kelly

        I can appreciate the eerie emptiness as I am still at work, but the office building is largely empty – very strange atmosphere to work in. Australia and New Zealand have done so much better than many. Here in the UK it has been an absolute calamity from day one, a complete shambles that would be farcical if it wasn’t so tragic.

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Rowena Avatar
        Rowena

        The UK also had an advantage in being an island, but even here in Australia where our island continent is further away, travelers returning home, especially from cruise ships, brought the virus back.
        I’m not sure what made Australia different. We also took quick and decisive action on gun control many years ago after the tragic Port Arthur Massacre, and the US still has their problems and is powerless to change anything. The AIDS epidemic also hit Sydney pretty hard and that’s what comes to mind for me in terms of social distancing. They had some powerful ads and they’ve stuck with me.
        I have been surprised that so many of the world’s super powers have been hit so hard by the virus when Australia and New Zealand have not. I hope world leaders are looking at out example and learning from it, although something tells me they’re not.

        Liked by 1 person

  11. Alicia Jamtaas Avatar
    Alicia Jamtaas

    Ah, life grinds on. I like your description of the soot on his skin and in his lungs. That alone tells a story along with the fighting couple. So many sights and sounds in this. Lovely.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you so much 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  12. J.A. Prentice Avatar
    J.A. Prentice

    This story creates a very strong sense of the street. I love the description of it as “oppressive.”

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  13. msjadeli Avatar
    msjadeli

    Good depiction of the working poor, sacrificing their health and well-being just to stay alive another day 😦

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. msjadeli Avatar
        msjadeli

        You’re welcome.

        Liked by 1 person

  14. granonine Avatar
    granonine

    Great exercise in comparison/contrast. You took us from one to the other seamlessly 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Linda

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  15. theministryofshrawleywalks Avatar
    theministryofshrawleywalks

    I think thats what we are all dreaming of Iain, but until next year, i’d say thats allow have; dreams

    Like

    Reply
  16. Nobbinmaug Avatar
    Nobbinmaug

    Those little daydreams, sometimes of things as simple as blue sky, are what get us through. I like the description of their work area as a “pit.” That says a lot about it right there.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  17. justjoyfulness Avatar
    justjoyfulness

    Hopefully, an alternative to coal as fuel will be found soon.
    You painted the depressive picture well.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you

      Like

      Reply
  18. plaridel Avatar
    plaridel

    everything starts with a dream. he should keep on dreaming until it becomes a reality. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      I’m afraid for many there is no happy escape, just acceptance.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  19. trishsplace Avatar
    trishsplace

    Beautiful contrasts in a simple tale. What a life that must have been, all day down in the dark and oppressive blackness. I can really imagine them just enjoying that cigarette enjoying the last of the day’s sun.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      You would certainly have to find your small pleasures where you could get them. Thanks Trish

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  20. wmqcolby Avatar
    wmqcolby

    Good slice-of-life story, Iain. I felt I was there. Actually, felt like my basic training days in the army!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you.

      Like

      Reply
  21. michaelwynnauthor Avatar
    michaelwynnauthor

    Terrifically well written Iain, it certainly reminded me of how the daily slog when I worked in factories for a while. I knew I was getting out but there were many destined to do the same drudge for the rest of their lives.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      And they tend to be forgotten even though they make up the majority of the people in any country. Thanks Michael.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  22. Sandra Avatar
    Sandra

    The thought of getting on with any kind of life seems pretty appealing these days.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      I am working and I have to say it does definitely help to have that little bit of normality and routine.

      Like

      Reply
  23. Keith's Ramblings Avatar
    Keith’s Ramblings

    I guess that beer is the highlight of the day. Oh to visit a pub again!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Hopefully not too long Keith!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  24. draliman Avatar
    draliman

    Quite a life. At least when we dream of sunny beaches, we know one day we’ll have that again.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      They’re not going anywhere, a little patience is not too much to ask.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  25. pennygadd51 Avatar
    pennygadd51

    A good slice of life that prompts thoughts as to what the backstory might be.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Penny

      Like

      Reply
  26. Russell Gayer Avatar
    Russell Gayer

    Nice little snapshot of life, Iain. It’s the dreams that keep us going.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Certainly is, even the simple ones.

      Like

      Reply
  27. Laurie Bell Avatar
    Laurie Bell

    Nicely done with the cap prompt. This sounds like an awfully tough life.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Laurie

      Like

      Reply
  28. Russell Avatar
    Russell

    On the one hand, going to the pit everyday doesn’t sound that great. On the other hand, having a job at the moment isn’t a bad thing.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Yes, a lot of ‘be careful what you wish for’ out there at the moment.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  29. James McEwan Avatar
    James McEwan

    That’s your lot in life, the working Man’s Club on Saturday night and the annual holiday to Blackpool – what more can you wish for?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      It’s part of the lie they tell us that you should expect more.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  30. Varad Avatar
    Varad

    The matter of fact tone works wonders, Iain. Well written tale.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Varad

      Like

      Reply
  31. Liz Young Avatar
    Liz Young

    Wonderfully atmospheric!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Liz

      Like

      Reply
  32. Psychic-Medium-Author Ronda Del Boccio Avatar
    Psychic-Medium-Author Ronda Del Boccio

    Well done, especially what I read between the lines.
    Ronda

    Like

    Reply
  33. Inside the Mind of Isadora Avatar
    Inside the Mind of Isadora

    This is so very well constructed. I like the way it unfolds.
    Yes, life as life is. STAY SAFE …
    Isadora 😎

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  34. Mike Avatar
    Mike

    Great atmosphere Iain, your story carried me back in time, fortunately not down the mine.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Mike

      Like

      Reply
  35. doodletllc Avatar
    doodletllc

    Just delightful. Loved it!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  36. Dawn M. Miller Avatar
    Dawn M. Miller

    So vivid!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Dawn

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  37. joseph elon lillie Avatar
    joseph elon lillie

    If you can dream it, the way will open, at least that is what I have been told. I hope Frank can pull the dream down out of the clouds.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks for reading.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. joseph elon lillie Avatar
        joseph elon lillie

        My pleasure.

        Liked by 1 person

  38. Na'ama Yehuda Avatar
    Na’ama Yehuda

    Great use of the prompt, and the fact it isn’t even from the same era makes it all the more powerful. Good one! Poor dude. And his poor lungs …

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Na'ama Yehuda Avatar
        Na’ama Yehuda

        🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  39. magarisa Avatar
    magarisa

    Such nasty work, getting covered in soot inside and out day after day. But then again, what was the alternative? Vivid writing.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  40. Natasha Avatar
    Natasha

    Vivid imageries, Iain. Despite life’s skull-drudgeries there is hope amidst hope. Maybe in the form of a memory or a dream.

    Wonderful take on the prompt.
    🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  41. BART Station Bard Avatar
    BART Station Bard

    Very atmospheric. You get a lot in 100 words.

    Like

    Reply
  42. kimbladeswritingblog Avatar
    kimbladeswritingblog

    Hi Iain. This piece of writing makes me think of the hardships my paternal grandfather must have gone through a hundred years ago. He worked on the coal mines in Staffordshire, England, from when he was fourteen years old. He died in his sixties of lung cancer. I never knew him.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Kim, that was the era I was trying to evoke. Many I’m sure had a similar experience to your grandfather.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

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