Her little hands scrawl circles. She places an assortment of toys inside them - Lego, a pencil. a toy truck. She babbles in words that make sense to only her. She looks up seeking recognition for a job well done. I nod and smile and say that's lovely. She accepts it and begins the process … Continue reading THE ACTIVIST
Could you be this intimate with anyone else? Anyone apart from your lifelong best friend? She had been with plenty of men, in relationships and one night stands. She had never felt anything like this. She looked over at her. She was staring back at her. They were thinking the same thing. It felt right. … Continue reading INTIMATE
She could hear her mother's voice from the grave, 'Is it worth it?' The world tilts out of kilter. Sun sears her eyeballs. Cool tarmac against her face. Shards of broken green glass. A dent in a red metal bin. Memories of the night before. Anger and hatred. Standing firm. Too slow to run. Her … Continue reading THE MORNING AFTER THE NIGHT BEFORE
Day Twenty-Two: Today we climbed to the peak above our valley and staked our flag. We had an official ceremony with just original the founders of the New State of America. Later we joined the others building the wall around our border. We don't want to build barriers, but we have to do something to … Continue reading THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
A STORY OF VITUPERATION IN VIENNA, AUSTRIA ‘A poor turnout. I thought there would have been more.’ Steiner looked out over the square. Behind the protesters the Hofburg, the Presidential Palace, sat unperturbed, protected by the line of police in riot gear. ‘How many are you counting?’ Valentina scanned the gathering, ‘A few thousand, five … Continue reading V IS FOR VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Iain Kelly 