Tag: war
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FREE STATE
He stood in the doorway of his homestead, looking out at his land. The sweat poured from his bronzed head, the receding hairline exposing his scalp to the sun. In his hand he held the machete. Blood dripped from the point of the blade, pooling on the steps at his feet. The stench of fresh,…
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GORODSKOY PARK
Gorodskoy Park in the sunshine. Not the most beautiful park. More concrete than greenery, but well-maintained. A series of paths connected by roundabouts. Along the wider walkways, freshly painted green benches, shaded by overhanging wispy branches. So what was I doing in this nondescript park in the middle of Minsk? Well, that is a longer…
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EXTENDED VACATION
Archie strolled back from the shop, newspaper under his arm. Another fine Mediterranean morning. In the campervan, Agnes was still in bed. Archie settled down in his seat to read the headlines. Iran had retaliated against America with missile fire. A commercial aeroplane had gone down. He turned the page. Bush fires in Australia. Not…
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TENSIONS
‘You see this?’ he asked the captain, handing him the printout. ‘Think we’re in any danger?’ The captain shrugged, scanning the sea beyond the harbour walls, ‘Shouldn’t think so. I don’t see how blowing up a tug boat will bring them much vengeance.’ ‘Still, perhaps we should stow the flag? Make us less visible.’ ‘Perhaps…
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TO THE VICTOR
To the victor goes the spoils, that’s what they say. There is cheering, waving flags, smiling faces. But it doesn’t feel like winning. Surrounding them is destruction and death. Buildings and homes reduced to rubble. They said the last one would be the war to end all wars. Maybe this one will be. They are…
Iain Kelly 