Aphis’s Gambit

This week saw my story, “Aphis’s Gambit”, published at The Piker Press, an online weekly journal of arts, science, fiction, and non-fiction. Aphis’s Gambit started life as a short story competition entry for the theme, “Today was finally the day…”. I will be forever grateful to my writing friends who saw its initial promise and … Continue reading Aphis’s Gambit

Who’ll Come Waltzing?

I thought I met a dog todaywith manky paws and fur astraywith black bead eyes and lolling tonguehe came up like I was someonehe came up like he wished to talkand wagged his tail and gave a squawkI jumped and said you’re not a birdare you? although that was absurd,and dog said meow and then … Continue reading Who’ll Come Waltzing?

Pripyat

In the hush of dawn, four soft paws pad across a hidden threshold. One step, two, four. The shadow-dappled body holds still for a moment, testing the air. Listening, ears perk. Dust swirls. Dark, heavy ivy twists into the concrete around her. Fresh grass pokes feathered shoots through cracks. Crepuscular insects whir their membranous wings … Continue reading Pripyat