A promised kiss from a Miss is never bliss

140 character story – drop by to Grandma's Goulash to leave your own

And the Gods played fair

The tent fluttered in the wind that carried the banter and wood-smoke of marching men at rest. Inside a decision was made.

'You think the lash has freed his tongue?  He lies to save his kin', said admiral Datus.

Lord Artaphernes, looked over and raised his hand for silence, 'I have studied Ktesia words, beneath the chaff of pain I sense a grain of truth. Burn him'

From Marathon, Miltiades saw the smoke and wept. Now his people had a chance. The death showed as agreed that no Calvary rested by the river.

---

At the door walk on the wild side

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Dropped on the pavement, the hand with red nails looked like a broken rose.I picked it up and put it into my case. In the war I killed with makeup and dresses hidden but as an 'hero' I came out. Except it was Christmas so Jack's hand was screwed on and family lies maintained.

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Singing for Supper

Fiery Fox’s favourite trick at night was to sing On the Road to Nowhere.

Flopsy Bunny bounced in to listen. Oh, I hear you cry, 'Someone better BE careful or they'll be supper.'

You were right.

Flopsy Bunny so liked being a wererabbit, it made crunching bones so much easier.

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A blind tasting

'Now what do you think the vintage is?'   

'I am not sure, it could be a ‘24. I taste blackcurrants, warm summers, even a hint of steak, if you pardon my language.'   

'Yes, quite.'

'But a bit too heavy and rough for me.'

'It's the neighbourhood now, but try this neck.' 

---

One day the setting sun won't be fun

140 character story – drop by to Grandma's Goulash to leave your own

But don't forget who's takin' you home

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Wearing the silver swirly skirt, brought on a champagne fuelled weekend in the '80's, she walked out barefoot.  Sitting on the window ledges, her boys cheered as Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) got louder. Will, in Don Johnson jacket and stubble, reached up to her and got ready to dance for the last time.

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A Historical Mistake

 
Old meets new. The dirty yellowing bandaged body smeared the lab of white tiles and shiny steel in a room dark except for the pulsating green light in a single tube of glass. To its beat a  ripped brown leather and blackened bone face appeared and faded from each shiny surface . Each a frozen death scream.

Looking down, Professor Williams hesitated to press the activate button. Failure would be to lose what Narmer the founder Pharaoh of Egypt could reveal. Yet could success be worse? Absolute power in any age made for men difficult to control. Yet the prize was recognition of his life's work. The University and department would be his! Calmer, he pressed the Energern.

The body under its rays began to shine and pulsate ever brighter and louder before a flash turned the room searing white. Professor Williams screamed in a language unheard since the Saharan crocodiles roamed free,

'Again will I fill the earth and subdue any living thing that moves on the earth.'

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And now that you don't have to be perfect, you can be good

Thinking she's alone, Ann licked the coffee-cup lid. A creak said she wasn't but she continued anyway. He'd kill, but it'd be her death.

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Every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future.

In summer we walk in my garden. 

You see a tangle of brambles, wild grass, and weeds stretching back to broken walls. I see a garden of neat lawns,  rose-beds and tucked away vegetable patches.

We stand together by a solitary yellow rose; I smell the past and you a future.

---

Before they worked out how to skinny-dip

140 character story – drop by to Grandma's Goulash to leave your own

The last note in the melody

I am born. Eden expels again.

My breath-scream calls to the first born - the one of dust. Its echo summons down to the mother of first flesh.

And each awaken voice sings the song of life.  As the melody gets louder my eyes open and I begin my notes.

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For the sun and rain shines on us all

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I saw Jesus in the street today. He wasn't your heavy metal Jesus, all girlie hair with a beard and tight trousers to show he's a man. He was a hip-hop hoodie with love scratched on arms walking like his hips were ships in a storm. And I knew a door had opened for me.

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Its all in a days work

A nose for business

140 character story – drop by to Grandma's Goulash to leave your own

Love is a lie when not in their hearts, but in their eyes

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The sea was rough with horse waves, rode hard by a cold east wind.

I die...for a ghost watches without judgement. He had come in tears wearing shredded flesh and I gave love. Now he sails and loves only what waits ahead,

So at each shingle roar I mourn the kiss he never felt,

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If we are the stars whose movie is it?

140 character story – drop by to Grandma's Goulash to leave your own

A baby will come

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Julie smiled and looked away, 'Isn't the sun glorious!' 

Mary said, 'Your baby's adorable' but thought, Slut...mine's died. Showing nothing she said, 'Is she sleeping through the night yet?' 

Torn from my belly in pieces.

Julie  said, 'Sadly no' and made her excuses to leave.

Waving, Mary watched the pram pushed away...that baby is mine.

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Father moment

The sun had barely rose above the trees but already shorts and T-shirt felt you had mistakenly put on your winter furs.

 On the front lawn, James, still in pyjamas said, 'Dad, would you like American or British lemonade for 25 pence?' 

Alex, in neat underused track suit and as yet unsullied morning coffee said, 'What?'

'American is lemon and sugar with tap water but British is with sparkling water.'

 Still draining the coffee, Alex hesitated and said, 'Er...why the dif-

 'I remembered you said that, market, er…pigmentation increases your turnabout'

 'Ha, Ha, I can see I need to start planning the celebrations for your first million.'

 James just smiled, his plans went way beyond that type of small change.

---

Give thanks for each day shall end

140 character story – drop by to Grandma's Goulash to leave your own

A successful marriage is all about give and take

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Beer can in hand, Billy said, 'Mate, I think you're in bed with my wife.'

'No pal, it’s kosher, I'm just mending the bed slats and they needed testing.'

Katie gave a look: 'You're think I'd be that stupid.'

Billy, ignoring the discarded trousers, opened his beer and said, 'No.'

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A Life Missed

Daisy was our first cat as a married couple. She arrived as a kitten, trembling and clinging to us for comfort.

As she grew, a Queen appeared, disdaining to notice dogs, rivals and us. But in darkness, she was our solitary guardian by our sleeping heads.

She left curled in pain, limbs poking stiffly giving us no chance to comfort or ease trembling for a last time.

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Just because it happens, don't make it true

In the great Hall the tables were laid with roasts of the hunt, and wine from all lands in clay goblets. And the sons of  land and war feasted.

But to the horn's deep bellow a silence fall as gold and silver cups were paraded to the King and his wives. To cheers, they were raised in praise of gods in bronze that sat in judgement behind the throne.

Then the air rent and the fingers of a hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall, near the lamps opposite the King. And then to the sound of faint strange words, it faded away in a burst of light.

'Stop you stupid boy.' Professor Skolling pressed a button and the portal image faded into popping blue dots. ‘So Mr Hooton, as you found this so droll perhaps you could encapsulate for the class its consequences.’

---

That's all folks

140 character story – drop by to Grandma's Goulash to leave your own

The Beginning of the End

He was just one of the dawn crowd rejected for casual work as too old, too young or a being a known union man like him. As he stamped away the cold a poster caught his eye. Missionaries wanted sons of  Adam to build new Eden.

Inside the New Eden centre, a row of ministers sat behind the purple robed Bishop who said, 'Do you believe in the Word of God even when misspoken by Man?'

Bert saw his room black with damp and the days when left to eat what others threw out and answered, 'Yes.'

He was considered a soul that could be saved. Yet at the dock, dressed in a linen shroud with the others selected to be 'born' again he hesitated. Was he to turn his back on fighting for honest pay for honest work?

The first lash hit flesh before England even sank away from sight of the waving  'dead'. The faithful were to build heaven on earth not inhabit it. Bert bided his time and strength until near the promised land and then he and the living rose up.

Bishop Range, fought the hardest to live, slashing and cutting each hand that grabbed for him. Stabbing at young Jack, he was delayed long enough for Bert to get hands on his throat. Ever tighter his hands held on as he looked deep into the Bishop's eyes watching them become as lifeless as glass marbles.

From the bank he saw the old ship's sails drop and then full with wind on its way up the river to the distant blue sea. It's decks full of those wanting to return with the truth for a cold land.

In the blood-hot heat, Bert packed away memories, and walked naked into the forest as monkeys howled and jived along the branches. New Eden had its Adam.  This one ready to challenge the unfairness of the banishment of those gone before.

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Oh Lord this day give me a sign of your love

The shop was full of the clothes and discarded gifts that the good give to the poor. Drawers and wardrobes emptied for the hope given by the next purchase lasting. 

Jack looked at the kid alone by the counter. One of the round slow ones, he thought.

‘HELLO...HELLO.'

Pedro said, ‘I hear, do you?’

Jack, smiled, and then turning his back to Pedro whispered to his wife, 'He’s harmless.’ Turning back, he said, ‘ It's the shopkeeper I want.’

Pedro looked up with tears in his eyes and said, 'You don't hear, I hear.’

Before Jack could shout again he was interrupted with, 'Let's go dear, I can't see anything worthwhile here.'

As the door closed and footsteps faded away, Pedro said, ‘I hear the chorus of newborn Suns and weep for joy.' But only discarded hopes were left to hear.

---

Love is in deeds

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Mr Seal loved Miss Penguin but was too shy to say. Then he saw Mr Fox puckering up to kiss. Yet still no sweet words came.

Miss Penguin, a no nonsense gal just kicked Mr Fox into a pool and fall on him yelling for help.

She got her wedding and a new fur stole.

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And you will find me brother

From the window of the hospital, the only view were snow flurries killing off hopes of an early Spring.

‘Look at me.'

His eyes opened but remained cold.

’Doctor, can he hear me?’

’Yes, he’s fully conscious.’

Tom reached down to shake a shoulder: ‘Dad…Dad, tell the truth, please.’  A rasping sigh was all he got.

The doctor reached over and touched Tom's arm, ‘I am sorry but I need you to leave now.’

‘Look, I'm  his only son, and the bastard is going to be honest for once.’

From the bed, a soft laugh and a whisper of, 'No you ain't was all he got as final words.

Outside snow made roads silent and took away the colour of life.

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By moonlight did we meet

The long moon had made faerie woods where we walked to the sound of owls. It was a night to remember until I kissed you.

I could had ran and it would have been love but I didn't, so your knife slashed my throat. They say you drowned in blood but we know I had just made you hungry.

---

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A Missed Opportunity

Filla bent down to wash her hair in the spring. To amuse her Ombi cheekily shouted to a passing white woman, ‘Longapela winim!’

Lady Southfields, asked the guide, ‘I'm sorry, what did he say?’

Looking at the ground, he replied, ‘Erm...him saying you looking good.’

She turned, rolled her eyes and smiled at Filla before continuing her walk.

Ombi laughed and trust his body to and fro before shouting, ‘Pilai wantaim meri?’

Lady Southfields would indeed but she preferred softer flesh.

---

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And a light shall call to you

140 character story – drop by to Grandma's Goulash to leave your own

When dark even stars lie

In the Terror, vans crossed Moscow with the purged. Each van bright with painted food as lies to keep hope alive. 

We bathe the Centre for Reviving Youth in faces of the newly shorn. The living  are told it’s they we purify, not the dead. Immoral images again giving hope.

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For the King is a Lion when Rats rule

Royalty hath assented Laws on me. No dirty paws shall sully my face with thank-you scrawl.

'Dad, the new desk is wobbly.'

From the other room, Jeff snapped,'Alice, now, or no X-Factor.' That brought him creaking silence.

Yet later, he found just a bare desk: 'Alice...Alice'

---

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Freedom is a price worth paying

It was Miss Brown's final show and tell.

‘I have the  bestest yellow-headed rag-doll.’

’With less of the attitude, young lady.’ After forty years kids were still a pain, she thought.

'Miss, my mom told that St George woulda been beat by you.'

Her first and last slap was worth life on stale bread and twice dipped tea bags.

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Dinner may be delayed

140 character story – drop by to Grandma's Goulash to leave your own

Food for Thought

‘I say that the best potato salads come from Bavaria. They are so opulent served hot and chunked with bacon. So much, better then the chilled mayonnaise ones that our Americans cousins favour…’ 

 Mary, numb and exhausted kept her best hostess smile on hold, as she thought, What did the phone call mean?

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Sergeant Patterson's Day

'The grass is bent, the tree branch broken and the wall scuffed…what does this tell us?'

'Don’t know Sarge …that they have a big dog?'

Peering over his glasses, Detective Sergeant Patterson sighed, 'Remind me again, Stevens why you joined the police force.'

'Easy Sarge, the intellectual challenge like.'

'Hmm…'

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Careful what you wish for

Eric the idle was here for easy fame. 

‘Be gone foul spirits,’ he shouted into the Great Hall as outside crowds cheered. 

Slowly, he moved to the candle lit altar  As he neared, he screamed at the words forming in the dust.

The crowd cheered the silence. Peace had come

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Dog hot under the collar

140 character story – drop by to Grandma's Goulash to leave your own

A Crime Revisited

The whiskey relaxed Joe. He could face the head now. Its hack marks said Bilinskii but he'd been in jail since '52.

He knocked back more, like your dad, the bloated face accused. Staring back, he suddenly thought, 'How old would Bilinskii kids be now?'

The dropped bottle rolled away.

---

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A muse on concrete

Grey nothingness…bland chaos…dull to the eye. Yet touch and call back the long dead of seas now fiery sand or with soft lips taste its sour tears. Bend down and smell the heat of summer when rain prayed for.

To us Mayflies it remains unheard as tomb silence.
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Love at a price

 It was your fault saying no.

'Temptation is my name...'

It pulled me into a fifth-rate synth house with useless mark 3's.  They can't even dreamcast, you have to fuck rubber and imagine.None were as good as you. I needed to change.

In my dreams now, you always say yes.

---

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Remains of the day

The slammed door told her go.

Outside, warmed by the morning sun, she saw again the snow dusted fields of the first time. The tearful promises wanting compassion.

Not this time.

She knew what he would wake up missing. He did say he wanted to stop being a cock.

---

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Memories

Alf always enjoyed dancing even after Annie's death he danced alone to scratchy 78s.The Warden was not happy at the 'disturbance' so Alf was forced to stop until Mary opposite noticed.

Then a knock on the wall let him dance as she made the Warden too busy to hear 'Got A Date With An Angel' She loved him enough to accept it would never be her.

---

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In the worse of times

'In other times, as the child was ripped from its womb, Wolfstan would have cheered at one less enemy. But slaughter gave no victor—'

‘Come again, but how is this Spamalot? Misery is so like epic fail.'

'Well, the baby tap-dances to Human League's "Don't You Want Me."

'Soooo random!'

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Until the light was gone

In the dank gloom, he saw Camelot.  It's a pile of old rocks,was all he could get Sally to say. Perhaps she was right.

Yet sword clanged on sword.Turning to kiss her, he said, 'Princess, it's what you make it.'

The silence told him, which was the fairy-story.

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Tearful Bear Remains

Once upon a time, Mop had his faithful teddy stolen. 

Seeking Bucket-Ted in the Dark Woods, the owls hooted him to a clearing. Here the wicked witch sat lit by a fire that crackled 'stay away.'

Sadly, unlike you good children he didn't so Witchy enjoyed a surprise roast supper.

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The cheque's in the post

Elm sat down to nurse a bourbon. Money was tight.

As expected, a cop swaggered in,

'Old timer, I've the... package.'

So it was Budsky.

Outside, the gun made clear who was paying,

'Sorry, nothing personal.'

'Kid, no apologies, you're earned me large.  Wave at the camera.'

---

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First Kiss Miss

It had been Martin’s first. It wasn’t a great kiss - stars stayed in the sky, and lips slithered but it was love. At least to him it wasn’t a sordid mistake, a drunken lark.

His angry ‘Bleeding hell, no!’ to the band’s new name was only understood by Kris.

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Sunday morning

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So many Empires so little Time

 




Monsieur Garlan liked the curls of a modern man - leave powdered wigs to lawyers, he thought.

His night shirt ballooned as perfume told him she was near. But on opening his eyes, he stopped, confused at the rifle.

His world suddenly went dark.‘Stop! I specifically ordered a time-jaunt, circa  France Empire.’

In the control room, Tom sighed, Holovid was so much easier. 

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I said SHE was an hero

Tom was scared but then who wasn’t. 

His task was to creep under cover taking snipers out. Getting near the house, a sudden rattle of bullets, pinged around him, and one skimmed off his helmet. He softly swore, ‘Fuck me. Whew! That was clo…,’ as a final shot rang out.

---

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Why your wooden bed kills

Kawapánan shouted to Muzo,‘Run, run, the Devil has come.’  Muzo dropped her basket and grabbed at any near child before running into the clan hut. The bow shook as if running hard but Kawapánan stood firm worthy of Warrior red and took aim and prepared to die.

Sipping his lemon tea, Dr Simms peered out of the plane window: ‘Is this the new logging area?’

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A Dance Too Far

Tonic Tony and Big Bertha were on a roll, one more and they had the Jackpot.

'What McCartney duet was recorded live but separately in 1982?’

Tonic Tony, without thinking shouted out, ‘Black and White,’ and started a victory dance.

Smack!

'What? That hurt.’

 ’You plonker, it was Ebony and Ivory.'

---

Coming Out

New schools were a nightmare for Mike and he knew about new schools. Dad was in the Army, something hush-hush meaning that him and his mum had to move every year. Just in case.They learned never to ask too much. 

Mike was a man-child of 14, tall for his age, blue eyes, clear skin and knew the tricks of survival. He made sure that he had the latest haircut (sixties Beatles in, mossheads out), trousers hung at the right low, the trainers the right white and label. This gave him the space to sus out who the school top crowd was and so how to increase his camouflage. 

All this was necessary because Mike had a secret: he hated sports, cars, banter and loved books, film, poetry and worse was straight. He could have lived with gay; one of his Dad’s best friends was gay so he knew life could go on. It meant he could never get close as it was all pretence, all show. 

One day it all changed. It was the second week at St Rushes, one of those schools that was happy being hidden in the middle, too good to merit a hard look from Inspectors and too poor to attract the social climbers. And it was a school geography trip looking at the shopping patterns in the local cloned shopping centre. Mike was paired with Paul, a rugby build six footer. As they went round, Mike noticed Paul kept not looking at the bookshops and suddenly wondered. He tested it up by making some joke up about keenies that read books and sensed that Paul’s banter was as empty as his. Taking a risk, with his heart thumping, he suggested they looked round the 'serious' bookshop. The one with books not just in the Supermarket top twenty.  Paul froze and looked at Mike then smiled and said why not. 

In that acceptance was Paul being Mike’s best man when he married the girl of his dreams but that is a whole other story.