Stories I’ve written
It was the year 1958. I’d just finished my army reserve training, and tanned and fit was being returned by the government to civilian life. No more route marches in the middle of the night, no more sleeping exhausted out in the rain, no more doing twenty circuits of the parade ground on the run because some vindictive Sergeant Major had a bender from a … Continue reading Monika
On January 4, 1956 I was conscripted by Australian Defense for what was then called national service obligations. I was just over 18 years of age and a candidate for enlightenment. This experience fulfilled that purpose. I can still remember my Mother standing at the front door wringing her hands as Dad drove me down to the local assembly point. The cold war was just … Continue reading Army Daze
Now my Father was a man who liked to think outside the box He expected us to learn to do the same, “Think big” he’d say, for knowledge is the key when kismet knocks And kismet is the one to start the game. One day I got to thinking as I played beneath the house And kismet came to visit as I thought, The impression … Continue reading Kismet
Shakuntla stumbles down the rocky road On weary feet beneath a blazing sun And on her head she bears a heavy load Her daily toil has only just begun Construction gang for her the only choice No education did Shakuntla get For women in this village have no voice She works to keep her family out of debt The labor pains intensifying now She throws … Continue reading Roadside Birth
“Mom, Rex has asked me to go with him this weekend. He wants to visit with our friends in Bundaberg.” Claire looked at her eldest son Paul in surprise. It was the mid 50’s and she struggled with normal protective instincts and the desire to recognize her teenage son’s right to make his own decisions. It was the age old conflict Mothers have to face … Continue reading The Great Escape
One of the joys of raising children is to have a reason for doing things you once found enjoyable in childhood. Some activities could be considered progressively un-cool as children move into adolescence and certainly taboo as they get into the serious pursuit of a spouse later on. If you were to see a young adult sitting by themselves on a beach with a little … Continue reading Becoming Of Age
It was one of those blustering cyclonic weather mornings. No one had slept much during the night as winds alternatively sucked at house moorings then dropped in a fit of rage finding the home securely riveted to the ground. Roofing strained to hang on tightly, watching anxiously as sheet iron from neighbouring house roofs whizzed through the air like gigantic ancient weapons of war. Branches … Continue reading The Flood
It was in first year of High School I met Les. Actually his name was Brian, but for some strange reason I’ve never been able to understand his whole family called him Les. He was a quiet boy; one you’d never suspect of any mischievous intent. He wore his halo with the cool air of the innocent, but lurking deep inside was a hidden well … Continue reading My Friend Les
Nala. A mini-novel fictional story set in the island of Sri Lanka Chapter 1 Appu Silva stood up to his knees in the waters of the Kelani River with the mill elephants, splashing, prodding, and whispering sounds which could only be understood by these work animals as he sought to keep … Continue reading NALA
November 1953 I wrote my last High School tests, cleared my desk and headed home to await results published February 1954 by Queensland University, Brisbane, Australia. I can still remember rushing to the corner grocery store to purchase the Courier Mail newspaper and scan insert lists for results. I’d passed! My Father Eric who loved formality made an official presentation to me as soon as … Continue reading My First Job
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