The Maid Diaspora

Maria stood looking over the harbour at constant traffic on ocean passage between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon on the mainland. It all looked vibrant and exciting and she never tired of the sight. She loved the freedom of her release from duties with a Chinese household up at the Peak for these few brief hours away from constant toil each week. It was a … Continue reading The Maid Diaspora

Loneliness

She sits alone in window chair And watches children play, The sun shines on her silver hair She leans on cover grey. A weary smile on crinkled face Remembers times gone by, Recalls her tree house hiding place When playmates made her cry. Then softly hears her Mother call While seeking hiding child Her Mother standing straight and tall With manner calm and mild. She … Continue reading Loneliness

Naomi

Roger glanced furtively toward the fence at the back of their two-storey home. The house had been constructed on a steep allotment which had been levelled at the bottom end creating a cliff strengthened against slippage by a slanting stone retaining wall. The house had been constructed with top storey, being the main living area of the home, neatly tucked into the top of the … Continue reading Naomi

The Broken Tool.

Ron sat at his desk pondering what should be done for the student he’d just dismissed from the office. Not enough money to register for the semester and it happened to be his last semester. He pulled the file and began to check out his progress during past semester. Grades were excellent, he’d worked in one of the college industries and had a good report, … Continue reading The Broken Tool.

Intervention-

  Tiny shoes on tiny feet Stumbling moving forward, Arms raised high the air to beat Smiles her sweet reward.   Mother walking closely by Father beckoning on, Sister urging her to try Thoughts of homework gone.   Rosie reaching out her arm Rocks on trembling limb, Face now showing some alarm Throws a glance at him.   Father inches closer then Reaches toward his … Continue reading Intervention-

Helga

John lingered with his friend Brian as high school students fled from classes for the day on their bikes. They were heading for pleasures of sports grounds in other parts of town or just hanging around Main Street to sample assorted delicacies before tackling homework in the evening at home. But in John’s case there was the eleven-kilometre hard slog up and down hills until … Continue reading Helga

West Meets East – Chapter 3

An Acceptable Compromise Next day Bill was marched to the office again. He stood to attention and saluted. Then waited patiently for the officer to speak. His commanding officer continued to stare at the papers on his desk, then looked up and smiled. “There’s a possibility information supplied to me is not accurate. I’m not sure of that so I’ve decided to give you the … Continue reading West Meets East – Chapter 3

West Meets East – Chapter 2

Challenging the Norm Mahaveer was nonplussed when negotiations would proceed directly with Bill Higgins rather than a go between and almost decided to back out on his commitment, but Manoj deftly steered his father through his concerns. To Mahaveer’s surprise no dowry was asked, Manoj had greedily convinced Bill that in an inter-racial situation that would not be necessary. Bill on the other hand was … Continue reading West Meets East – Chapter 2

West Meets East – Chapter 1

Bride for the Sahib Mahaveer sat thinking over his latest misfortune. It had all started years before when he decided to take a second wife. His first wife Shakuntala had grown sick after producing a son and never fully recovered to take her place as the one to keep home going while Mahaveer attended to business. He was very fond of Shaku. He was from … Continue reading West Meets East – Chapter 1