Tag Archives: hope

KERRY J DONOVAN: The Express Train from London

Artistic, Submissions, , , , , ,

“The train arriving at Platform Five is the London Express.”

My heartrate spikes at the automated announcement. I step forward, feet crossing the yellow safety line. Horn blares; the column of air pushed ahead of the train ruffles my hair, dries my tears.

Timing is everything.

I waver.

Perhaps tomorrow.

Born in Dublin, Ireland, Kerry spent most of his life in the UK, and now lives in Brittany with his long-suffering wife of thirty-six years. Three children, three grandchildren, no pets. Contact him on Facebook.

Editor’s Note: A topic like suicide is something I am very, very careful about. I didn’t want this story to contribute to any reader’s feelings of depression or despair. The beauty of this story is in the last four words, which carry an incredible depth of emotion and range of interpretation. I hope these words inspire you to reflection and discussion. What is your “perhaps tomorrow”?

ALEXANDER KEY: My Revenge

Poetry, Submissions, Touching, , ,

You told me I was nothing, going nowhere
You tried to beat it into my head
How cold and hard life really is
But I refused to think of life that way
You’re no longer here to see it, but…
I’m proving you wrong, earning my revenge by living well.

Alexander Key teaches high school but rarely admits it.

Leave the World Better Than You Found It

Amusing, , , ,

“Today I’m a veritable wellspring of joy and enthusiasm! Let’s go make the world a better place!”

“It’s raining.”

“Doesn’t matter.”

“My clothes are all dirty.”

“The rain will wash the ones you’re wearing.”

“I’ll never be younger than I am today.”

“…Wanna stay in and order Chinese?”

“Yes, please.”

This story was based on the prompt “wellspring” at TypeTrigger.

The Quest

Artistic, Touching, , , , , , , ,

In a movie I saw as a boy, there was a mystical cave hidden behind a waterfall. I remember how eagerly I quested that summer, how I found nothing but slippery rock faces.

Lying here, cold and tired, I sometimes wonder… What would I have found behind the next one?

This story was based on the prompt “waterfall” at TypeTrigger.

In the Forever Moment

Artistic, ,

Certain facial expressions can instantly bring a lump into your throat. Certain phrases can tie a knot in your stomach.

“I hate to have to tell you this…”
“I’m really sorry, but…”
“Why don’t you sit down.”

Then comes a forever moment, shaped like all your deepest fears.

Take heart.

Hope Keeps Dancing

Artistic, ,

Hope wasn’t a talented dancer, but a massive crowd was gathered around the field, watching her sway and leap.

“Park’s closing!” advised a groundskeeper. “She’ll still be here tomorrow. Always is.”

“Does she ever stop?” asked a tourist.

“Not in ten years. Just slows down a bit now and then.”

Bivouacking

Artistic, , , , , ,

They camped out on the side of the mountain, within a stone’s throw of the moon. A campfire warmed their bodies; anticipation warmed their hearts.

Tomorrow was the summit day, the flag-raising day. The pinnacle. The peak.

Beyond that was the descent, so aptly named.

Reminiscence is colder than anticipation.

This story is based on a title suggested by @brucerytel.