The Assist.
By Len Morgan
A quarrel of starlings fight noisily, over scraps, outside their
window. Another microcosm of life; two worlds in parallel, yet neither
is aware the other exists.
“I’m dying,” he chokes, his body spasms.
I know, she thinks, tears welling in her eyes. Liquid emotions,
puddling in her mind.
"What thoughts you harbour husband,” she smiles, disguising
her anguish while hugging him close.
As one, the starlings take to the wing, at the instant of his
passing; leaving behind an empty silent yard and an empty bittersweet heart.
She kisses his forehead, the taste is sour. Her cheeks moisten
again as she pictures him smiling once more, in her mind's eye, no longer in
pain.
She pictures their grave no flowers laid there, yet it’s easy to
say goodbye.
Placing the still smoking barrel beneath her chin she depresses
the trigger a second time…
The echoes die away, and for an instant there is silence. Then the
starlings return.
Copyright Len Morgan
Powerful Len, what can I say, you could call it "flash fiction"
ReplyDeleteand "flash fact".I think your best yet "Bro".My emotions are shot.
Why, thank you Peter.
DeleteWow!
ReplyDeleteWhat Peter said. Capturing such moments are not easy to put into words. Written like a pro.
Well done Len.
Excellent Len. Good bit of flash.
ReplyDeleteCan only echo previous comments. Very powerful. May I suggest a small addition, that after words 'two worlds in parallel' you insert 'divided only by a single pane of glass'.
ReplyDeleteVery thought provoking poem. I was hoping to start the day with a spring in my step. Beautifully depressing.
ReplyDeleteShelley.