You often see the ambulance round here (the population’s getting old) and things happen – usually at night. You see their headlights swing into our road, moving slowly till they find the house. They go in quietly, without a fuss. Ten minutes later and they’re out. Wheelchair or stretcher ? You can guess how seriousContinue reading “999”
Author Archives: Ian Stuart
A book in the hand is worth two on the iPhone
In fact, the title of this piece isn’t strictly true… or fair. It is always a matter for horses and courses. Digital reading is useful in all sorts of situations. It’s easier to have “War and Peace” on your iPad than having to lug a great volume of it when you’re going on a longContinue reading “A book in the hand is worth two on the iPhone”
On Reading
When I was eleven I bought my first grown up book
Autumn lake
Late October, when the world shifts towards winter. Trees stripped, leaves slimy underfoot and the lake, jittery with wavelets slopping and sucking at the bank. That’s when they come, riding the cold rivers of air- Canadas and greylags in their tribes chattering like children as the land unwinds below – matchbox roofs, glittering windows, theContinue reading “Autumn lake”
Windfalls
You never see them fall pendulous as Christmas baubles or littering the summer grass, like tennis balls some shrink too small to fit their skins creased and mobile between your finger tips . some, drum tight crisp white flesh with one drilled hole rimmed with black where the maggot bores through its’ sweetness to theContinue reading “Windfalls”
Simpkin the Magnificent
I never thought for an instant that the genteel, ginger kitten – all purr and cuddley, could turn into well…an emperor. There was nothing in his early life to suggest it. He used the bedpost as a teething post, was quiet and polite, and deferred to the other animals in the house – Digby theContinue reading “Simpkin the Magnificent”
Pruning
Just another word for amputation. Fleshed of leaves the hedge gapes open like a charnel house – clawed fingers, knuckles, elbow joints fused in a mass of spikes and barbs. An eye for cramped and crooked growth, long handled cutters and a pair of gloves will see you straight. Continue reading “Pruning”
A stable genius
You wouldn’t believe it, would you ? I mean…soup. I would never have thought they would sink so low…so very low..lower then I’ve ever seen. And the police ..they’re just doing their jarb…they do a great jarb…heroes…all they got is…what ? Guns…tear gas..police dogs…helicopters…tazers… and THEY got soup. They throw the soup at the cops…rightContinue reading “A stable genius”
Phone call
“Do you remember – years ago – “ he said, “We met up in some bookshop. I was with my sister. She was quite impressed with you – said you had a gentleness, an air of understanding – and a lovely voice.” “ That’s nice,” I said, yet knowing as I spoke I had noContinue reading “Phone call”
How to eat cherries
Somehow cherries is luxurious – even a little bit sinister
A Terrible Fear of Cheese 