Better Luck Next Time! - tn2 issue 1 October 2023

Page 15

​Daddy’s coming dear! I’ve come with a guest! ​ o say hi to her. It’s been a long time since they threw her D away. Tossed her and turned her, left her to die. That’s what I saw. I swear it. Way back when. The past is in the past is in the past. Water under the bridge, or in the well, as they say. Have a look at her. She’s waving to me now. None of you can ever see her. Drives me mad. How could you do that to a little girl? Sit by the phone and sing your songs. One day, one day. I suppose they’ll understand when they’ve seen it for themselves. Go, look inside. It’s only a well. You don’t believe me, then look at her. She’s harmless. Wouldn’t hurt a fly, could barely reach one. So long since I last seen her. Never a call or nothing. Such a tragedy for us both. Thunder clangs like an ancient gong, masking the grand echo of the fall. Bones crack with the flash of lightning. What a shame. You’ll see what it’s like down there now. They’ll all see eventually. Come down to the cottage and up the hill. ​ anks for staying for a chat. An old man needs it these days. Th Nobody but myself down in that cottage. So lonely these days. She’s calling again. Someone will ring in no time. Best be getting home now. The storm is setting in. I’ll stand and wait by the phone, the well out my window, staring back at me. I miss my daughter very much. How could they leave me alone like this, sitting by the phone all day long? The call is coming and nobody can hear. They’ll be drowned by tomorrow.

At War

By Ellen O’Brien

Thou shall not fly Over blue seas, Troubled waters. Adhnúall is faithful to Fionn, As nature forgives And time forgets. The river is silenced By whispers. A stark terror ensues, A gutted fish left miserably On the surface. Redemption is fanciful In these times.

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