DIVINATIONHer wings, massive and muscular, spread above me, blocking the sun and leaving me in her shadow.  A single feather, once-white and downy, sinks through her shade.  I trace its...

The Lions Den The apartment is inhabited by two man-eaters.  The two big cats stalk and bring there kills home to lick off the first layer of skin, then they feed. Usually 6 to 8 weeks and...

Pipistrelle He had forgotten how to walk,the child they found roostingupside down in the cave depths,cauled in silence and darkness,arms folded across his chest. For years he had gleaned...

My Life as a Dog.At first I preferred the ones that sprung out whenI lifted lids. The bright flashbulbs of wildgarlic; the fairground ride of engine oil.Opening the gate to a gardenfull of roses was...

Coffee CupHis fingers traced His fingers danced His fingers teased slowly around the wide brim, and as we sat there, just the two of us, I became increasingly disturbed. How could one so…...

A River with No Shore“It is time,” mama says.  I hang up the phone, my mind a blur of regrets. Regret for losing my temper with him the last time I visited. Regret for not caring for him as...

New Year Resolution I vow not to waste my time on eBay.I will forgo the bale of twentyEgyptian Cotton towels, in varioussizes, eschew all Jasperwareand onyx , stifle my cravingfor ...

R.S.V.P.I am writing to invite youto commemorate the first anniversary of our dead;we will provide cake and whisky,you the sombre tone. The gathering will start promptly at eight,and dress will be...

BBC Radio 4 Afternoon Play Idea #7: ‘Tipi Hedron’walking,       fire deep in the throat of the nightTippi Hedron comes back as a treesuch reaching elegance;...