‘Kingfisher Haibun’ by Dylan Brennan

Dylan Brennan Kingfisher Haibun My kingfisher died. I couldn’t bear to see him rot. So, I followed the wisdom of the day and kept him dry, placed him in a box. I stuffed the box into my wardrobe. It sat there for years behind grey banks of old jeans with turned-up...

‘VVaterloo’ by Alex Aspden

Alex Aspden VVaterloo Mint Street, SE1. The sound of the bells every morning. Tiny bells. Barely perceptible. Each rung by a withered hand. An orchestra of slow tinkles. The sound echoing the hands that ring them. Aged and ponderous. All except Mrs Blanker. She can...

‘Holes’ by Ben Tufnell

Ben Tufnell Holes I My father liked to call himself an Apiarist, which I think tells you a lot about him. He would puff with pride when asked and carefully explain: it is a person who works with and cares for honeybees. Ahh, the questioner might say, you mean a...

‘Ghost Gear’ by Mark Russell

Mark Russell Ghost Gear The town’s beach cleaning society meet every Sunday morning at 11.35am. Emma finds this a great relief because though she is passionate about picking up rubbish, she also likes to party. It means she picks up less than the others, but every bit...