Scientist say Orca possess an emotional intelligence far superior to ours - which makes me wonder if this stone in my chest would be a hundred times larger if I were a whale - which makes me wonder if I would cease to breathe, if it is possible to be crushed from the inside out … Continue reading The emotional intelligence of Orca
I know we were young and these thoughts are just melodramatic coins thrown into a bottomless well, but I must ask, the vacuum between us now, if I was ever more than leftovers to you? If I can ever see myself as more than the girl you called by mistake. The girl who watched you … Continue reading Leftovers
By the end, Kenny coughed and spluttered throughout the day. Only when he slept did the gurgling nestled deep in his throat, stop. I knew it was the end - I'd known so for months. It didn't make the goodbye any easier; leaving him there alone, imagining the high-pitched squeal of metal on metal. The … Continue reading Kenny
Bray’s debut novel A Song for Issy Bradley is a beautifully written tale about how a Mormon family chooses to grieve and move on from a tremendous loss. Throughout, Bray weaves stunning images which capture how differently a mother mourns to her seven year old son, or her deeply religious husband. The story is also … Continue reading Review of A Song for Issy Bradley, Carys Bray
Originally published on Reedsy Discovery. Sassafras by Trish Heald is a stunning debut. I laughed and cried as Heald expertly told a story about healing and family (whether tied by blood or friendship). When Champ’s wife, Pat, dies, both he and his family lose their peacekeeper and grief, as it so often does, slips its fingers … Continue reading Review of Sassafras, Trish Heald
I was born with an eclipse in my eye. The doctor said it was a birth mark whilst my optician calls it a cataract. But for years my dad kept the name of my eclipse in his pocket as if he was almost proud of it. Proud the way my blue iris swirls like a … Continue reading Eclipse
This was the first time they had seen each other in years - time had wrought ironwork across their hearts, locked and censored the feelings she had abandoned at the door, at his feet, when she had turned and faced the biting wind. He had changed little and she was still as beautiful; summer to … Continue reading Censored
Last night a storm raged outside. Last night I forgot how to apologise. Lightning streaked the sky; electric crackles of the fury I had no valid reason to feel yet I continued to chew the insides of my cheeks and furrow my brow in thunder loud anger. Even when the rains moved on and the … Continue reading The storm
You imagine a box filled with the songs you no longer listen to yet used to. The songs you shared with loved ones whose faces are now but obscured glass to you. The songs you didn’t realise led up to that one big decision you never thought you would make; and although you’re proud of … Continue reading Boxed melodies
Once I began reading Twelve, I couldn’t stop. I was captivated by her words and felt every teardrop of her grief. We are not taught how to grieve but Austin’s choice to document and share the first year of mourning her Mother’s death, is a beautiful way to begin. Her words inspire, comfort and sting. … Continue reading Review of TWELVE, Kindra M. Austin
