The man at immigration inspected my documents, my bags and my very person in minute detail. Although disconcerting it was expected. I was their first. “It all seems in order. Welcome to Earth.” “Thank you.” “I saw the newscasts. Terrible tragedy.” “It’s regrettable dying so far from home and kin.” “That’s what I meant.” *** … Continue reading Echoes
Author: Ishmael A Soledad
A pen pusher by day and frustrated author by night I live in Brisbane with my long-suffering wife and psychotic cat.
Pictures of You
Death always smells the same. Yuichi adjusted her blue plastic overalls then picked her way between the fast food containers, betting slips and soiled laundry littering the floor to pull back the curtains and let in the Osaka morning. Another day, another cleanup, another invisible death. The sofa carried the indentations, dark stained upholstery to … Continue reading Pictures of You
Ahab
“Ticket 438 room one.” The P.A. floundered under the noise of the packed reception area. Sergeant Pat Blanchfield took the flimsy, pushed through the swing doors into the corridor. Five weeks until he called an end to a thirty year career and Captain Yasui had tied him to the front desk with six inches of … Continue reading Ahab
Once Upon a Time in the East
October in Vietnam is supposed to be relatively dry, but like everything else the country was trouble. Captain Dave Carvery disdainfully glanced from under the camo sheet serving as a hooch at the drizzle. Three days straight, just keeping it sticky enough to be uncomfortable. At least he could cool his heels here, sit back … Continue reading Once Upon a Time in the East
Bobbie
Lower the curtain on life Open the door to memory not unchanging, but over the years to whiter purity Time bleaches out hate, the bad the ordinary From arms embracing to embrace of pine Loves enfolding never leaves even as you slipped from our grip Enter stage right Exit stage left No audience, … Continue reading Bobbie
Lose
She says she doesn't want to lose me as if I can change it the hour and day writ from birth unchanging What’s life? What is served to live another one, ten, fifty years what purpose promoted? Is the preservation of I so important? Seemingly hollow as someone said a waste of breath what … Continue reading Lose
Vocation
Abbot Johannes gazed at the twenty-four professed gathered before him, the bitter chill of early February penetrating the bare stone chapel. The taking of vows, the final irrevocable admission of a brother to the community was solemn, a time of thanks. This one was unique, a loss-tinged joy. Having remained prostrated, naked in penitential reverence … Continue reading Vocation
Darkstar
It was a typical departure lounge, exceedingly cold, bare, entirely antiseptic. Two chairs, two doors, two beings. An appropriate point to leave one life for another. He looked up. “Even so we must go through the formalities. You are aware of the choice?” “Yes. Pain, misunderstanding, isolation and struggle for the chance of genius, creativity, … Continue reading Darkstar
In Whose Name
She was terrified, wide eyes fixed on him, breath shallow, sweat across her brow. He leant closer, making sure she was secured to the pole. There was none to interfere or overhear in the crowded square, everyone keeping their distance perhaps out of respect, certainly out of fear. Brother Anteo steadied himself. “You understand why, … Continue reading In Whose Name
Sliver
It was a good landing, smooth and boring. Gordon released the hatch and stepped out, getting his first real view of the surface. Just as advertised, featureless and barren, an unbroken series of low mounds and shallow valleys carved in yellow-brown sand and rock. No buildings, no sign of any human habitation save the fused … Continue reading Sliver
