The Finest 500 is an annual competition for Geelong Writers’ members. This year, writers were invited to submit prose or poetry to 500 words in response to the theme: A Place I Know. Dr Jennifer Hurley judged the shortlist. You … Continued
COLD INNIT Geoffrey Gaskill It wasn’t cold here like the old country. He’d read the poster about coming to Sunny Australia but all he found was another kind of chill. He arrived on the winter solstice and a dour Customs … Continued
By Jo Curtain. Sadie and me descend into the valley. Not at ease—the crooked trail hurts my knees. I glance at Sadie, summer-girl shy, tender, her body tall and slender like the Alpine Ash trees. We’re tired. Flesh responding to … Continued
By Akshata Kulkarni. I have tasted your Kensington and endured the Calypso, but none to me tastes like my dear Alphonso. Amba, Aam or Mango—call it what you may—all signify the season of the bright yellow. While a bane to … Continued
By Michael Cains. Summer sun warming oily bronzed skins gleefully splashed sprays of salt water lazy waves tumbling onto yellow bright sand Even non-swimmers enticed into the blue. Tight and flabby bodies, all brightly garbed bouncing with no cares and … Continued
By Mathilda Garrido Lucay. I sat down as a cold tear goes down my tender, fragile face, All days are balmy but today the sun is low, and I am stuck in my headspace. Bells Jingle, and angels carol chant … Continued
By Wendy Spall. The bells are jingling The carollers are singing And the lists are being made The tree is trimmed And the baubles are glistening In the fairy lights parade All children are restless They know who is coming … Continued
By Jean Pearce. Along the footpath above the row of outdoor tables, Branches heavy with gum nuts, Coral blooms drip with sweet nectar, Red and green parrots hang upside down, Peck and shriek like bartenders calling for last drinks. Waiters … Continued
By Robin Purdey. Seafood starters retro prawn cocktails in halves of avocado pink seafood cocktail sauce. Roast turkey and cranberry sauce ham diamonds studded with cloves gravy and stuffing and golden, crunchy potatoes. Plum pudding simmering in its faithful string-tied … Continued
By David Muscat. I remember the soothing hum of the oven The snicker of fat on hot plates And the tiredness that I rubbed from my eyes As I roused myself awake. I would pad softly into the kitchen All … Continued