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
By Ivor Steven. I’m a hand knitted woollen sock. Here’s my story from year dot. In the beginning. I started as a piece of spinning. The wool off a sheep’s back. An odd colour of brownie black. Being spun into … Continued
By Fern Smith. There was a huge roaring sound, as the wind thundered against the southeast walls, accompanied by a great beating of horizontal rain. The wild weather went on all night. Foggy brained, Treena woke to a deep silence, … Continued
By Judith Harvey. Our annual family Christmas (Kiss/my/arse) competition is set to commence. Transpiring for six years now, it’s a contest to present mum with the most favoured gift. The winner receives an afternoon of cocktails courtesy of the losing … Continued
By Shaun Treffry There’s a Christmas Party in the park for the families of local Vietnam Veterans. Dad’s hovering around guarding the BBQ like the other Vets and they’re getting into the beers. The kids are drinking sarsaparilla and lime … Continued
By Karyn Rose Baltetsch Yes, that time of the year when everyone is meant to be happy- And l tried to believe, or l wouldn’t receive. How l wish my mother didn’t tell me the truth- A ll l did … Continued
By Sally Fitts. She woke with a feeling of dread. A subtle vibrating tension that solidified into anxiety. Scanning her body, all seemed fine. Reaching over, she fumbled for her phone, squinting to check for messages. None. She lay back … Continued
By Kerstin Lindros. I mutter some four-letter choice words, slam the car door and speed off. Growl at my passenger, although he hasn’t done anything. I make sure he’s alright under his blanket and strapped in safely. Full of envy … Continued