Monthly Archives: April 2012

She’s brought him chocolate they sit on his bed, eating chunks. Frankie says I’m not sure the pills are helping. But then, says Corinne, It’s not surprising yer feel blue, everyone else does too. We just lost Nana and we … Continue reading →

the family are standing at Nan’s new memorial in polished marble: In Memory of a Loving Mam and Grandma Called to Rest Safe in God’s Care. They lay down bunches of early Iris and a pot of blue Hyacinth. It’s … Continue reading →

Later that night it’s cold and dark outside, there’s flowers in vases in every room. Mam’s got the kettle on Dad is maudlin he looks up as the boys come in I’m proud of yer – it was a decent … Continue reading →

There’s a dapper fat man talking to Corinne and Frankie says he’s an old pal from Sinclair’s – knew their Nan and Grandad and he’s asking questions. Corinne’s tipsy with sherry: My ma’s Dolores. It means Lady of Sorrows mam … Continue reading →

Dad stands up, his hands are shaking his paper flaps, he says Psalm 23 was her favourite and reads: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. Dolly stands and faces the crowd says Mam loved Handel’s Messiah, and … Continue reading →

It’s a bright January day, scraps of clouds, tissue thin a sky of icy blue, winter trees hold bare arms towards a weak sun there’s a sheen to buildings. Over the brow of the West Road crawl the black beetles: … Continue reading →

Dolly is sitting, wet-eyed, Mam hands round tea and tabs, Dad has a pen, writing a list on the back of an envelope: Book the Crem Father Michael? Flowers – family only. Announcement in the Chron. Do at the club? … Continue reading →

The wind is funnelling down the Tyne men flatten hands on hats women bend into the air bags ganging up against their knees trees are shaking nervously, litter is skittering – crisp packets cans, plastic – all swirl and scoot … Continue reading →

he wraps up warm and heads for the pool, just a gentle swim, he thinks. The house is tense, it makes him twitchy: the worry about Nana. In a funny way he feeles responsible though he’s not sure why. He … Continue reading →