An Open Letter. To you who would practice “creative writing,” know that you have NO RIGHT. I have finally discovered Truth. No, not Truth—I have already known it. I have discovered how you convince yourselves that it is not. And it sickens me. There is no Truth in your words. You use them only as … More An Open Letter (Short Story)
An order of tea usually didn’t come with an empty container, so I wasn’t sure why mine did. I tried to ask the waitress, but her back was already turned. The little box was barely the size of a biscuit. Perhaps that was what was supposed to come with it. I picked it up and … More Drink
Snowcap stood tall, its white petals gleaming in the morning light, as it examined its fiefdom. Lesser flowers toiled in the fields below, ploughing seedbeds, and tending to the nursery. Delivery flowers rode by on floral vespers, delivering new seeds, and collecting mulch for recycling. Snowcap enjoyed watching the peasants at work, from its high … More FFM16-31 The Wars of the Roses
He awoke to darkness. He remembered little: men, van, cages. Harvesting. Panic gripped him as he felt his body, searching anything that would indicate what they took. There was only darkness. His hands moved to his face, the edge of a bandage stretched across his eyes. He realised it was not darkness, and started screaming. … More FFM16-30 If the Man Had Seen the Sawdust
Tomorrow belongs to those who hear it coming. At least, that was how they’d sold it to me. A journey of self awareness. The reality of getting inside your own head, digging out your weaknesses. Becoming stronger. Smarter. Two days in and I was beginning to wish I had never taken that damned pill. This … More FFM16-29 Do Not Go Gentle
I remember the day I believed in magic. The street performer had a scuffed hat and holey coat. He made coins disappear and tossed fire sticks. I would have walked away, but then it happened. He tripped and the fire stick hit his clothing. That mouldy coat went up like Guy Fawkes night. I watched … More FFM16-28 Holy Fire
Sticks and stones may build a throne, but you’ll be up there all alone. And on the day your tower falls, there will be none to guard your walls. So lay your banner, your sword, and shield, down as one upon the field. Because when this dragon wakes, it will be your life he takes. … More FFM16-27 To Walk Alone Among The Shadows
It all started when the courts realised they could resurrect people to stand trial. Murder-suicide was no longer an option. They’d just bring you back and put you in jail anyway. Of course, they could have brought the victims back as well, but the justice system found that too confusing to bring to trial. With … More FFM16-26 Resurrection Blues
PAGE 1 You are the last person alive on earth, and you hear a knock at the door. You go into the hall and hear the knock again. To open the door go to Page 2 To slip out the back go to Page 5 PAGE 2 You pull the door open and a … More FFM16-25 On Your Own Head Be It
John crawled through icy mud, under a heavy net. The freezing gloop sucked his limbs down deeper, and drained all the warmth from his body. The Sergeant bellowed insults as them from the sidelines, and John cursed him under his breath. He had never been so cold, or so tired in his life. He thought … More FFM16-24 Choose Your Service
C. A. Harland 