Today we bury our family dog. Pipa, the cocker spaniel, lived with us for nearly 15 years, growing alongside us and taking the 16,000 km journey across the world to migrate to Australia. She was a lively dog, always included in every stage of proceedings, never complaining – except in anticipation to get to the … Continue reading Life, death, and animal euthanasia
Author: vpimentelau
There is no losing in writing – a late-night poem
I stare at my typewriter and it stares back at me As I wonder about customs past and the relative irrelevancy of the modern-day writer; Random late-night thoughts typed in a computer that blew typewriting away, the same way the writer as we know it might one day cease to exist; Attention spans span shorter … Continue reading There is no losing in writing – a late-night poem
Sometimes and perhaps
Sometimes random flashes of irrationality run through my wired and tired brain. I might picture flinging myself over the white steel ledge of a ferry crossing the Aegean Sea, or crashing my car against a tree as if to see what comes of it. Don't worry, these are not impulses of self-harm, far from it … Continue reading Sometimes and perhaps
When in Rome… – Travel Piece
When in Rome… After Rome became the 2nd destination to fly direct to from Perth, I decided to allow myself a few days to visit the famous city in the peak of summer. I can’t describe how delighted I am to have made that decision. This ancient town oozes with history, and one can only … Continue reading When in Rome… – Travel Piece
When in Rome… – Travel Piece Teaser
After Rome became the 2nd destination to fly direct to from Perth, I decided to allow myself a few days to visit the famous city in the peak of summer. I can’t start to describe how delighted I am to have made that decision. The ancient city centre oozes with history, and one can only … Continue reading When in Rome… – Travel Piece Teaser
Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury – Feature Article
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a ‘silent epidemic’ affecting more than just the injured person. I came to terms with it when we were called into a separate room at Royal Perth Hospital to be briefed on my step-father’s condition after his fall at work. We entered a pastel-coloured room and the doctor closed the … Continue reading Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury – Feature Article
Hillingar – 600-word short story
I’ve fantasised about murdering him more than I should. I focus on the two frail, solitary hairs that compliment my boss’ head as his mouth moves frantically. His eye twitches in excitement, and I can see his complexion change. He is getting angry, I think. It would help my chances if I could actually focus … Continue reading Hillingar – 600-word short story
Flight control – 50-word microfiction
Writing prompt: Must start with dialogue on a plane Flight control ‘First time?’ ‘Yeah. Can you tell?’ ‘I know the feeling. Take one of these; it will help.’ ‘Thanks mate, I appreciate it.’ * ‘Sir, you need to calm down, please.’ ‘Wake up, wake up!’ ‘What’s wrong matey?’ ‘What did you give me?’ ‘Oh shit, … Continue reading Flight control – 50-word microfiction
The singing siren – Flash fiction (300-words) on the theme of ‘Melody’
The singing siren The humming of my mother’s voice never fails to move me from deep within. The warmth of her melody brings me back to one of my oldest memories, an autumn night where we sat by the fire in our house. The crackling of the golden pine firewood had set the tempo to … Continue reading The singing siren – Flash fiction (300-words) on the theme of ‘Melody’
Heat waves – short dystopian fiction (400 words)
(Short scene written for a Writing Genre Fiction Unit) The road ahead of us seemed interminable as the searing heat made it hard to ascertain whether I was losing my mind or not. Kind of hard not to, considering the biological disaster we had been trying to survive. The way sunlight caught the hint of … Continue reading Heat waves – short dystopian fiction (400 words)
Paper trails - Writer's portfolio 