imaginary country

Boys hang about in the cafe forecourt, dressed in immaculate national football strip, waiting for a war to start so they can broaden their horizons & have a short but appropriate life. Then a coach tour arrives, women in pink and yellow with sullen daughters. The young and the old completely, smoothly pear-shaped; or perhaps Russian doll shaped. A language of long, stretched vowels punctuated by short, abrupt, squawks somewhere between imperative and interrogative. Then the cafe cat appears as if from nowhere and weaves her way, tail up, between seats and plump calves. It’s a working day for her, like any other.

English Dialogue: “They were given to us by Adonis.” What “they” were–or who Adonis is–wasn’t clear & now never will be. Then: “Any more trips planned?” “Yeah. Marrakesh, Brisbane. Maybe Bristol?”

1 like ·   •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on July 16, 2025 02:55
No comments have been added yet.


M. John Harrison's Blog

M. John Harrison
M. John Harrison isn't a Goodreads Author (yet), but they do have a blog, so here are some recent posts imported from their feed.
Follow M. John Harrison's blog with rss.