The rambler's rest
What could be more restful than sitting by the fire in a pub, listening to tales of the sea?
Ask me about heaven and I would describe a pub by a craggy seashore, flickering flames rising from an open hearth. There, I would sit resting from the day’s ramble, pint pot in hand, as I listen to an old sea dog spinning a yarn. One such seafarer, Thomas was his name, sat with me by the fire in the Rambler’s Rest one evening, telling tales of the seven seas.
“What can I get you?” I asked, indicating his empty glass…
At the bar, a group of locals stood staring at old Tom.
“Why’s he talking to an empty chair?”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
About the Creator
Raymond G. Taylor
Author living in Kent, England. Writer of short stories and poems in a wide range of genres, forms and styles. A non-fiction writer for 40+ years. Subjects include art, history, science, business, law, and the human condition.
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More stories from Raymond G. Taylor and writers in Fiction and other communities.
Hilma and Piet
Are you ever inspired to write something after seeing a work of art for the first time? I dreamt up this story while viewing a new exhibition at Tate Modern in London, where I volunteer as a visitor host. I then sat down in the middle of the gallery, surrounded by paintings, and wrote the story on my iPhone. Since it came to 99 words, I thought I might as well round it up into a drabble by editing the story into its present 100-word form. I was also planning to continue with the dialogue and write a longer story but was interrupted when the exhibition closed for the evening. Looking at these 100 words now, I kind of think this little tale stands up on its own.
By Raymond G. Taylor3 years ago in Fiction
If You Love Me, You'll Do It
I met Jason when I was five years old. I could say that I loved him from the moment I saw him. He was so handsome to me and I felt in awe by his presence. When they introduced him as the new kid in school, I wanted to be his friend right away. I remember it like it was yesterday. I remember his smile and how he didn't seem shy. He appeared confident and ready to learn. I waved at him and said "hello," before anyone else could even say a word. He sat next to me, and I asked him if he wanted to be friends. He looked so happy as he said, "Yes!"
By Sidney Smith (Sid Smith)7 days ago in Fiction
Standing While Falling
Quotation from Friedrich Nietzsche "He who wrestles long with monsters should beware lest he himself become a monster. And if you gaze long into an abyss, the abyss also gazes into you. Man is not destroyed by suffering, but by the meaning he makes of it."
By LUCCIAN LAYTH6 days ago in Critique
Comments (3)
Outstanding work, Ray. I had to read it a few times. Is the narrator of this tale a ghost? I know a story is good when I spend a good half hour deciphering it.
Truly a heavenly sensibility, akin to the words of the poet in Psalm 133: "How blessed it is when kindred dwell together in unity.... For there has God ordained the blessing, even life forevermore." I see no reason why that should not include a pub listening to a seafarer's tales.
This is a fun story! Great imagery and a fun twist!