Category Archives: Uncategorized

Michael Bloor (first published in The Cabinet of Heed, Jan 9th 2021) The train pulled into Aberdeen station just after midnight; it was almost empty. As I walked along the carriage to the exit door, I noticed the bag lying on a seat: one of those re-usable bags that the supermarkets sell. Quite bulky –Continue reading “The Talisman”

Michael Bloor (first publication in The Drabble, DECEMBER 10, 2020) Patrick, my friend and neighbour, and myself were arguing back and forth about our literary heroes: Is their influence always for the good? I spoke in their defense, citing Robert Burns fostering the belief of every Scot that ‘A Man’s a Man, for A’ That.’Continue reading “Heroes”

Michael Bloor (first published by Ink Sweat & Tears Nov 21, 2020) Case No. 1991/203 Witness – Full Name: Ianthe Jane Frobisher-ForbesAddress: 1 Priory Lane, Old Basing, Basingstoke I first met Jason on Johnny Antrobus’s yacht at St. Tropez  in July, 1990. I didn’t know at first that he was from the Alpha Centauri star system:Continue reading “Witness Statement”

Michael Bloor (first published in Idle Ink, Nov 7th 2020) The allotments are a sociable place, especially for me because my plot is right next to the entrance. So I get to greet, and chat to, everyone coming through the gates. The conversations are kindly and cheerful, except when the subject is pigeons or cabbageContinue reading “Hubble, Bubble, Toilet Trouble”

Michael Bloor (first published in Ink Sweat & Tears, Sept 17th 2020) Liam limped listlessly into the lift. It was empty. He pressed the button for the seventh floor (Safetyseal Export Sales). There was the usual hiatus, while the mechanism seemed to consider his request. Liam weighed LIFE in the balance. On the one hand,Continue reading “Fell at the First Fence”

Michael Bloor (first published in The Drabble, Sept 18 2020) I’ve been making green tomato chutney. Outside in the street, I see a woman and a small boy. He’s walking unevenly, avoiding cracks in the pavement. His mum gives his hand a mighty tug: mother and son, out-of-step. Then, I can’t remember what weight ofContinue reading “Making Chutney”

Michael Bloor (first published in The Drabble, Aug 29th, 2020) Prime Minister Chamberlain was told that German troops were invading Austria while attending a farewell dinner for von Ribbentrop, the Nazi ambassador in London. Chamberlain stayed on for after-dinner drinks and conversation. George W. Bush was visiting a Florida elementary school when an aide whispered:Continue reading “Timing”

Michael Bloor (first published in The Drabble, Aug 5th 2020) Let me recall the names, ringing down the fifty years – The Sherwood Forester, The Dolphin, The Old Bell Hotel, The Seven Stars, The Noah’s Ark, The Fountain (aka The Squirt), The Dutch Mill, The Kirkgate Bar, The Prince of Wales, The Perth Arms, Hastie’sContinue reading “Taproom Memories”

Michael Bloor (first published in The Cabinet of Heed, Issue 36,July 2020, and not to be confused with A Cloud Forest Tale, also archived here and first published in The Fiction Pool Sept 22nd 2017) Two days after our landing party left the ship, we entered the clouds that we had seen from the shore.Continue reading “The Cloud Forest”

Michael Bloor (first published in Scribble, No. 86, June 2020) White walls, white floor, white light… Fully awake now, I realise I’m wearing a white suit and white shoes. Just like John Lennon in the ‘Imagine’ video, except there’s no white piano. Baffling. It’s been two years now since I washed up on the emptyContinue reading “Working Title”