Perched on tables and chairs, we assembled around the perimeter of the classroom, wondering what it was. Or at least what it was for. In a clearing on the carpet was a pyre of sun bleached sugar paper, wool and wire, egg boxes, jar lids and cardboard tubes. Whispered theories passed behind hands cupped to ears. Were we having a bonfire? Was Alan being sacrificed having been caught stealing books from the library? Had someone done this mess and we’d been hauled for interrogation and the culprit weeded out? Maybe also Alan? But there was to be no kindergarten kangaroo court, no burning of a bespectacled book thief. Much to the disappointment of the baying crowd. We were all being entered into an art competition for the Eisteddfod and the brief was ‘Y Bwystfil Coll’ (The Lost Monster). Before the teachers had finished their instructions and sanctioned an ordered procession to the pyre of trash, Alan was off. Their blunder was the bugle call of ‘you can only use what’s in this pile’ and Alan was up and over the top, leading the Charge of the Shitebrigade. I remained where I was, glued to my stool by timidity, watching the volley and thunder of snatching and screaming through the battery smoke of the battlefield. Through the sundered classroom, the kids reeled and peeled away, carrying their plunder to their tables. When peace finally broke out, I made my way across a battlefield, scarred by shot and shell, to see what remained. To gather in the disparate fragments of my unmade monster.
Holy shit can you write. There wasn't a single sentence that didn't feel delightful on my tongue. Plus a well rounded essay that tied itself up so neatly - i love the essays that invite you for a wander but place you carefully back from where you came.
For my next vacation, I want to live in your head for a week.
Holy shit can you write. There wasn't a single sentence that didn't feel delightful on my tongue. Plus a well rounded essay that tied itself up so neatly - i love the essays that invite you for a wander but place you carefully back from where you came.