Tag: literary journal

Extract, fiction

The Cat Mesmerist, from Roomers #63

Barry Lee Thompson

“And the friend will ask what comes next now that the animal is held in place, is transfixed and bound by a strange spell. Kesh will say that the magic (and he’ll say this word shyly, because he still feels a little modest in this regard) only goes so far, only goes as far as has been shown, and that he has no idea of how to lift the animal from its trance.” The Cat Mesmerist is included in the latest Roomers magazine. Issue #63: What’s your superpower? is available to download here. Previous issues of Roomers can be downloaded … Continue reading The Cat Mesmerist, from Roomers #63

Extract, fiction, short fiction

Chumi Falls Out | Tincture Journal, Issue Twenty

Barry Lee Thompson

“He went out for a walk. There was a group of ducks on the river, near the wetlands. One of the ducks swam towards him. He told it to fuck off, and it moved away. He sat on the edge of the river with his legs drawn up, hugging his knees. It was a warm morning, so he took off his shoes and socks. His socks were slightly damp where his problems had seeped out through the soles of his feet. He dangled his feet in the water. The ducks swam away, far from the slick of worry on the … Continue reading Chumi Falls Out | Tincture Journal, Issue Twenty

fiction, short fiction11 Comments

Playful Arrangements | from Roomers #59

Barry Lee Thompson

He’s up with the birds, usually. Before them, even. Reeling at the shock of cold water splashes on pasty skin. This is always where the day starts: staring out into the sky, into the depths of dark yard silence. Waiting for light to peel over the edges. In this way, he considers the things done the day before, and how these activities might easily become those for the day ahead. He could visit once again the strangers who live by the bridge. He could stare along the river’s reach, towards the lumbering shipyards, and at the fishermen dotting the rocks. … Continue reading Playful Arrangements | from Roomers #59