Ever since the completion of Across
the Great Divide, a novel set on the
fictitious island of St. Georges, I have
been hounded by several characters
who never got an airing. They teased
me during times of contemplation, and
followed me upstairs to my computer
popping up in my imagination like the
unwanted 'pop-ups' that stalk compute
screens. They would not let go until
some vignette into their lives was
committed to ink. Cracked Conch is a
collection of stories that lets these
characters loose - out of my
imagination - and now perhaps into
yours!
A colourful cast of misfits - work, play
and con their way through a series of
adventures that will see them triumph
or become undone under the tropical
heat.
Excerpt - CHARLATAN
On the steps we are greeted by
Governor Wilson and his gracious wife,
Belinda. He fills the role with ease, but
I do suspect that privacy and seclusion
would be her personal choice.She does
put on a brave face. A cooling breeze
disperses the delicate scent of
bougainvillea. It's been awhile. I don't
recognize too many faces. Rev.Thomas
is a welcome familiar face. He comes
over and greets me and with a twinkle
in his eye he whispers, "A new prophet
for the island has arrived." My
eyebrows rise, a request for more
information. It's left hanging.The gong
rings - a summons to attention as the
guest of honor is introduced. Lorne
Thompson, business entrepreneur and
avowed Christian unfolds his plan for
development on the northeast tip of the
island.The artist's impression reveals a
marina, flanked by high rise condos and
luxuriant palms. The northeast tip has
no natural inlet that could be gently
sculpted into the multi-pronged marina
depicted in the artist's sketch.This
scheme would require a massive
excavation and dredging offensive to
carve up that piece of land which is
equal parts coral and mangrove swamp.
I feel the muscles around my jaw
slacken and my eyes blink
involuntarily.
Blue kisses blue
Blends together in a wash
Obliterates the horizon
An unbroken aqua canvas
White hot sand cools
Under the evening breeze
My feet caressing
Its fine soft coral sheet
I dream of a distant shore
While from the heavens
A crimson orb slips
Silently through blue
Finds the slit
In the lovers lips
And slips inside
With seductive ease
A flash of green
From tremulous lips
In response to such audacity
Before the light goes out
Sky and sea in bed
Two lovers well satisfied
Drifting rapidly into darkness
As I sit and shiver in awe.
ACROSS THE GREAT DIVIDE
MARIE'S STORY
NORA RYAN