music – Paul Andrew Sneddon

Two Ghosts

The waiter brought the mug from the front bar, just like the singer had requested: half full of white wine. The crowd was different through here, the buzz of the front bar seemed another world. He left the mug by the piano and smiled at the singer. She was sitting by the window, singing aboutContinue reading “Two Ghosts”

Lighting Fires

Walking through the station.All human life is here.Someone is playing piano.Drawing a crowd.Keep moving.Gordon street,Summer light.People everywhere.Music playing across the road.Couple arguing on the corner.Making my way through the crowd.Light of the living.Am I just getting older?Time without reason.Or purpose.But the days that rustHaven’t got me yet. The lonely spot, where you watched them walkContinue reading “Lighting Fires”

Shore

Looking down on the water. My car parked by the wall.Two weeks since I moved into this hotel down by the shore. It’s seen better days, but it’s still standing.Kind of like me.Swanky resorts are for accountants and bloodless retreats. Here, I’m meeting ghosts.The guy smoking on the step with his pal. Or the lassieContinue reading “Shore”

Context (Version 2)

Someone messaged me: “I like your writing, but do you need to swear so much?”It just comes fucking naturally. We’re Scottish. It’s who we are.I told them:Two friends talking about a mutual pal, someone you can rely on, says, “Aye, he’s a good cunt.”See two folk on the bus, a few beers to the wind.Continue reading “Context (Version 2)”

Blue Train #23

I woke early before the dawn. First train. It’s quiet. Beat the commuters. I’m travelling. Moving. Through the Scottish countryside. Through the minutes, hours. The day. Sun comes up. Splits the clear blue winter sky. Darkness slips away. The day holds promise. Purpose. I press play and the music bursts from my headphones. Final destinationContinue reading “Blue Train #23”