Joint Second Prize Winner in Dumfries & Galloway Arts Association Flash Fiction Competition 2006. Read by Robin Dalgliesh.

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Climbing to the Scottish Poetry Library

Her buttocks hypnotised me. They were perfectly formed, sheathed in a light tan summer skirt, attached to a pair of well-formed smooth legs. The sling-back shoes finished off a picture of sensuality and sophistication. The owner of the buttocks walked three steps ahead of me, that July afternoon, heading to the Royal Mile from the low level of Waverley Station.

Funny how each cheek moved independently, like identical twins who had fallen out and were not talking to one another. Briefly I glanced above the muscular beauties and saw a trim waist. Her blouse was sheer Shantung silk, sky blue in colour with a rolled collar, dark auburn hair cut close and short like Audrey Hepburn from the rear. I should have stopped and lit a cigarette but no – the baser me took over. I’m afraid the buttocks had bewitched me.

My mind’s eye pictured her bikini line, then went too far and saw her Brazilian, then saw her commando - that’s when I tripped.

The pain from the broken cartilage of my nose nearly made me faint. Through watering eyes I saw her beside me. She held my hand and whispered 'Hell mend ye, ya fuckin’ auld pervert.'


© Alexander Berry 2006