Dai Desert Rat

Billy Thomas was excited. His parents were going to a posh dinner in Swansea, this meant he was going to sleep in his grandparents’ house. A rare treat, they went there every Sunday for tea but rarely did he stay. 

Carrying his bag of clothes he set off, his mam’s warning ringing in his ears to behave. Nan was waiting at the door and ushered him in, hugging him. She smelt of lavender and she was tiny – Billy was almost as tall as her – and she reminded him of a small bird. 

Grandad was ensconced in his armchair; he had a ruddy complexion thickset with hands like shovels. ”Alright our Billy.”

Continue reading

The seven blood hounds

I met Dai on Fabian Way

He had a flask, tea he’d say

Quick he moved, his purpose grim

Did not stop, they were after him

Who they were, I could not see.

And when I did, they were after me.

Across the bridge, up Castle Way

Lord above, too late to pray.

Out in front, a shadow rode.

On a bike, with a cursed load.

Saint Andere, but nor for hire.

A dreadful stare, and spat hell fire.

Down the hill, towards the sea.

Smelt their breath, near Anna Quay.

I will no lie, no perjury

There at last, Marina Surgery.

The wait was long, that much was true.

We were many, the doctors few.

Dr Faustus and Dr Soul

Annual check-ups were never dull.

Apologies to Shelley!

The Dai Lemma

Billy and his gang were at their Headquarters in the park.  It was in the middle of a huge bush, where the Park-keeper, nosey old Mr Davies would not be able to see them.

Huw Parry had arrived last incognito.  He wore a big black coat and sunglasses.

Gladys Morgan had been temporary enrolled as an honorary member as the boys needed a girl’s perspective on their problem.  Owen Davies sat drumming his heels on the park bench that he had “borrowed” for the meeting. 

“Come on Billy, spit it out, I have n’t got long, I told my mum I’d do my homework before tea.” Billy whinged.

“OK, I’ll come to the point.  Have any of you heard about some bloke called Dai Lemma?”

“Never heard of him, he’s not in our school.  How old is he?”  asked Gwyn.

“I’m not sure, probably about the same age as my sister, fifteen going on eight.”

“Is he good looking?” Gladys asked, hoping for some new talent to arrive on the scene soon.

Billy glared at her, because he always thought she was hanging around for him.

“Look, all I know is that he keeps on visiting our house, Mam’s always saying it’s a right Dai Lemma, and every time she says it, my sister bursts into tears.  She’s keeping me awake half the night with her crying her eyeballs out, I can hear her through the walls.”

Gladys, sensing the situation needed some women’s insight asked Billy

“Have you asked her why she crying?”

“Don’t be daft, she pretends I don’t exist, and I thought, maybe, possibly you could speak to her?”  asked Billy pleadingly.

“Okay, I’ll try but you owe me big time Billy Thomas.”

Continue reading
error: Content is protected !!