The Aftermath

By Jonalyn, Stage 5

Art Write Light 2021 is a  creative writing project curated by Story Factory, in collaboration with visual artist Blak Douglas. During the program, students from Bonnyrigg High School and St Clair High School were introduced to the work of Blak Douglas, and created written and audio pieces responding to his artwork. The audio you’re about to listen to features a young writer from the program reading an extract from their work.

LISTEN TO THE AUDIO OF THE STORY

The Aftermath

Wind rustled through the long grass, crackling by the land, native animals where humans once used to roam. Now all that remains is silence. 

Monologue

As I grew older, the place grew stronger. The feeling of being helpless and alone. The urge of wanting you back even after you betrayed me and left. My eyes filled up with tears as a strike of sunlight beamed through the only window in the room. The broken pieces of glass on the floor, as broken as my hurting soul. Our pictures facing down topped with dust and glass. 

I’ve still got your things here, untouched, they stare at me like souvenirs. Not letting you out of my head, reminiscing about our last moments together, I never thought I’d have to say goodbye, The way you left in the mist, leaving me empty with only memories. I sat in the corner of the room, holding my knees, shattered, in tears. I felt hopeless. I felt alone. Nothing more but sorrow and pain. You changed me. I’m not the person I was before. We did everything together, we fought together to conquer OUR world.

The flashbacks rushing through my dull brain, remembering our last moments together as I cried in your arms, begging you not to leave. But you slowly slipped away and disappeared. Not only did I lose you but I lost myself.

Much is Rife, Blak Douglas, 2021

Art Write Light is generously supported by the Balnaves Foundation.