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By Amelia, 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

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I heard the leaves rustling and I knew it was not wind. It was hiding from me. I knew that I had to find it. 

Monologue

As I loom there in the corner of my room observing what was once mine I have a wave of anguish and resentment hit me. I glance at the armchair that I previously sat in throughout the afternoons, that’s when I see him. The man that I trusted with my life. The man that I used to call my husband. I wish I could ask him why he did it? Why did he do it to me? I long to tell him that I still linger around filled with hate and misery. My daughter misses me. I have to see her bursting into my room in tears. She screams, ‘Mummy I miss you, why did you leave?’

I crave to tell her that I didn’t leave and that I was still here. I have a thirst to hold her in my arms and to smell her clean hair again. Does he feel anything from breaking our family? Does he feel sorrowful for hurting my daughter’s feelings? I will never forgive him for what he has done.

How many seconds are in eternity? How many lies can one person tell? How many lives need to be taken before thoughts of remorse? I’ve seen the rise of kings and queens – some good, most filled with an untouchable darkness which others cry in sadness.

Much is Rife, Blak Douglas, 2021

Art Write Light is generously supported by the Balnaves Foundation.