Balloon Girl (Up in smoke) – Kylie Oliver

Another brilliant piece from a GUNNAS WRITING MASTERCLASS writer.

Once upon a time, there was a garden and a girl
Soft, flickering light, and sugar and spice,
from head to toe – all things nice.
A silly rhyme, a blonde curl.

The walls of ancient stone, were cool and damp
Every day, she played, behind them
The ‘right’ place for girls, dolls, shawls and then –
The day flickered. Light the evening lamps!

A voice urged her, go beyond the wall! A world unknown,
Unexplored. One day, she climbed the cobbled stone
And peered – and oh – her heart swelled and groaned
Calling to her, a small balloon, drifting alone

Smoking a cigarette, she stumbles blindly.
Seeking a new future. Until, finally –

Go Back