Sound Bite Fiction

Jenne Gray, the Story Lady, presents a weekly series of short tales by C. E. Ayr on Tsukure Community Radio based in Ayr, Scotland.

This story is called The Princess and the Dragon, and is read by C. E. Ayr.

Artwork by Phil Burns.

Jenne  Gray, the Story Lady, presents a weekly series of short tales by C. E.  Ayr on Tsukure Community Radio based in Ayr, Scotland.

This story is called The Suburbs, and is read by Jenne.

Jenne Gray, the Story Lady, presents a weekly series of short tales by C. E. Ayr on Tsukure Community Radio based in Ayr, Scotland.

This story is called Nowhere Man, and is read by Jenne.

A fun song for children of all ages.

Perfect for grandparents or parents to sing with their little ones.

The Famous Green Hunchback Turtle of Béthune,  written and narrated by me, and presented by Pete Lutz on Narada Radio Company Audio Drama, as part of his Santa’s Inbox Christmas series.

A whimsical view of a lovely town in Northern France, with two wondrous but fabulously bizarre characters who children will love.

Artwork by Carolina Sartor.

Special thanks to Jenne Gray.

As featured on Narada Radio Company Audio Drama, introduced by Pete Lutz.

The story of a little Giant who can't help but get into trouble.

Artwork by Phil Burns.

Special thanks to Jenne Gray.

A cautionary tale on the perils of having a dog.

Dog Owner

I like dogs.
Hate dog owners.
I’m in this secluded spot, minding my own business.
A cute wee beagle appears, tail a-wagging.
I hear a woman’s voice, a plaintive wail.
Lulu! Lulu!
I curse.
Go, I say to the dog, shoo!
The tail wags.
Inevitably the owner appears.
She shrieks at the scene.
I have no choice.
I strangle her, drop her into the hole beside Mr Johnson, whom I have been well paid to dispose of.
Sadly Lulu has to go in too.
Can’t have her sniffing around, can I?
Shame, because I like dogs.
Hate dog owners.

Artwork by Phil Burns

the night

each evening the sun goes down
shadows move and pain hits deep
that's when I face my inmost fears
and evade the clutch of sleep

I lie awake avoiding dreams
I pray dawn will be here soon
I know the nightmares linger still
on the dark side of the moon

the darkness drifts into my heart
I anticipate the fright
from crannies slither nameless beasts
who live and breathe the night

I huddle with wide open eyes
seeking the purity that saves
but grass and earth are thrust aside
as children leave their graves

all this I see but now I sense
black spectres' putrid breath
the misery that feeds my life
keeps me from blessed death

I pay the price for long past sins
when I marched with Satan's horde
because there’s a price for every soul
so I reap my just reward

A 47-word story, a sweeping biblical epic of high drama and humour.

Artwork by Phil Burns

An abbreviated version of this short dramatic piece appears on my blog, dated 3rd March 2021

A lighter, more romantic piece but, please remember, things are not always just as they seem.

This darkly humorous piece - another example of Sound Bite Fiction - is narrated by Jenne Gray.

Artwork by Phil Burns.

A short but dark piece pondering on Limbo, its meaning and its presence.