The Moving Pen | Rob Wilcher
author

Robert Wilcher

The Founder
We passed this way. Some of us were lucky enough to be. And even if we chose to spend our time in misery we were. That is the point and the glory of it. We were. And we know this one event, this one triumph, will not recur. For when we have ceased to be, and all is said and done, we will join those who never had our chance, the multitude of None.
Hall of Things that Were

The man stood at the massive carved doors, with its monumental forged handles and hinges. At the top, embossed with gold leaf, …

22 Min Read
Bloodline

1. Sam sat in the darkened granny flat, slightly removed from her grandfather who lay dying in the bed. The old man’s …

17 Min Read
Christmas Miracle

David looked at his watch.  Five minutes to the end of the sermon, he reckoned. A couple of closing hymns, a prayer, …

15 Min Read
Getting it Together Part 4

He proposed a few weeks later. I knew he would, but I’m glad to say I didn’t actually predict the date. We’d …

7 Min Read
Good Eating

We travelled down the highway that January, in a brief interlude between the fires. The air was sticky, and firedust riddled the …

16 Min Read
Gift Part 22

Geoffrey shut his eyes, telling himself to focus, focus. See the Mona Lisa, not the world beyond. He steadied himself and took …

9 Min Read
Getting it together 3

Only a month after Ricardo moved in, he revealed his many faults. He had little regard for the way I’d laid out …

11 Min Read
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Continuing on from part 1 which was published in December …   On the third date I invited him in for a …

9 Min Read
Gift 21

He set about his practice with the thoroughness of an auditor. Trying to remain inconspicuous, he spent the remainder of the afternoon …

13 Min Read
First Man

I blame the gods for what befell me, and claim my triumph for myself. I am born of dust. The place where …

21 Min Read
Gift Part 20

‘Lucy!’ ‘Hello stranger,’ said Lucy’s voice. ‘Great to hear your voice.’ ‘Really?’ she said. ‘Of course,’ Geoffrey replied. ‘Not too eager?’ she …

13 Min Read
Christmas Child

The Christmas Child

Written by Rob Wilcher

The Christmas tree is ginormous again! It’s bigger even than the building Dad works in. I went there once. It’s a brick …

23 Min Read
Getting it Together

Getting it Together – Part 1

Written by Rob Wilcher

I came home today in a state of glorious hope. You know that feeling when you get home and take off the …

11 Min Read
Best Friend

Best Friend

Written by Rob Wilcher

‘An eight year old dog is what, fifty-six in dog years?’ The man called Tony watched the terrier gouging the surface of …

2 Min Read
Gift Part 19

The Gift Part 19 – How to Tell

Written by Rob Wilcher

Geoffrey sat nervously on the couch. He stared at the phone in his hand. He thought of Lucy. It’s, what, 6am over …

10 Min Read
Old Girl Humming

Old Girl Humming

Written by Rob Wilcher

It was unusual when Mr Johnson didn’t show up for his monthly armoury of medication. He’s a regular, which is how my …

10 Min Read
Image

Image

Written by Rob Wilcher

A man stood in front of the bathroom mirror. That morning he had retrieved the mirror from a pile of discarded items …

7 Min Read
Whisky Question

Whisky question

Written by Rob Wilcher

He sank into the outdoor couch and gazed at the stars. The night beach rolled out of sight across the dune. The …

2 Min Read
Night Hawk

Consumed

Written by Rob Wilcher

Anton woke. The electric numbers said 2.44. Vague streetlight was etched on his curtains. Beyond the white shadow of his wardrobe was …

13 Min Read
The Looking Glass

The Looking Glass

Written by Rob Wilcher

The man stands at the door with a satchel in his hand. Can I help you? says the woman. She looks at …

12 Min Read
Unbeliever at the Grand Canyon

Unbeliever at the Grand Canyon

Written by Rob Wilcher

No no no no no no no no no no no no It’s not that big! It’s a trick, done with mirrors …

1 Min Read
Picture Perfect

Picture Perfect

Written by Rob Wilcher

No, No! I love being here, naked and on display. Without a shred of covering except the blue satin choker and that …

3 Min Read
Breadcrumbs shorts

Breadcrumbs – 100 word shorts

Written by Rob Wilcher

Out of the Frying Pan She ran through the trees, her mind aflame with terror; the cage, the shut oven, the screams, …

1 Min Read
A Pail Heart

A Pail Heart

Written by Rob Wilcher

It all began with Marty’s pail of weed. And I mean pail – one of those galvanised steel pails your grandma had …

17 Min Read
Meeting

Meeting

Written by Rob Wilcher

They say your life flashes before you when you die. They are wrong. It’s your future you see. Like when you lean …

15 Min Read
Carry the Water

Carry the Waters

Written by Rob Wilcher

The boy watched the old man crouched By the pool in the sun stirring the water With an even hand. He was …

2 Min Read
There is that moment

your father beat you or someone else in the family your mum or one of your siblings,   when the air is …

1 Min Read
St Valentine’s Day

St Valentine’s Day Mascara

Written by Rob Wilcher

Saint Valentine of Rome was a priest, In the 3rd century AD, But the specific day of his feast – The 14th …

1 Min Read
People Not People

People Not People

Written by Rob Wilcher

‘You’ll need this, Inspector,’ said the officer manning the door to the freezer room. He handed the Inspector a heavy padded jacket, …

6 Min Read
Rodney 2

Rodney – Part 2 of 2 Christmas

Written by Rob Wilcher

Dad’s firm had a Christmas picnic at a park in Canterbury where all the families came and ate sausages in bread and …

28 Min Read
Gift Part 18

There was no answer. Geoffrey pulled open the fly screen door and ran inside. He was scared of what he might find. …

18 Min Read
Jason and the Afterthoughts

A heavy foot shoved his face into the water. He heard ‘Move grommet’ before the fuzz of the surf smothered him. He …

18 Min Read
Shahezah the Witch

Shahezah the witch raised her hooked staff high, high above into the sky, unlatched the hasp of a cloud and, with an …

29 Min Read
Observation Car

Observation Car

Written by Rob Wilcher

My immediate thought when I first set eyes on her was not ‘what a warm smile’ or ‘I love the dual pigtail …

3 Min Read
Gift Part 17

Ten minutes along the freeway he came across the site of last night’s accident and pulled over. The rig stood battered and …

10 Min Read
Rodney 2

I remember when Rodney Fletcher first started coming for dinner. I was almost fifteen. My brother Joey was eighteen and a half. …

33 Min Read
Gift Part 16

Geoffrey flinched as the sun cut into his eyelids. In his fatigue last night he hadn’t closed the curtains. He blocked the …

11 Min Read
The Four

The Four

Written by Rob Wilcher

“Good grief, witches,” said the old professor as he descended the old wooden stairs to the basement. The four harridans seated around …

2 Min Read
Scared

Scared

Written by Rob Wilcher

She’s here! God, I can’t do this. – Hi, Jessica, we met… Too earnest. – Hi Jess, remember me? From … I’m …

1 Min Read
Chicken Feed

Chicken Feed

Written by Rob Wilcher

Poor old farmer Joe never stood a chance. Wiping the remnants of the morning’s fried egg from the corner of his mouth …

3 Min Read
The Landers

The Landers

Written by Rob Wilcher

Draygon hated drone fighting. The Moon, Mars, Neptune, it was always the same despite climatic differences: the drones always got so covered …

20 Min Read
Gift Part 15

Geoffrey sat inside the ambulance wrapped in a blanket, blandly watching the scene before him. Two other ambulances, two fire trucks and …

20 Min Read
Name Your Poisson

Name Your Poisson

Written by Rob Wilcher

‘More salmon, Jake!’ The American launched a fat arm across the table to grab the only platter of fish, sending a 1980 …

22 Min Read
50 50 36 12 Ultra

50 50 36 12 Ultra

Written by Rob Wilcher

Right or left? Both tracks from the junction taunt you.  Both disappear into a heat that broils the earth. In both directions, …

3 Min Read
Gift Part 14

Geoffrey’s phone rang. It was Lucy. “Hello, Mr Accountant,” she said. “Hello, Ms Bureaucrat.” “That’s Lady Bureaucrat to you, buster.” “I’ll call …

10 Min Read
Gift Part 13

Geoffrey’s phone rang; its face said Lucy. “You’re up early,” he said when he answered it. “”Hello to you too,” said Lucy’s …

39 Min Read
Abraham

Abraham

Written by Rob Wilcher

My blade is sharpened before you, oh God Most High. I am ready to use it. I am prostrate. I prostrate myself …

17 Min Read
Off script

Off Script

Written by Rob Wilcher

Andrew fingered the manuscript on the chipped formica table in front of him and looked out the cafe window for Vanya. St …

25 Min Read
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Custard

Written by Rob Wilcher

Terry looked up from behind his computer as his colleague entered the room. The neon from the tower opposite them spread a …

2 Min Read
Not long

Not Long

Written by Rob Wilcher

It was worth it wasn’t it?  The Lamborghini 350GT, the two mercs, the houses and farms, the fashion, oh my, the fashion, …

3 Min Read
Gift Part 12

“Oombawa oombawa oombawa!” “Eeni teeni weeni ayo!” “Mmmmm whoopee! Whoopee! Higher higher higher hoo ha!” “Oombawa! Calamar! Oombawa! Calamar!” “Ooh aahh! Ooh …

32 Min Read
Tabula Rasa

Tabula Rasa

Written by Rob Wilcher

The Mountain Climber’s Beginning Let me tell you a story. Just three nights ago I was in a public bar, in …

31 Min Read
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She Often Thought Of Killing Him

Written by Rob Wilcher

She had often thought of killing him. The reverend had joked about that once in a sermon on marriage. “I said to …

10 Min Read
Gift Part 11

A blur of blue and white light. Voices. Electronic beeps. Geoffrey’s head pounded. He moved his arm. His limbs were lead. It …

39 Min Read
Blue

Blue

Written by Rob Wilcher

It was when Albert backed the car into the driveway and turned off the engine that he got stuck. It wasn’t the …

34 Min Read
Outback Food Revolution

Then Tiny Stirred

Written by Rob Wilcher

There was grumbling at the station The news had reached the men That their favourite cook, Asian Jack, had received the DCM. …

4 Min Read
Arrival

Arrival – 100 words

Written by Rob Wilcher

When we stop, blind bodies collapse in a mound of sick, sweat and BO. I scramble to breathe. Someone kicks me. Yusef …

1 Min Read
Bags of Time

Bags of Time

Written by Rob Wilcher

“Dennis, Dennis.” “What is it, darling?” said the elderly man behind the shopping trolley to his wife who was hovering about like …

3 Min Read
Love Fund Trust

Love Fund Trust

Written by Rob Wilcher

Cindy leant her weight to push open the heavy glass door that bore the words “Jessica Mulgrave, Solicitor” in gold plate at …

35 Min Read
Gift Part 10

The Gift Part 10 – True

Written by Rob Wilcher

Geoffrey stood on the roadside in the morning sun. Peak hour had just begun, and cars were starting to queue in the …

19 Min Read
Scrubs n Rusty

Scrubs ‘n’ Rusty

Written by Rob Wilcher

“Oi, Scrubs, do us a solid will ya?” shouted the man in the overcoat to another some way ahead of him in …

3 Min Read
2021 Space Anarchy

2021: A Space Anarchy

Written by Rob Wilcher

Bradley, a five year old boy with too much energy for the day, looked out of the vast window of his apartment …

20 Min Read
Finger Food

Finger Food

Written by Rob Wilcher

Another curry then. He’d rung and said, “Sorry love, work’s all over the shop. I’ll be late in.” She knew what that …

3 Min Read
Gift Part 9

Geoffrey sat on the blue vinyl chair in the waiting room beside a reception desk piled with mail and files. The receptionist’s …

34 Min Read
Santa

Threepenny Santa

Written by Rob Wilcher

Santa (real name Andrew Smith, employee name Ian Goldsworthy) beamed joy to the puddle of mums and prams and toddlers in his …

60 Min Read
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Post Prandial (Husband and Wife)

Written by Rob Wilcher

H  –  That was a good day, all things considered. W  – Oh, I’m full. Just got this glass. (Holds up glass …

5 Min Read
Uncle Frank

Uncle Frank and the Mythman

Written by Rob Wilcher

‘Oh good grief,’ whispered Jennifer to husband Jason, ‘it’s Uncle Frank.’ The waft came first, steaming feathermeal and river mud, followed by …

21 Min Read
Gift Part 8

Geoffrey woke. The room was still dark, although day was up, and shreds of light stained the rims of the blinds which …

25 Min Read
Santa Puppy

A few days before Christmas we got a new puppy. We called her Ruby. She was very cute, with big floppy ears …

3 Min Read
Hunger

The Hunger

Written by Rob Wilcher

I steer the ute out along a dirt track for a while and stop only when I feel it is safe. I …

40 Min Read
Blue Dragon

The Blue Dragon

Written by Rob Wilcher

“You know this woman?” Judith shoved the dog-eared photograph at the barman. He studied it and launched a chubby finger to her …

3 Min Read
Gift Part 7

The Gift – Part 7 – Eye Spice

Written by Rob Wilcher

Geoffrey prodded the white surgical tape that held the plastic cover over his right eye. By dodging his head one way and …

31 Min Read
Speak Easy

Speak Easy

Written by Rob Wilcher

Paradiddle, flam, blam, now the side tom, boom boom boom, kick drum, snare, sticks in the air, roll it ‘n’ swing, shake …

3 Min Read
Conduct Unbecoming

Conduct Unbecoming

Written by Rob Wilcher

The bar heaved with the heat of drinkers, talkers and hangers-on. At the far end of the space, beyond shadowed dancing hordes, …

12 Min Read
Gift Part 6

The Gift Part 6 – I See You

Written by Rob Wilcher

“I’ll need you to drive,” said Dave when they arrived at his Audi. “I’ve got a couple of phone calls to make.” …

20 Min Read
Old Man and Harbour

The Old Man and the Harbour

Written by Rob Wilcher

The old man turned the skiff homeward. It had not been a successful day. The sea had misled him.  His pots were …

4 Min Read
In Good Spirits

In Good Spirits

Written by Rob Wilcher

The crisp air assailed them as they stepped outside. Dawn had not yet appeared, and the sky was glass clear, the moon …

15 Min Read
Gift Part 5

The Gift Part 5 – Scrutiny

Written by Rob Wilcher

Back in his apartment, Geoffrey dialled the number of the only person he thought might understand his dilemma. “Dave, it’s Geoff.” “Geoffrey, …

12 Min Read
Lifesaver

The Life Saver

Written by Rob Wilcher

“Show me where the diamonds are, Lehmann!” Lehmann’s face reddened under the throttle hold of the thug who held him over the …

2 Min Read
Float

The Float

Written by Rob Wilcher

“Shoes, sunshine, ships or shore Love me rich, love me poor.” It was a song her grandmother had taught her as a …

2 Min Read
Waiting Man

The Waiting Man

Written by Rob Wilcher

As I approached my death I came upon a man seated On the stoop of the Doorway To the End of Life. …

1 Min Read
Haunter Haunter

The Haunter Haunter – 500 words

Written by Rob Wilcher

Meredith and Toby sat in abject terror on the chaise longue where they had, until this moment, been enthusiastically making out, staring …

3 Min Read
Roo 2 (2)

Roo

Written by Rob Wilcher

The evening had begun its descent into a sepia haze as they drove the dirt track through low sparse scrub. A red …

25 Min Read
Gift Part 4

A million doubts flooded his mind. He had never really contemplated his own death before. Sure, he knew he was going to …

16 Min Read
Eternals

The Eternals

Written by Rob Wilcher

The assembled gods declared, “The Mortals mock us! We must combine our eternal fluids and make a god so awesome they will …

3 Min Read
Gift Part 3

Geoffrey walked along a narrow lane of boutique shops up to the main road. Two lanes of night time traffic swirled past, …

9 Min Read
Cycle of Life

Cycle of Life – 500 words

Written by Rob Wilcher

Mum says being dead is like being asleep except you don’t wake up. Which is silly. I have a sleepover at Andy’s …

3 Min Read
2 and 5

The Two and Five

Written by Rob Wilcher

Hotel 25 – affectionately known as The Two and Five by its regular guests – was a squat boutique hotel hidden in …

25 Min Read
Gift Part 2

The sound of the crash ripped apart the hubbub of the pub. Geoffrey and others at the bar paused momentarily to realise …

15 Min Read
Change

Change

Written by Rob Wilcher

I was a slight kid, some say cheeky, but not one of the muscular kids. There was one kid, a couple of …

3 Min Read
The Fall

The Fall – 500 words

Written by Rob Wilcher

There is that one dazzling slo-mo moment, when the kick goes up and the ball ascends towards the heavens, and with it, …

3 Min Read
Storm

Storm – 500 words

Written by Rob Wilcher

The white flash, then the savage crack of thunder, the flash again and the rain attacked the night. The storm had come. …

3 Min Read
Made Up

Made Up – 500 words

Written by Rob Wilcher

“Julianne, look what the cat dragged in. Over at Chanel,” said Suzanne, a coiffured blonde in charge of Lancôme. In front of …

3 Min Read
Pig in a Poke

Pig in a Poke

Written by Rob Wilcher

An estimated five thousand people amassed in the plaza that day, some said more. Jess was one, masked, arm in arm with …

8 Min Read
Gift Part 1

Geoffrey was floating, high and joyous amidst the whirring fans and rafters of the pub, slowly revolving in his private heaven.  The …

19 Min Read
A Sense of Decorum

A Sense of Decorum

Written by Rob Wilcher

What to do. What a to do. First thing, get out of bed. This involves sitting upright on the edge, in the …

13 Min Read
500

500 word stories

Written by Rob Wilcher

TWO STORIES EACH AT 500 WORDS FOR EASY READING, by Rob Wilcher The Slave Five bedraggled slaves made their sorry way up …

5 Min Read
In Training

In Training

Written by Rob Wilcher

Mike strained as he planked, trying to resist the pull of gravity on his belly as it pulled on his tensed abdomen. …

30 Min Read
(Re)Activate (2)

(Re)Activate

Written by Rob Wilcher

Howard Hodgson paused at the entrance to the laneway to enjoy the busker who was belting out a blinding rendition of On …

19 Min Read
Beauty

Beauty

Written by Rob Wilcher

O, this one was a beauty. A brilliant brazen mane, an enormous head, my god the power in those jaws as he …

10 Min Read