Bill Shankly was one of a triumvirate of great football (soccer) managers who came from small Scottish mining villages. Along with Matt Busby (Man Utd manager) and Jock Stein (Celtic manager) they revolutionised British football. These were hard man who used football to escape the grimness of their surroundings. There’s a show on Prime called The Three Kings about them which is very good
i’m a big Liverpool fan dan! never heard of that doc, i’ll have to check it out! didn’t know they were from a scottish mining village. fitting! thanks for reading!
What a great tale. I'd like to hang out with Steve and Uncle Doug. Excellent work. And the line about never getting prostate cancer drew a genuine laugh out loud from me. LOL
A story like a fleeting thought, so humane, so attentive in the way the characters are portrayed, capturing ordinary moments and giving them to readers through the lens of poetry in prose. Lovely.
Diana, what a lovely compliment "ordinary moments and giving them to readers through the lens of poetry in prose" -- that's what I am to do every time, with varying levels of irreverence. thank you for reading this one. and welcome to PNP!
Wow, I really enjoyed this Clancy. The slow almost rhythmic tone that a phantom voice inside read on for me as my eyes take in each word. I love it. I'd like to say more, but I feel I'd end up sounding pretentious.
thanks Ika!! I think the tone I have is almost mythical...Emil Ottoman described a lot of my stories as almost "parables". Usually the stories with that tone are a bit less popular it seems, but I like writing it and I'm glad you do too!
I love the way the entire narrative lead quietly up to the wild abandon of that dune buggy ride. And what a fine piece of writing that ride is, Clancy. "As they landed in a cloud of dirt, Steve and Uncle Doug were laughing, shaking with laughter as they rattled within the confines of the vehicle, hooting and hollering as they continued on." Absolutely orgasmic, and especially so because it was a secret between the two males. Then ... back to the sad "party" and life as usual. Beautifully rendered.
Opening line here is a solid hook, but best line of all was "Damn," Steven thought, "I’m NEVER going to get prostate cancer!"
EK, I love love LOVE what you point out about slate being breakable. I notice that too and that's why I love the metaphor in this. and you're right about Slatesville. I think it taught him to be a "blank slate"-- a man should not wear his emotions. Thanks for reading, as always.
Bill Shankly was one of a triumvirate of great football (soccer) managers who came from small Scottish mining villages. Along with Matt Busby (Man Utd manager) and Jock Stein (Celtic manager) they revolutionised British football. These were hard man who used football to escape the grimness of their surroundings. There’s a show on Prime called The Three Kings about them which is very good
Loved the story, Clancy 👍🏼
i’m a big Liverpool fan dan! never heard of that doc, i’ll have to check it out! didn’t know they were from a scottish mining village. fitting! thanks for reading!
It’s 3am where I live. When my insomnia trickles up, I’ve been finding refuge from scrolling in your short stories.
thanks Ciel...I am so glad that my stories can do that for you. I hope you get some sleep!
What a great tale. I'd like to hang out with Steve and Uncle Doug. Excellent work. And the line about never getting prostate cancer drew a genuine laugh out loud from me. LOL
thank you parker! that was my fave line too :)
A story like a fleeting thought, so humane, so attentive in the way the characters are portrayed, capturing ordinary moments and giving them to readers through the lens of poetry in prose. Lovely.
Diana, what a lovely compliment "ordinary moments and giving them to readers through the lens of poetry in prose" -- that's what I am to do every time, with varying levels of irreverence. thank you for reading this one. and welcome to PNP!
Love this- the dogs sitting with Steven after the ride made me laugh.
haha thank you Rosie. I added that last minute, I'm not sure what it means but it seems that Steven and Doug became kindred spirits!
Wow, I really enjoyed this Clancy. The slow almost rhythmic tone that a phantom voice inside read on for me as my eyes take in each word. I love it. I'd like to say more, but I feel I'd end up sounding pretentious.
I definitely like the grounded uncle.
thanks Ika!! I think the tone I have is almost mythical...Emil Ottoman described a lot of my stories as almost "parables". Usually the stories with that tone are a bit less popular it seems, but I like writing it and I'm glad you do too!
You need to eat what’s on your plate
Caviar or cancer – whatever the fate
Just don’t be a bully
Engage yourself truly
And end the ride with a clean slate
I love the way the entire narrative lead quietly up to the wild abandon of that dune buggy ride. And what a fine piece of writing that ride is, Clancy. "As they landed in a cloud of dirt, Steve and Uncle Doug were laughing, shaking with laughter as they rattled within the confines of the vehicle, hooting and hollering as they continued on." Absolutely orgasmic, and especially so because it was a secret between the two males. Then ... back to the sad "party" and life as usual. Beautifully rendered.
Opening line here is a solid hook, but best line of all was "Damn," Steven thought, "I’m NEVER going to get prostate cancer!"
thanks sharron. you get me so much. first to mention that line but i think it’s the best one too hahaha
Doing masculinity isn't ever easy. Writing about it can be just as tough. You've done a fine job. Thanks for this moment.
thanks caroline. it’s one of my main challenges and goals, so i’m glad you enjoyed it!
Wonderful, Clancy.
thank you chris!
Word perfect.
oh I wouldn’t say that, def some words to change, haha! thanks SS !!!
Nostalgic, biting, and yet sweet, Clancy. Well done.
thanks Rebecca! I typically aim for all those, so — success!
Well done! Funny and honest.
EK, I love love LOVE what you point out about slate being breakable. I notice that too and that's why I love the metaphor in this. and you're right about Slatesville. I think it taught him to be a "blank slate"-- a man should not wear his emotions. Thanks for reading, as always.