This Generation.
To Z or not to Z.
“Hi Grandad.”
“Oh, hello there, son.”
“Happy Birthday.."
“Why thank you – I do feel another year older, but I’m not sure I feel any wiser!”
“Ha.”
“I’m not sure this is going to sound particularly fun to young ears, but the paper has published its 'best books for the year' list this morning. I’d say that’s me sorted perusing the library for the day! Maybe topped off with a birthday whiskey-dry this evening.”
“Cool.”
“So, how’s school going, have they got you reading much these days?”
“Mm.. not really.”
“Oh, that is a shame. No Shakespeare, then?”
“Nah.”
“Hrmph. What a pity. Do you fancy a game?”
“A game?”
“Of chess.”
“On my phone? It’s single-player.”
“No, on my board, there. I’ll set it up if you’d like. We could have a right go at it – grasshopper versus the master.”
“Um. That’s okay.”
“Oh, alright. Well. Would you like to stay for a cuppa? Or for dinner? I’m no chef but I can put together something nice.”
“I’d better be going…”
“Are you sure? You are most welcome to stay, I can turn the tele on…”
“I’d better head…”
“Okay, son. It was lovely to see you. Thank you for stopping by. You’re welcome here anytime. I love hearing what you're getting up to.”
“Kay. See ya G-dad.”
About the Creator
Joe O’Connor
New Zealander living in London
Teacher of English and History, and sport-lover
Mostly short stories and poems📚
Feel free to be honest- one constructive comment beats a hundred generic ones
Currently writing James The Wonderer
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I want to grow and I’m going to grow. I’m not going to be this version of myself anymore and you won’t know who I become. You won’t talk to her, or be by her side as she goes through life— you won’t know her. Her heart won’t even remember the small moments that’ve clung to it for so long. I’ll watch her embrace a new life that has nothing to do with you, and there won’t be a space waiting like there has been for far too long.
By Aathavi Thanges5 days ago in Psyche
Comments (19)
Great work
Great 👍
Brilliant story
Hmmm maybe not to Z, LOL. Poor gramps trying so hard. Great story, loved it and fabulous Top Story!!💕
Very true. It's a shame that it takes losing something to know how important those little moments truly are.
Brilliantly woven I must say thus story deserved to be on top Many congratulations
Older but wiser👍
I'm a Millenial but that is me with my grandparents. On second thought, I'm like this with everyone 😅😅 Congratulations on your Top Story! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
You captured this perfectly. That discomfort of not knowing how to engage with the older generation, it’s so heartbreaking to see the rejection. Especially on his birthday. So well done, Joe.
Oooo. I am conflicted by this one. Such truth and yet as I grow older I want to reach in to a young world not draw them into mine. How do we enable ourselves to connect better as we age? This is a question I challenge myself with every day. Very thought provoking. ❤️
This seemingly pleasant chat reveals how readily--and lamentably--gentle offers of communion, both with the elder and the culture he loves, can be ignored. Nicely done!
Boom! Congrats on a blimey that's quick Top Story, but one that is deserved!
How lovely that is! Brilliant.
Stay, boy, stay!
Despite the title I still hoped for a sweet interaction as this started out. The grandson shooting down all of the grandfather’s suggested activities was so sad. Excellent dialogue poem, Joe!
👌❤️💕
All too accurate, and very well written. Great job, Joe!
I'm with Paul. Nice to be remembered but sad that there's no time offered or words really. A poignant piece, Joe.
I dunno why...but this was warm...but also...just kinda sad. Seems the way with every new generation not having as much time for previous generations. I don't think it's the case always...but it definitely is worsening...I would sound like a grumpy old man if I said it was all the distractions we have now - but that's partly the truth. Well written and left me lots to ponder, great entry Joe!