Frank Burton

Biography

I am an award-winning writer and founder of the non-profit online publisher, Philistine Press. My short story collection, "A History of Sarcasm" was published by Dog Horn in 2009. My novel, The Prodigals, can be read online or downloaded for free at www.prodigalsnovel.com. My work has been published in magazines and anthologies in the UK, Australia, and USA, including Poetry Monthly, Pulsar, Etchings, Skive, Purple Patch, Gold Dust, Twisted Tongue, Monkey Kettle, Whispers of Wickedness and Obsessed With Pipework. To find out more about Philistine Press, please visit www.philistinepress.com.

Samples

SHADOWS: On a trip to my home town, I called in at my old friend Keith’s, To be met by his mum and dad, Who took me into the kitchen And informed me that since my departure, Keith had turned into a mountain. I looked out the back window and, sure enough, there he was, Standing tall, without the slouch. His transformation had destroyed several houses, Expanding the back yard by a square mile or so. That afternoon, I climbed him, Taking lunch with me, Various items of food and drink that I remember Keith liked. Kit Kat. Fosters. I sat at the top and ate my chocolate and drank my lager, And wondered if Keith was happier as a mountain. From where I sat, I could see our old school, The pub we used to go to. I descended, packing my things into my bag, Not wanting to leave litter. “It’s just a phase,” his mum said. “He’ll change back.” “In a way, I hope he doesn’t,” I said. Slightly insensitive of me, it can’t have been easy for them, What with all those people suing. I stepped back into the yard. The sun was setting, and I allowed myself to stand once again, In Keith’s shadow.

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