photo courtesy of tripadvisor.co.uk 
Pegman takes us to Northern Ireland, in honour of St. Patrick’s day. The challenge, to write 150 words inspired by this country and its culture.
OLD SCARS, NEW THREATS
” I’ve a bad feeling Bernie…”
“Uni work ? No ? Say more Declan.”
“We’re good friends Bernie, aren’t we ? Me Protestant, you Catholic – yes ?”
” We know how it was during the Troubles…”
“Thankfully we can live in peace in our own communities now ?”
“Yes, the scars of the past are healing. My Grandpa still talks about the savage sectarian violence of those days. Roadside bombings, shopping malls targeted, vendettas, mistrust of the ‘other’ community. ”
“Then bang ! Wretched Brexit talks are sending a big noise from Westminster. The British Government can rip open the old scar, with rumours of re-uniting the island of Ireland. ”
“..and we’d pay the price, as collateral damage from these Brexit border negotiations. I feel the weight of uncertainty bearing down on us..”
“..our future lies in the balance, Bernie. What can we do ? Move to Europe ? Pray ? ”
” We can stay friends Declan. It’s St. Patrick’s Day. ”
March 21, 2019 at 6:07 pm
I really enjoyed this topical and thought-provoking take. Great to see you this week, Francine!
March 21, 2019 at 6:10 pm
Thanks so much Karen – glad you enjoyed the story. The Brexit/ Irish border issue is very close to home for me, so accessible to write about.
March 19, 2019 at 3:09 pm
Sadly, this story is all too topical, the border in Ireland being something everyone seemed to have forgotten until the Brexit vote was over and negotiations began. Let’s hope everyone can be as sensible about the topic as these two. Great story
March 19, 2019 at 4:13 pm
I appreciate your feedback Lynn- pleased you liked the story. You’re right about Irish border issue being overlooked til it became a central issue. Hey ho.
March 24, 2019 at 5:02 pm
Stupid that none of the politicians seemed to think about the issue either. But then, that’s what comes from invoking article 50 before you’ve even begun sorting the country’s position on, well, anything
March 18, 2019 at 2:35 pm
You have captured the tremors of our age, where uncertainty rocks the ground under our feet. I hope these friends can remain friends no matter what happens.
March 18, 2019 at 5:59 pm
Thanks Andi, I appreciate your comment.
March 17, 2019 at 5:21 pm
Bernie and Declan show the way, and bring us hope that peace will remain whatever the outcome of Brexit. I like the way your last line both affirms the optimism and emphasises that even the Unionists view themselves as Irish as well as members of the UK.
March 18, 2019 at 2:34 pm
Thanks so much Penny – I agree with you, about let peace remain. I think Ireland is in an unenviable situation just now, waiting to see how their future will be.
March 17, 2019 at 4:46 pm
Perfect! I love the last line. True friendship in hard times.
March 18, 2019 at 2:44 pm
Thank you Alicia, appreciate your comment. I wanted there to be some hope within the story.
March 17, 2019 at 2:50 pm
Love that last line.
March 18, 2019 at 2:51 pm
Thanks – glad you liked it.