Category Archives: Compassion

One For The Road

Posted on August 23, 2021 by Peter Wells aka Countingducks

“Was he my hero,” I ask myself, this man who’d walked another path than mine; climbed mountains I would never see but whose eyes lit up with understanding when I talked. You do not have to be young to be … Continue reading →

Posted in character, Compassion, Creative Fiction, creative writing, Fiction, Peter Wells | Tagged , , , | 11 Comments

A Life In Passing

Posted on May 10, 2021 by Peter Wells aka Countingducks

I was standing on the bridge the other evening, admiring the view, and the way the current played against the boats moored along the river bank when a man thrashing around desperately in the water appeared from underneath the bridge. … Continue reading →

Posted in character, community, Compassion, Fiction, kindness, Peter Wells | Tagged , , , | 9 Comments

Ronnie Crouch

Posted on May 3, 2021 by Peter Wells aka Countingducks

Meeting Ronnie Crouch for the first time at what was to become “my local” shortly after moving into the area was an experience. He was a sprightly,  slightly elderly gentleman, with a glow about him which draws the attention of … Continue reading →

Posted in character, community, Compassion, Fiction, old-age, Peter Wells | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

The Solitary Letter

Posted on December 11, 2017 by Peter Wells aka Countingducks

I live in a remote part of the country and have worked for the last twenty years as a postman driving a mail truck from the depot in my town to every far-flung corner of the county, in almost any … Continue reading →

Posted in character, Compassion, creative writing, Fiction, Peter Wells, Relationships, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 24 Comments

She Was His Obligation

Posted on October 24, 2017 by Peter Wells aka Countingducks

Her face was like a map of the forgotten world or maybe just a nightmare, lined, creased and tired from experience, but there was a quality of defiance about it which drew you to a second look. Those smoker’s eyes, … Continue reading →

Posted in character, Compassion, creative writing, Fiction, old-age, Peter Wells, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 13 Comments

The Un-Materialist

Posted on February 13, 2017 by Peter Wells aka Countingducks

I remember those heady days when we first entered college, dropped our bags and said goodbye to our parents. Those conversations filled with awkward love and soon-forgotten advice. I remember meeting my new roommates, and sharing stories and then drinks … Continue reading →

Posted in character, Compassion, creative writing, Fiction, Life, Peter Wells, Talent, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 24 Comments

An Eternal Sense Of Life

Posted on February 6, 2017 by Peter Wells aka Countingducks

“What was your life like?” I said to the man one ahead of me in the queue of judgement. “I was like a man possessed,” he said as we waited. “How do you mean” said Mr Safe, namely me, now … Continue reading →

Posted in character, community, Compassion, creative writing, Fiction, humour, Life, Peter Wells, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 21 Comments

Wishing Everyone Who Passes By This Blog A Happy Christmas

Posted on December 19, 2016 by Peter Wells aka Countingducks

 I am reminded by my life and contacts in social media that some of us enjoy a Christmas surrounded by those who love them and can celebrate that blessing with traditional feasting, and for others it is a time of … Continue reading →

Posted in character, Christmas, Compassion, faith, Fiction, kindness, Peter Wells | Tagged , , , , | 57 Comments

On the Passing Of His Wife

Posted on September 13, 2016 by Peter Wells aka Countingducks

The mourners stood around him eating cakes and sandwiches not made by him. Some catering company he employed to do the work, did the work while he stood near a corner of the room, watching his guests share memories of … Continue reading →

Posted in Compassion, Creative Fiction, Fiction, kindness, Peter Wells, Relationships, writing | Tagged , , , , , | 17 Comments

Just Another Dinner Party

Posted on November 30, 2015 by Peter Wells aka Countingducks

I’m not saying I was sober: you try drinking two shots of JD followed by a bottle of red and then reading the central heating manual in a clear and precise manner: it does not happen. Somewhere through that first … Continue reading →

Posted in Alchoholism, Compassion, creative writing, Fiction, kindness, Life | Tagged , , , , | 16 Comments