Author: markswritingcorner

Mark Ahern was born in 1979 and is from Ireland. He attained a Degree in Commerce from UCD in 2000 and a Masters in European Studies in 2001. He has written three novels to date encompassing science fiction and thrillers. At times Mark has used his experiences as an individual with a disability to write from a truly unique perspective. "Chronicles of Martan" which is his sole science fiction work to date, is an epic space odyssey inspired by his love of Star Wars. This was followed by "Not the Usual Suspect" and "Paradigm". His current project is called "The Irish Ripper" and should be available late 2019.

The Magic of Match Sticks: An Intergenerational Poker Tale

The mood has turned serious and silence pervades apart from the shuffling of cards. It had been a boisterous atmosphere hours before. All that banter, love, and warm embraces are temporarily set aside. The light is on but the room feels darkened. The adults and myself sitting around the dining room table full of cards and cups of tea. A small television has long been switched off. The smell of my Grandfather’s cigarette pervades the room.

I have so many questions but I know to keep my mouth closed. This is adult time and I really should be tucked away in bed. My Mum has let me stay open a while longer but under strict instructions and letting me know I’m going to be tired tomorrow. And I’ll have nobody to blame but myself. Tomorrow doesn’t seem like something I should be worried about. Not at my age anyway.

My Granddad is looking serious. His many years are etched onto his face. The lines on his forehead become more pronounced as he stares at his cards. My uncles are struggling to quite take it so seriously breaking out into smiles every so often and joking about the poor cards they have been dealt. My Dad and Mam say nothing. I want to ask what they have but say nothing. My Gran shows me her cards and gives me a wide grin. We now have a secret bond. My Gran points at two of her cards. They look the same. That has to be good.

My Grandad put all of his match sticks into the middle of his table. Gasps ring out around the table. I gather they are playing something called “Poker” and these match sticks are somewhat important apart from lighting Grandad’s smokes. It’s all very strange.

The game ends abruptly. I asked Gran if we won. She smiles and says no.

Then they play again and then again.

I’m getting tired now. This is all too much. My Mam tells me I need to go to bed, that I’m really tired. I nod in agreement. I’ll have so many questions in the morning about these matchsticks and why they are so important. One after another, they wish me goodnight and my mind is full of wonder about what I’ll do tomorrow.

If only I could back now and watch them play one more time.

Speech at Disability and Older Persons Event in Bloomfield 27/5/24

Due to the death of my grandmother, my fellow Director Demot Hope read out the following speech on my behalf earlier today –

Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for your attendance here today. Many of you already know me but for those that don’t my name is Mark Ahern, and I am a Director with Independent People with Disabilities. We are one of the sponsors of this event, which has been a marvellous success down through the years. The address of our office is 96 Sean Costello Street, Athlone and we have a stand here, today. If you are running into a disability related issue, please contact us and we will endeavour to do our best for you.

At the heart of my work and the work of Independent People with Disabilities is a profound commitment to ensuring that every individual, regardless of their abilities, has equal access to opportunities and resources. It is our fundamental belief that no one should be left behind, and we are dedicated to breaking down the barriers that stand in the way of a just and inclusive society.

This has been another very busy year for Independent People with Disabilities.  We continue to represent our members on various committees such as the Disability subgroup of Westmeath Community Development and the Westmeath Sports Partnership. One of our achievements this year, will be mixed ability outdoor gym equipment going into Mullingar Town Park. This should happen by the end of the summer.

This year I would like to take some time to discuss how senior people and people with disabilities are natural allies. We face many but not all the same issues.

I had an interesting conversation about this a few weeks ago with a user of a scooter. He wants ramps up and down smooth footpaths just as much as I do.  We both want good healthcare, housing without steep stairs and a peaceful place in which to live.

I would ask that, those of you here today who are involved in groups for older people to consider if alliance with disability groups could be of mutual benefit.

Through leveraging our greater numbers more can be achieved.

I would like to thank all the Directors of Independent People with Disabilities for all their hard work during the year. People like Dermot Hope and Noel Mulvihill who give so much to the cause.

Finally, I’d like to put my ppn hat for a moment as I’m the current Resource Worker which has a stand her today. If you’re community or voluntary group is not members you should consider doing so. Not only does it let your group play a role in developing policy it also gives you information about funding and training that can be sought.

Thank you for your attention.

Wheelchair Wars Part 3 (16)

They led him into the heart of the city. It was clear that everything had changed utterly from when he was last there. There was a natural smile on the people’s faces, they looked radiant and full of happiness in their immaculate white robes. The floor and walls looked like marble and the entire place was well lit. It smelled of the roses that were interspersed along each corridor. And this wasn’t the upper echelons of the city. Not even close, not that that seemed to matter. There were elevators dotted around the place with people coming and going as they pleased. It was strange. The people felt free. Timothy felt an intense pride in what had been achieved.

It wasn’t long before the fingers started to point at Timothy and his entourage. First, it was just the younger ones, and the older ones looked somewhat stunned. Then the furious clapping started. The crowds grew thick. It reminded Timothy of his great victories, and yet it seemed a different world, if not a different universe.

After a few minutes, they reached an international train transportation system. An open carriage was waiting for them. It was wide and spacious. Once, they were inside the doors automatically closed. It quickly transported them into the heart of the huge city. It was swift, even faster than what it had been centuries ago.

Galway Girls

7pm came and went. The food was well eaten and I was by now slowly drinking a pint of Guinness. Every now and then, I would look over at the archaic clock on the wall trying to convince myself that there was a myriad of reasons she may be late and that not really wanting to meet me really was the most unlikely one.

Fortunately, the crowd was sparse and nobody noticed how slowly I was drinking. Each time the door opened I expected it to be her but it wasn’t. The hours drifted and I felt my eyes struggling to stay open.

Then I felt a hard tap on my shoulder.

“You waited for me.”

I opened my eyes and there she was. Concern etched on her face.

“Sorry, I was really delayed. Gran is not too well at all at the moment. She was really upset and I couldn’t leave her.”

“I understand. Very happy to see you, even if it’s late. They should still be serving.”

But the bar was desolate with nobody else there. Just a deathly silence. The archaic clock was telling him it was past eleven thirty and time to go.

“I think they have stopped serving. Look I’ll be down again soon and come just for you this time.”

With that, she leaned down and we kissed. It was soft and wet, and I never wanted it to end.

Then she said, “Look, I better go. It’s so late. But I will visit you soon promise.”

She placed her hand on my shoulder and then she was gone.

Pegasus (Part 49)

Then the train began to slow as it entered the spaceport. I shuddered when I saw the high fence. Tabitha led the way. We had been given a map to show us which ship we had to board. It became clear that what had seemed to be the perfect maze of buildings was in fact perfectly ordered. The safest route for us to take had been marked out.

Still, at all times we had to keep our eyes focused on any camera or one of the many droids busily lifting boxes from one location to another. At times, it was a matter of patience, otherwise speed but at all times stealth.

Then with one last burst of speed, we reached the warehouse that was our destination and darted inside. It was obvious even in the dim light that the ship was not at all what we were expecting. It was small but worse again it looked like an automated delivery class ship. There was no space for a crew only cargo. We looked at each other in despair before Tabitha started muttering.

“It’s okay follow me. I think I know what we can do.”

I followed close behind.

She went over to the cargo.

“Come on. Help me open one of these!”

Wheelchair Wars Part 3 (15)

Timothy brought his battle chair to a halt a few feet from the welcoming party. A tall muscular man kitted out in body armor and carrying a large laser on his back began to speak.

“Timothy, welcome home! Everyone here already feels like they know you to some extent. Everybody has seen the replays of your most famous battles fighting for the Omega. You are also family to a significant portion of us, including myself.”

Timothy had intended to let him finish speaking but just found himself blurting out –

“Family?”

“Yes, family. All those women you had during your prime fighting days sired many births. Then after you left, any trace of you was highly valued and your offspring sired many, many more. Not just on this planet but throughout the sector. For instance, you are my great three times grandfather. So, you are not just here to defend your homeworld but also your progeny.”

For a brief few moments, Timothy was stunned but he regained his composure.

“Well, I better get to it. There is a war to be won.”

“Follow me. The planet has much changed since you were last here I’ve told. The air wasn’t even breathable.”

“Indeed and I had been hoping to use that to our advantage. Those plans will have to change.”

Galway Girls (Part 24)

The days were getting longer, the bleak winter was just a horrid afterthought. I could now feel the warmth of the sun on my face as I admired the lush, green trees that were dotted around my urban landscape and the plethora of birds in the sky.

These were the best of days. The warm weather. A decent job but most importantly Leslie. She was my first and last thought of each day. We discussed everything about each other.

Our favorite films – “Gattaca” for me, and “Die Hard” for her.

Music – Eminem for me, Coldplay for her.

Location – Galway for me, Dublin for her.

The list would just go on and on. There was nothing I didn’t want to know about her.

Then it happened. She was coming to see her Gran and would meet me afterward. It was set for a Saturday. It was to be a flying visit but would help us plan her next longer stay. We arranged to meet at 7pm in an accessible pub close to my apartment called The Court.

All that day, the anticipation built. She sent messages telling me she was on her way. I decided to get over to the pub at 6pm to get a bite to eat before she arrived. It was largely empty apart from the odd staff member and one or two people watching the horse racing that was blaring in the corner. The dinners provided there were always delicious and I went for the Chicken Supreme with a vodka and coke.

A young chubby barwoman took my order and delivered it to my table twenty minutes later. The smell of the freshly cooked chicken whetted my appetite and I quickly tore into it.

Pegasus (Part 47)

We decided that the best option was to put branches across the track, not wanting to use a blade or a gun that would make them aware of the presence of humans. So instead we pulled at the branches from close by fern trees hoping that the presumed AI intelligence on the train would suspect nothing more than a rogue monster crossing its path.

Then we hid in the undergrowth close by cursing our luck at the putrid smell of a flower therein and the large ants that tried to go up our arms. Fortunately, we only had to wait a few minutes before we heard the rumblings of a train before it clamored to a halt.

We discreetly made our way onto one of the more empty carriages that was filled with building materials. I looked at Tabitha. I knew by her smile that she was feeling the same elation that I did. At least the very first part of our journey had been completed.

She threw her arm around me in a warm embrace. It mattered not at all that we both stank, our clothes were in tatters and grime covered our faces.

“We did it. I thought I was going to lose you my love,” she whispered.

“You’re stuck with me,” I replied with a smile.

Then we rested. At times sleeping and at times looking out at the magnificent beasts that dotted the passing landscape.

Wheelchair Wars Part 3 (14)

For a moment time seemed to stand still. All eyes were on the Ambassador.

Then he finally replied in a slow monotone.

“Very well. A shuttle has been prepared. It will bring you and your men to the planet’s surface. Glory to the Emperor.”

Timothy gripped the controller tightly before he adeptly turned his wheelchair around. Just a few minutes later he and his men were on a cramped, aging shuttle and entering Uisneach’s atmosphere.

The thud of the landing came as an immense relief. It was not unknown for someone whose allegiance to the Emperor has even been slightly questioned to be involved in an unfortunate accident.

A moment later the shuttle bay door began to open. A gentle breeze entered the shuttle. It smelled of flowers and vitality, alien to the Uisneach he once knew. He ordered his troops to leave the shuttle as warm rays of sunlight hit their cheeks. The chirping of birds could be heard as Timothy’s wheels hit the asphalt.

He was surprised that there were no roaring crowds. Instead a welcoming partying of men and women, some in battle chairs and some not were in front of them. The familiar banner of the Omega was hoisted up on a pole. Timothy’s eyes welled up with pride.

Galway Girls (Part 23)

My heart skipped a beat. She regularly came to Mullingar. What were the chances?

I immediately sent her a text back

You must know the town well so? I live in a flat near the County Buildings. Do you know Mount Street?

No, I don’t really know the town that well. She’s in a nursing home on the outskirts.

Oh right, guess I’ll have to show you one of the days lol

Yeah, I’d like that.

That ended the texting for the day. My dinner was due to arrive at my flat and the hunger was taking over.

Then as I lay in bed later that night, my phone suddenly lit up.

I quickly picked it up and tried to see who it was. It took a few seconds for my eyes to readjust to the bright screen. To my surprise, it was her.

Hey, are you still up?

I wasn’t but told her I was. My sleep could wait.

We messaged back and forth. Then things gradually turned sexual.

You have such beautiful eyes.

I can’t wait to see you again babes.

I want to kiss you and so much more.

Tell me more.

Eventually, my hand got tired from pressing the small buttons and I told her that we would talk the next day.

And we did and the day after.