Tania Metalli

Artist, writer, web developer

Mini Saga n.20 — The Dark Circle

The Dark Circle

A local tale warns against spending longer than necessary within the dark circle under the Willow Bridge.

It is, they say, a gateway to the underworld. One of many.

I remember endless daring games, fuelled by youth. And cheap liquor.

As I walk towards it, I can’t help but wondering.

Mini sagas are short, self-contained stories, of exactly 50 words. I’m using them as a way to practise storytelling. Sometimes inspired by an image, other times they are the inspiration for photos, which I take to complement the stories.

Mini Saga n.19 — Through Dry Seas

On Dry Seas

It had been the most difficult journey, we’ve all agreed.

The dust filled our lungs with a thirst that no amount of drink could dispel. 

Not that we didn’t try.

And we were no closer to home. The growing fear among the crew was that we would never reach it.

Mini sagas are short, self-contained stories, of exactly 50 words. I’m using them as a way to practise storytelling. Sometimes inspired by an image, other times they are the inspiration for photos, which I take to complement the stories.

Mini Saga n.18 — To the Circus

off to the circus

Tickets were gone in minutes.

Some had camped with thermos of coffee, or tea, spiked with rum.

It was the beginning of winter, and snow was gathering at the side of the road.

The night before the show, Elinor could’t sleep. Her suitcase ready by the side of her bed.

Mini sagas are short, self-contained stories, of exactly 50 words. I’m using them as a way to practise storytelling. Sometimes inspired by an image, other times they are the inspiration for photos, which I take to complement the stories.

Mini Saga n.17 — Presence Unknown

Presence unknown by Tania Metalli

One day here, the other, gone.

The only thing left was that menacing message.

You never knew when your turn might come. If ever.

When it finally happened, it wasn’t as I expected.

I went looking around, expecting to find familiar faces, but couldn’t find any.

Still, it’s early days.

Mini sagas are short, self-contained stories, of exactly 50 words. I’m using them as a way to practise storytelling. Sometimes inspired by an image, other times they are the inspiration for photos, which I take to complement the stories.

Mini Saga n.16 — Shadow’s Selfies

Shadow's Selfies

In the midday sun, Shadow took another shot. It was the best time of day.

Another one and the series would be complete.

She checked the image on the screen. It looked nothing like her.

Had she changed that much?

Or had they found a way to infiltrate her photos?

Mini sagas are short, self-contained stories, of exactly 50 words. I’m using them as a way to practise storytelling. Sometimes inspired by a photograph, other times they are the inspiration for images, to complement the stories.
  

Mini Saga n.15 — Lunch in the Park

Lunch in the park

My bag is filled with fallen leaves.

I pick them one by one, and place them on the kitchen table. Six are green, four yellow. Two in between.

At dinner time they are joined by two cherries, a few crumbs.

In the morning they drown in a puddle of coffee.

Mini sagas are short, self-contained stories, of exactly 50 words. I’m using them as a way to practise storytelling. Sometimes inspired by a photograph, other times they are the inspiration for images, to complement the stories.

Mini Saga n.14 — The Landing

Foggy Night by Tania Metalli

It landed on a foggy night, somewhere in the suburbs. Its surface covered with intricate decorations, a message for us maybe.

But we didn’t understand.

Its inhabitants were out in no time, making sense of their surroundings. Making themselves at home.

That was the first. Soon there would be more.

Mini sagas are short, self-contained stories, of exactly 50 words. I’m using them as a way to practise storytelling. Sometimes inspired by a photograph, other times they are the inspiration for images, to complement the stories.

Mini Saga n.13 — A Moss Heart

A Moss Heart by Tania Metalli

In spite of the appearance, the creature has a soft, green heart.

As I reach over, I sense a little movement, a shiver, like a faint voice. Startled, I withdraw my hand and walk away.

When I am back the creature is still there.

The pulse draws me toward it.

Mini sagas are short, self-contained stories, of exactly 50 words. I’m using them as a way to practise storytelling. Sometimes inspired by a photograph, other times they are the inspiration for images, to complement the stories.

Mini Saga n.12 — 23:23

Burning Candles

23:23, I knock at the door. The instructions were clear.

I knock again, this time it opens, I step inside. No sound, just the clicking of my heels on the hard floor.

Hundreds of candles burning, a mattress on the floor, a sleeping shape. I get close.

It’s me.

Mini sagas are short, self-contained stories, of exactly 50 words. I’m using them as a way to practise storytelling. Sometimes inspired by a photograph, other times they are the inspiration for images, to complement the stories.