~*~ “There’s a gentleman I’d like you to meet,” announces my dear friend, Sara Bartholomew-McCreedy with a rustle of silk and wink of an eye. I’m a young, childless widow, thanks to the Battle of Vittorio Veneto, and this outing is a rare treat after a year of mourning. They say “Missing in Action” … More The Stranger
~*~ “The world is bent on destruction at the hands of those who would themselves destroy …” Grandma Rose raised her tea cup to her lips and sipped. She seemed unperturbed by her words, while I sensed my rose-coloured glasses slipping. “Fighting for peace is not the wise course, but those who know not … More Peace Rose
~*~ The gentle gypsy gestures for me to stand beside her. I move over yet keep my distance, still feeling my uncertainty. “Good,” Erzebet’s voice is comforting. “Just a few things I would say before you enter the Sacred Circle of Hidden Wisdom.” She smiles reassuringly, noting my discomfiture. “Don’t worry, you are perfectly safe as … More Lost and Found … Part III
My heart leaps. What could this exotic woodland gypsy possibly mean? She doesn’t stop to explain, but continues her slow march through an archway of Sumac and into the thicket with the noble Chiron by her side. This twist in our encounter intrigues me. My power to resist squelched. Chiron has shot his golden arrow into my heart … More Lost and Found … Part II
Prompt: Late summer. You’re wandering, lost in the woods. You come across a gypsy wagon, and you call out…”hello?” ~*~ “Hello! Is anyone there?” The Gypsy Vanner stands quietly beside me. Such a docile giant I’ve just found wandering lost in the woods. I give him a gentle pat on his strong yet soft piebald neck, his … More Lost and Found
~*~ “Oooh, will you look at that! Look at what she’s wearing?” Ethel did as her sister bade and turned to see Poe’s bride sashaying formidably down the aisle. “I say, isn’t that a treat, then?” exclaimed Ethel with some enthusiasm. “Whad’r’ya sayin’?” moped Mable. “It’s ‘orrendous!” “What are you saying, you myopic mad woman? This is tremendous! Dark … More It Takes All Kinds
“It might also be possible that the world has whatever meaning you attach or, perhaps bring, to it,” Aunt Rose cautioned Sally. “Never take what anyone says at face value. Always explore something and measure it against your own truth. And, if you don’t know what your truth is, seek it out.” “How do I do that, auntie?” young … More Ignorance Is Rarely Bliss
~*~ Abandoned in the woods of my mind The music I used to make. The songs I used to sing. The choral symphonies and A cappella wonders that resonated So deeply at the time I could never Imagine my life without them. Then life happened. A new chapter unfolded. A change of direction. The … More Music Never Dies
~*~ Lights out … Lurking, Shadow dweller. Haunting and predatory. In the night You cross the boundary. Advance. Faceless, but not Formless. Familiar. Menacing. Paralysis overwhelms. Screams, But no sound. Terror’s creep keeps creeping. Shallow, my breath. * {Breathe.} * Thoughts form. {Be different.} Words speak. Low. Monotone. Controlled, somehow. “What do you want?” I … More Night Terror(ist)
“These people, who launch fireworks like every weekend is the fourth of July, just don’t get it, do they?” Sarah leapt from her chair, a look of worry planted in her eyes. “What’s that?” Michael asked in all innocence. “I don’t hear anything.” Sarah eyeballed him. “Of course you don’t. It hasn’t started yet. Just … More After The Thrill Is Gone … Maybe
Shedding Light on the Family Tree 