~*~ “Mummy … what’s that smell, you know, after it rains?” Cindy looks at me with her big, brown eyes full of wonder, just a hint of a pucker on her lips to show me she’s not really sure what she’s smelling. “Feet, darling.” “Feet!” Now her look is one of abject horror. I’ve thrown … More After It Rains
Summer’s first kiss A fantasy A fumble A moment made humble. Not stolen; Theft. ~*~ “Do you remember your first kiss?” Summer asked of her mother. “Oh, darling, that was such a long time ago.” She thought for a moment. “It certainly wasn’t with your dad.” “That would be a no, then?” Summer was despondent. “Yes, that … More Summer’s First Kiss
Catastrophe. This is the first word I hear as I slowly awaken from my long, deep sleep. What catastrophe? Then … “She’s awake!” … and suddenly my quiet drifting world descends into a delirium of the fussing, fretting and fearful. “Oh my god! She’s awake … look!” The room floods with hysteria. “Please stop!” I scream, … More Catastrophe
Some might have said it was an unlucky end to her illustrious career. A grand dame of the Bel Canto repertoire forced to exit the international stage prematurely for health reasons. But she knew, if anything, that the situation was quite the reverse. She’d enjoyed her many years in the spotlight and now it was time to … More The Unluckiest Moment
Today I have the distinct pleasure of interviewing one Shakespeare “The Equine,” a poet out standing in his field and, reportedly, a legend in his own mind. The Daily Haymaker: Good day, Mr. Shakespeare. Poet: Hay! And please, call me Mr. Bear. The Daily Haymaker: Right then, Mr. Bear. Lovely of you to join us from … More A Poet Out Standing In His Field
“That’s a bit dark, isn’t it?” Mona screwed her mouth into a pouty knot and grimaced. “Miss Liberty looks like she’s had a few.” “A few what?” asked Lisa. “You know, molto vino.” “Don’t be ridiculous! It’s a statue!” “Whatever … she’s seen better days.” “No doubt.” Mona and Lisa stood together and studied the desolate … More Just A Statue
~*~ “Sadie!” Young Sadie, lost in a haze of distracted thought, didn’t hear her name being called and continued to gaze absently through the classroom window toward the woods in the distance. She was looking at nothing in particular. It was an escape. “Sadie Perkins! I’d like to see you outside. … Now!” The double-barrelled … More Staring Out The Window
~*~ “What the hell does that even mean?” Cynthia glares at me with raccoon eyes and wails. “What do you know of my pain? My suffering? You who have everything. You think my life can be fixed with empty platitudes? Go away!” She slumps her fashionable thirty-something frame into the sofa and sobs … More Go Away!
This week’s Free Write Friday prompt from Kellie Elmore … You find yourself in the lower level of an old ship. A calendar on the wall says 1682. There is a small window, and the view is nothing but open sea and a setting sun. There is a staircase and you can see daylight at … More As Good As Dead
This week’s Free Write Friday prompt from Kellie Elmore … I didn’t understand it then, but I understand it now … “I didn’t understand because I couldn’t understand, I wasn’t ready, Joe.” So said Magnolia as she gazed absently out the window trying to explain her life to me. “For a time in our lives … More When The Student is Ready …
Shedding Light on the Family Tree 