Month September 2013

Head in the Clouds – Alastair’s Photo Fiction

freyathewriter 12 Comments

Here is my offering for Alastair’s Photo Fiction this week, inspired by the photo below.  Why not take part? And why not visit his photography and writing blog to take a look at his other photos…?

Copyright - Kattermonran

Copyright – Kattermonran

– Head in the Clouds –

Sitting here in my eyrie, buffeted by wind and rain as it barrels in from the sea, I imagine myself in a tiny boat, storm-tossed and battered, far out in the oceans on the other side of the world.

I am alone, but not lonely.

At nights, I lie on the deck, bathed by moonlight, washed by showers of shooting stars. I lace my fingers behind my head, feeling the varnished boards still radiating the day’s heat.

As dawn breaks, clouds scud across the face of the sun. I remember with fondness the people of my past; family, friends and strangers who I have met on my journeys. I see them, living their lives in the sky above.

I pick up my pen, and begin to write.

Exoskeleton – Līgo Haibun Challenge

freyathewriter 10 Comments

I have really enjoyed the past two weeks of writing a haibun – a piece of prose followed by a haiku poem. The Līgo Haibun Challenge is hosted by Penny, Ye Pirate and Nightlake – why not take a trip to their blogs to find out more and check the InLinkz linky to read other offerings?

This week’s two alternative prompts are the quotes below:

“Not only the thirsty seek the water,

the water as well seeks the thirsty.”

Rumi

 

“If your heart is a volcano,

how shall you expect flowers to bloom?”

Khalil Gilbran

I have chosen Khalil Gilbran as my inspiration this week. Let me know what you think!

*****

– Exoskeleton –

My heart is a desert. I have dragged and hauled my body through the past days and months, every cell and sinew focused on survival, on existence, on staying alive.

My first thoughts on waking turn to food; where to find it, is it safe, how will I cook it, will it keep the hunger pangs at bay?

Next; staying away from dark alleys, empty buildings, yawning mouths of doorways, shattered windows. Shadows threaten. Instincts rule where logic has abandoned us.

Finally; a roof for the night. Crowds hide the worst of all predators, sheltering under tents of sweat-stained blankets tide-marked with mud. I have learned to be solitary. I need nothing except my wits.

Muscles atrophy through lack of use. Our jaws have slackened as chatter recedes. Talking is superfluous. Walking is necessary.

My heart is deserted, shrunken by turbulence, assailed by violence, scarred with misuse. Have I lost you?

carapace keeps safe

but hides my starving heart from

love, for which it yearns

ligo-challenge_logo

The Visitor – Five Sentence Fiction

freyathewriter 10 Comments

It’s time for my latest offering to Lillie McFerrin’s Five Sentence Fiction, a weekly prompt where there is no word limit, just a limit on the number of sentences. Plus, although she provides a word prompt, it is just for direction only – you don’t have to include the word itself in your contribution.

This week, the prompt is  – BEAUTY.

Do let me know what you think of my offering below – and whilst you’re at it, why not take a look at everyone else’s offerings (I’m sure they’ll be fabulous), and even give it a go yourself…

*****

– The Visitor –

His shimmering wings – iridescent, delicate, gossamer-light – flicker effortlessly as he dances above the limpid pool.

Lily pads lie heavy on the water’s surface, waxy blossoms opening their petals to embrace the day.

The dragonfly comes to rest, his copper coloured body flashing and glinting in the rising sun.

A second passes, the glade holds its breath; the dragonfly pushes off and away – the pool is bereft.

The slightest of ripples shudder across the water, a momentary memory of his jewelled presence.

 

Lillie McFerrin Writes