Protocol – Sunday Photo Fiction

November 17, 2013freyathewriter 21 Comments

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

Copyright – Kattermonran

– Protocol –

“Your father’s honours, my lady.”

My hands reached out for the crown, orb and sceptre as if controlled by another mind not my own. Every fibre of my being wanted to turn away, or throw the hateful object on the floor. But protocol won. As always.

Winning the kingdom had cost father his life and had made orphans of us all.

Now the ‘honours’ were to be laid in the hands of my little brother, whilst I, as the eldest female, would be forced to physically pass them to him in a public ceremony.

I would be signing his death warrant, if recent events were to be our compass to the future.

A servant burst into the room, panting, sweating, distraught. Could it be…?

“The young sire has gone missing, my lady! He is nowhere in the palace!”

I placed a hand over my mouth, in apparent shock.

“Oh! How… Terrible!”

We wouldn’t try too hard to find him.

The Man Who…

November 6, 2013November 6, 2013freyathewriter 12 Comments

This poem is dedicated to my step-dad, the man who from the beginning treated me then as he does now – as one of his own. Thank you.

*****

– The Man Who… –

The man who took me on
as part of the deal
The man who never once
made me feel –

in the way,
unwanted, not cared for

The man who carved lanterns
for Halloween fun
The man who made theatres
and allowed me to run –

matters off-stage,
free reign, made miniature

The man who was there, quiet
in my background
The man who loved me
as if he had found –

my small heart
and held it, so gently

A man who I love
admire and respect
A man who I hope
will only reflect –

that he fashioned a good life
for a daughter, pre-made

From the bottom of my heart
For the man who…

Bifurcation – VisDare 44

November 2, 2013November 2, 2013freyathewriter 4 Comments

Here’s my latest offering for Anonymous Legacy‘s photo-inspired prompt, VisDare. This week’s prompt word is ‘Parallel’. The rules are simple:

150 words – or less.

Post entry to your blog and “link in”.

(Please – no erotica or graphic violence.)

DON’T FORGET to read and comment on others’ entries!!

The photo is below, and my piece follows. Let me know what you think, and give it a go yourself, why not?

Image Source

– Bifurcation –

Here, at the river’s widest point, is the only place we can stand without being seen by them. We wave and blow kisses, calling to each other in vain.

It has been 427 days since I last held her in my arms – my sister, my best friend. Each night my dreams are plagued with thoughts of building a raft, or swimming across, somehow holding my precious son high above my head to keep him safe. But it is impossible. The current is too strong, the waters too deep.

I crossed over that day, chasing a rumour of fresh flour, baby formula and potatoes. I never imagined they would demolish the bridge. I never imagined that I would be separated from my son. My dreams are torture.

I wake up and my arms ache for the feel of him.

I wake up. Hollow.