Week 1

Limerick Challenge

This challenge is to write a Limerick using the name of the place/city where you live as a prompt.

There once was a lady from Adelaide
Who should have left, but instead she stayed
She didn't want to work
In fact she often shirked
And that's the reason she was never paid.

© Linda J. Vaughan
2007



There was a lady from South Australia
Who suffered from kleptomania
She took what she wanted
And never was daunted
And now she sells paraphernalia.

© Linda Vaughan
2007



There once was a girl from Cranebrook
Who at every opportunity took
She'd take great delight
In computing all night,
Or snuggled in bed with a book!

© Christina
2007



There once was a gal from Kentucky
Who considered herself quite lucky
She boot-legged her own
Moonshine from home
Whilst gaining a buzz and felt ducky!

© Klyn
2007



There once was a girl from L.A
. Who wants to animate someday.
Her job is a chore
It's really a bore
'Cause all she wants to do is play.

Angel of Music aka Valerie
2007



There once was a gal from Colorado
She loved the mountains and their big shadow
One day she was captured and taken to Boise
She knew that one day she would escape and flee
Years later she went back but still laid low

© SeededSpirit aka Sarah
2007



There once was a girl from Here
She didn't know where but didn't fear
She knew she wasn't there
So she really didn't care
Nobody asked cause she was dear

© SeededSpirit aka Sarah
2007



There once was a girl in a castle;
She gave the queen nothing but hassles.
Every night at bed time,
She'd do nothing but whine.
She was such a little rascal.

© Jill
2007



There once was a city called Baker
Where miners in love were just fakers,
Cause when they found some gold
Their girlfriends they'd not told
And they'd post a big sign that said "take her."

© Lindamay
2007



Many years ago this lonely girl did arrive
In romantic Paris and to her surprise
Found in the City of Lights
A man to love for life
Solitude is a gift in disguise

© Joanne Pons
2007



There once was a sweet and wise girl in Las Vegas
Who, growing tired of missing her lost wages,
Met a man from desperado
And drug him to Colorado
Where they lived happily together as sages

© Brennie aka Brenda Barnhart
2007



There once was a girl from Colorado
Who drove a shiny Silverado
She painted it green
Which she thought was keen
Now it's nicknamed "the flying avocado"

© Shari aka Peachy
2007

Week 2

Picture/Word Challenge

The image below is of two words and from that to either write a poem, short story (400 words MAX), a Dear Diary entry or even use the words as a newspaper headline and you are the journalist. But your Mini challenge should incorporate the words and what YOU think they mean to you

Drip...drip...drip....
The incessant sound reverberated in the silence as Montana Taylor awoke to the darkened abyss imprisoning her. Feeling somewhat groggy and lightheated, she had the vague recollection of taking her early morning jog in the park when she witnessed something... Something so frightful she couldn't remember what it was!

As hours turned into days, fragmented pieces of a puzzle began to form in her mind yet she wasn't entirely sure if they were memories or hallucinations from the lack of food and the daily injections she was receiving from her faceless captors. Who were these people? And what did they want from her? She couldn't remember anything; couldn't identify them, so why were they keeping her locked in this blackened hole?

Then one day in a delirious haze Montana overheard her captors whispering about shelters, children and lack of government funding to fix "that damned dripping"! In that moment she knew where she was as the pieces of the puzzle that eluded her before suddenly fell into place. But one problem still remained - how was she going to regain her strength to overpower her captors and escape this prison? But that wasn't her only obstacle as she was soon to discover. For when she opened her mouth to speak to the shadows at the far end of the room, no sound came out. Her voice was lost in the pits of an abyss from which she could not escape...and "the children" of her other world would fall prey to that which she had been trying to put a stop to. Only now, Montana was a silent witness...and could do nothing but close her eyes to the drug-induced haze that encircled her as she drifted to the incessant sound of dripping....

© Christina aka Stina
2007

Silent Witness of the Past

Let me tell you a little story, for it happened many years ago. I was a young man at that time, and forced to keep a strange secret, for I witnessed a very unusual happpening that, with the passage of time, I wondered if I didn't imagine it. What happened was different and very out-of-the-ordinary.

I had just moved into this small middlewestern town, and a week later I began my journey as a silent witness of an outstnding event that would greatly affect my life for a long time.

One hot and sticky night, it was impossible to sleep, so I just gave up trying, got a cold drink from the refrigerator, and sat in the rocking chair on the screened-in porch. A full moon gave a soft glow to the street in front of me. Suddenly I heard a loud fluttering noise, like the wings of a large bird of prey preparing to land. As I got up and from my position on the porch, I could just about make out the shape of large bird landing in my neighbor's front yard across the street. I was well hidden in the dark shadows of the screened-in porch. Shaking away my surprise, I wondered what on earth this massive bird (it looked like an eagle) was doing in this town, far from any mountains and certainly should not attract this type of bird. After a moment, the bird spread out its wings and gradually the feathers on them appeared to become absorbed, as if by magic, into the skin, then the head lost its large beak and rounded out to human form. Finally the body shaped out, claws became feet and legs lengthened out to the torso of a woman. I put my hand to my mouth in shock: it was my neighbor, Mary Hampton! She was a respectable young lady, the daughter of the town doctor and niece to the mayor himself. Shaking herself a bit, Mary turned and smiling at my house, and apparently at me, for I could see her face clearly in the moonlight, she waved, turned and entered her own house.

As mentioned before, this happened many times over the past years, and each time I had the impression Mary was imploring me not to give away her special secret. During all along those long years I became a silent witness, even up to this day, as Mary is now my wife.

© Joanne Pons
May 2007

Unnoticed Baggage

The Fall

Silent Witness

by S. Rhodes

A retreat through death’s doorway would be more entertaining than this mindless activity of playing solitaire each night while waiting for my boring husband, John, to stop snoring and let me sleep. I feel battered and torn from using my hands as a swatter to shut him up. Married life shouldn’t be this way. I want to take a boot to him every time he opens his mouth and emits those obnoxious noises. Why do I have to be a silent witness to his disgusting habits, day and night. Whatever happened to the laughter and joy we had in each other’s company? Why do I look at him and loathe his face? I have to get away from him, but where would I go, what would I do?

Another game lost. Solitaire just isn’t my game. Maybe I should stuff the whole deck down his throat; that might shut him up. Now that I think of it, I could amuse myself in other ways. I have not drawn anything for a long time, and my pen by my bedside should work just nicely.

There, look what I did for you my darling husband; I’ve given you hair again. It’s a pity it’s blue, but you almost look like you did when I married you. I even forgot how noisy you are when asleep, I was so busy creating each hair on your bald little head. I was so light with my touch you didn’t even wake up.

Oh dear, it’s getting late but at least you are getting some sleep. I know you have to get up for work early tomorrow. I do hope you don’t mind the wart I put on the end of your nose. I know my pen has permanent ink in it, but I’m sure it will wash off if you scrub hard enough.

Well you're finally quiet, maybe now I can get some rest. I hope to be asleep when you get up in the morning, I'm not sure I want to see your reaction to my nights work, although I have no doubt I will hear it.

© Sue Rhodes aka Dusty
2007

Week 3

Letter/Note Challenge

You are sending (by snailmail) a card to acknowledge an important event in a friend's life and what I want you to do is to write the note you would include with the card. The event can be any normal family event from a birth, death, new home, graduation, engagement or marriage! By definition a note is short, but this can be however long or short you want it to be- something that you would write on one page perhaps.

Dear Joy,
I am enclosing this letter to let you know I share the grief you are feeling right now. A marriage of over forty years is certainly something to value and cherish and I know that you will certainly miss Robert.
John tells me how wonderfully well you cared for him and I want to let you know that I am proud of you and proud that Robert was my brother in law.
Please call me anytime if you need anything - take special care.
Love from Linda

© Linda Vaughan
2007

My dearest Eliza,

What a lovely surprise! I found myself overcome with such emotion that I simply had to respond to your note right away. Though I must say, it is hardly a surprise at all, given that Edward has been fluttering around your petticoats for some time in obvious infatuation. Though to hear that he has at last plucked up the courage and asked Father for your hand in marriage delights me no end! How wonderfully divine for you, my darling. I am indeed greatly honoured by your invitation to bear witness to this blessed event.

I have arranged to come down by train from London on Friday as there really is so much to organise! No doubt Mother and Father are quite insistent on the nuptials taking place on the Estate but this is of course entirely up to you. The gardens are exquisite in June so I'm sure it will make for a lovely setting.

Oh Eliza, words cannot express how delighted I am for you! I am awaiting the weekend with such an eagerness surpassed only in our youth.

I must close for now. However you simply must divulge all details to me upon my arrival. I demand it, my darling. See you Friday.

Faithfully yours,
your sister,
Emily

© Christina aka Stina
2007

A beautiful Angel in Heaven she soars
Watching and waiting at Heaven's doors
For that special day to come,
When she can see you again and say
"Were together once more, I love you MOM."~~Klyn

God Bless you! Happy belated birthday to you and your beautiful daughter, Tina in Heaven, Linda! I love you and hope that this year brings you comfort and joy.
Love, Klyn

© Kara aka Klyn
2007

My Dearest Great Granddaughter Clarissa,

You are delightfully invited to join me in my 104th celebration of life. I would love to have you take a few moments of our time at this occasion to share with everyone what you and I have been working on for the past "umpteen years." I have truly enjoyed picking back through the memories of my life and handing them over to you. I believe that family needs to know where their ancestry comes from. You have been such an inspiration to me and if I live to see another year I pray you will share that with me as well.

Please do let me know if you will be coming to share this day with me. I give thanks to each new day I wake up to and knowing you will be there is something I am really looking forward to. Your grandmother, Anna Belle, my only daughter, God rest her soul, would be so proud of you Clarissa. You remind me so much of her. She was full of adventure, loved everyone and wanted to know about everyone. I cannot thank you enough for accepting her gift of all her research and hard work before she passed away, and thank you for always being there for me.

Please do come join me so that I can delve within the humor of some of our hidden secrets "we might reveal" and laugh along with those who thought they knew everything there was to know about this family.

Love and hugs, Great Grandma Mamie Lee

© Lindamay
2007

My Dear Cynthia,

Thank you so much for the invitation to spend the coming weekend at your new home in the country. It was so nice of you to think of us, James and I, and I must say we are really looking forwards to seeing you, Albert and your lovely family. The children have assuredly grown since the last time we saw them; young Daniel must be in his first or second year at college right now. And sweet dear Charlotte, how is she getting on? She must be a pretty young lady, all ready for New York's Débutant Ball.

As requested, I am writing to give you the time of our arrival at the local train station; we will be waiting for Albert outside the main station. Please tell him we will be wearing our burgundy travelling clothes; with that he shouldn't have any trouble picking us out of the crowd. We will each have our weekend trunk plus a couple of packages for everyone. I will try to limit our travelling things to the strict minimum so Albert can fit them in the Daimler. Here is the list of our arrival time:

Leaving New York at 9 a.m. Grand Central Station

Arrival at Farmington, N.Y. station: 11 a.m.

I do hope this will be convenient for you; I was told that this was the best time to travel in your direction, especially since we wished to arrive before luncheon.

Well, I will stop my chattering and end this letter, in the hope that you and Albert are well and life is being good to you. Until Friday, then...

Your Loving Sister,
Clothilde

© Joanne Pons
2007

Hello Becky, I wanted to be sure to thank you for coming to my Birthday party. The party in itself was such a surprise and then to see you again after all these years was icing on the cake.

It was so very wonderful that we had time to share family pictures and catch up. I think everyone enjoyed laughing and, refinishing with us.

I'm not sure how or why we lost touch over the years and would like us to not let it happen again. I will talk to you soon.

Much love, hugs and blessings to you
my dear friend,
Sarah

© SeededSpirit aka Sarah
2007

Greetings Jeff,

It was great to see you again after such a long time. Unfortuneate that it was yet another funeral. We sure have a large family, but I was thinking that maybe we could try and get together before another one kicks the bucket.
Seems a strange way to have to see my brother each time. I know we were never close growing up because of our age difference, fourteen years is a bit of a gap, but I've grown up now, and I'm sure we could find more to talk about other than memories of a departed one.

I know you like Nascar racing, and I happen to have two tickets for a race coming into town next month, so I decided to write and ask if you'd like to join me.

Hoping to hear from you soon bro...!!!

Dave

P.S. Gramps sure looked great all laid out in his coffin...spiffy suit he had on too, but was kinda funny not seeing him with a cigarette butt hanging out of his mouth.


© S. Rhodes aka Dusty
2007

Week 4

Dialogue Challenge

You are having a conversation with someone. Your challenge is, in no more than 500 words (and preferably no less than 150 to keep it interesting), to write a conversation that tells that story using DIALOGUE ONLY (no description or narrative at all). Are you game? lol Come on, it's a lot of fun!

Marital Bliss

“Are you listening?”

“Yes, I heard every word you said…”

“Then what did I say?”

“That I don’t take you seriously enough and that I never listen…blah-blah-blah….”

“This is NOT a joke! You don’t take me seriously! Just listen to yourself! You are mimicking me as I speak, rolling your eyes and grinning.”

“What? So I can’t smile at you?”

“You’re not smiling, you’re ‘grinning’ and it’s the way you are grinning at me. To antagonise me because you know I’ll bite!”

“Well if you know why I’m ‘grinning’ at you, then why take the bait?”

“Because someone has to wipe that smug look off your face.”

“…and of course it has to be you.”

“Well, everyone else thinks the sun shines out of your proverbial butt!!”

“That’s because it does.”

“AAARRRGGHHHH!! You can be so infuriating! This is not a joke. I’m not playing here.”

“And I am?”

“YES! You purposely do this every time to take the ‘heat’ off yourself and the issues at hand because they reflect your flaws. So you think to yourself ‘let’s turn this into a game…’, and it now seems to be your life’s ambition just to infuriate me!!”

“Don’t yell.”

“I’M NOT YELLING!!”

“Yes, you are.”

“NO, I’M NOT!!!”

“I’m only right here, you know.”

“You’re going to be somewhere else soon, if you don’t stop playing games and talk to me properly!....And stop laughing! This isn’t funny!”

“You know you’re so cute when you’re angry.”

“I don’t want to be ‘cute’! I want to be heard! For you to listen to me!”

“I am listening to you….”

“No, you’re not.”

“…I’m sitting here waiting for you to say something worth hearing and all you seem to be doing is yelling, fuming, going red in the face and chanting at the bit.”

“And I wonder why that is?”

“I don’t know.”

“YOU DON’T KNOW?? Are you serious?”

“Well, it seems you are going to tell me anyway.”

“AARRGGHHH!! This is just going round in circles!”

“Well, maybe if you said what was on your mind in the first place, we wouldn’t b going round in circles.”

“Me? I’ve been trying to talk to you for the last half hour and all you seem to want to do is imitate my every move and turn it back round on me! I just want you to listen to me.”

“I’m listening…so talk.”

“It doesn’t matter now.”

“Then what was the point of all this?”

“I wanted to talk to you before but since you just make a joke out of it all it doesn’t seem worth it.”

“I thought you said it was important.”

“It is important.”

“Well, it can’t be that important if you don’t want to talk about it.”

“I do want to talk to you about it but you don’t want to listen!”

“I’m listening now, but you’re not saying anything.”

“AARRRGHH! That’s it! I’ve had enough. Come back when you’re ready to take me seriously.”


© Christina aka Stina
2007

Heart to Heart With my Daughter

“Mum, I need to talk with you”

“Right now?”

“Yes Mum, right now – I haven’t slept much and need to clear my head.”

“Okay, put the kettle on and we will have a cup of tea.”

"I already did Mum."

“Here we go, tea and chocolate biscuits – comfort food – because it sounds like I am going to need it.”

“Nothing dreadful Mum, but my head and my heart and racing all over the place.”

“Oh I see – it is a matter of the heart – well we could be here for a while and thanks for talking to me about it.”

“You see Mum, I have met someone and have the strangest flutterings in my heart and I can’t think straight. He is lovely, gentle and kind and interested in the same sort of things I am.”

“Did you meet him at Uni?”

“Yes – his office is next to mine and I see him daily and we just smiled at first and now it is conversations in the corridor and morning coffee with him.”

“Sounds lovely – so what seems to be the problem?”

“Oh Mum, it isn’t a problem – it is just that I think after feeling I would never love again, I find myself falling into a much deeper relationship than I have ever dreamed of.”

“Are you happy darling ?”

“Oh yes Mum, happier than I ever thought I would be – I have wings on my heels and stars in my eyes.”

“Yes I had notice those stars and wondered. Then why are you hesitating ? Are you scared you are going to be hurt?”

“I guess that is what is making me hold back and I so much want to move forward.”

“Going into any relationship there is an element of risk, but if we don’t take the risk we never know. How long have you known him?”

“All of this year and I have never been happier, or more scared.”

“The only thing I can say to you my darling girl is that if you feel you love him and that he has feelings for you – take the chance or you could miss out on something so very special and very beautiful. I will happy just so long as you are and he is good to you.”

“Thanks Mum – I needed to hear you say it – but I already knew what you would say.”

“Hey, where are you going ?”

“To ring him and tell him I will meet him for dinner tonight. – Love you Mum.”

“I love you too my special daughter.”


© Linda Vaughan
2007

The Spider and the Bug

“Hey, spidey”

“Yes bug?”

“If you’re not going to eat me, why don’t you just unravel me from this straight jacket you’ve put me in?”

“Well bug, as I’m not very hungry right now, I’m saving you for later.”

“If you’re not going to make a meal of me, it seems a bit pointless to me.”

“Oh don’t worry bug, I will.” “All in good time.”

“Listen spidey, I’m kinda hungry, so why don’t you let me go and I’ll just nip off for a bite to eat and come right back.”

“Ha! Like I’d fall for that trick!”

“Well, think of it this way, if you let me go and eat, I’ll be fatter and your meal would be more satisfying.”

“You have a point bug.”

“So, you’ll let me go?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“Because I don’t feel like it.”

“Well, you don’t feel like eating me either, so the way I see it, this whole entrapment thing is pointless.”

“Only if all I wanted to do was use you to decorate my web, which I don’t.”

“It’s a very nice web by the way. One of the biggest I’ve seen in a long while.”

“Why thank you.” “I am rather proud of it.”

“I bet you could catch a nice big June bug in this thing.”

“I might.”

“Just think, you’d be so full after eating one of those suckers, I’d be quite tasteless after that.”

“Oh I don’t think so, besides I didn’t catch a June bug, I caught you and I’m sure you’ll be very tasty.”

“I doubt it. I’ve not eaten much all day, so it would be slim pickings for you.”

“Maybe so, but I’m not a big eater and you’ll do quite nicely.” “Now do be a good chap and shut up, I’m going to try and have a nap.”

“Spider’s sleep?”

“Of course.”

“Oh, I thought you just hung around waiting for poor innocent creatures to get stuck in this sticky contraption of yours so that you could amuse yourself by wrapping them up and watch them squirm.”

“Very funny bug, and I do admit I enjoy catching my prey, but they usually aren’t as irritating as you.”

“Well, I’m a bug.” “How do you think we got our names?”

“I never thought about it before, but that would seem logical as you are certainly bugging me.”

“Well you caught me and you said yourself you’re not hungry, so there is a simple solution to this you know.”

“Let you go?”

“Exactly!”

“I think not.” “Now stop pestering me or I will eat you just to get some peace and quiet.”

“Yea sure, promises, promises…”

“What did you say?”

“Oh nothing. By the way spidey, have you seen that big bird that’s been watching us?”

“What bird?”

“You’re the one with the eight eyes; you must have seen it?”

“No, I didn’t see a ......”

“Just my luck, the bird gets a free meal and I’m still stuck here hanging upside down.”


© S Rhodes aka Dusty
2007

You Just Never Know...

"I need to tell you something and it's important. Do you remember the first meeting you came to when you brought all of that food?"

"Ummm, yeah........oh no, what? Did I poison someone or something?"

"No....do you remember at the end when you stayed over to help me clean up and then when you left, you gave me a hug....I barely knew you but you thanked me and gave me a hug."

"Oh yeah...I'm sorry, I'm just that way. I'm a very touchy-feely kind of person and sometimes it can be a good thing and sometimes a bad thing....some people have a "space" issue. I can't help it...when I talk, I touch people and I show my affection for people...it truly is genuine."

"I know...that's what I want to tell you...I'm NOT a touchy person.....the only affection I get is from my kids since my husband is deployed overseas.......and I want you to know that that hug you gave me was HUGE...it totally made my day and I didn't realize how much I truly needed a hug from someone. I wanted to tell you thank you."

"Wow, see, you just never know....I was just being me. You're very welcome...."


© Kara aka Klyn
2007

Affairs of the Heart

"Angel, you know I love you!"

"But by God in Heaven, how was I to know? You treat me like I am nothing but a plaything! You beat me and cut me and use me like I am nothing more than a sex toy."

"Darn it Angel, I do! I can’t help it when the beast overtakes me."

"Here now, wait a minute, what about us?"

"I can't stand this anymore! STOP FIGHTING! Can't you see that you are killing me? I love all of you, Richard you are so big and strong, but like a Teddy Bear, you are gentle. John, you have intelligence and I love the way you smell. Luke, you are a doctor and take great care of the children and me. Rod you're my rebel and when I need to get away, you take me there, wherever that maybe. This is what hurts me the most, it is because I love each of you so much."

"Unless the beast gets hold of us, and then we all hurt you.”

“You can't have all of us!"

"Why can't she John?"

"Because Luke, it isn't right."

"I don't mind sharing."

"Of course you wouldn't Rod."

"Well Richard, you and John have had her longer than Luke and I. You can afford to share! I may have just met her a little while ago, but she is carrying my child!"

"WHAT?"

"I made love to her in the hotel. I know she was weak, and I took advantage of her, but I love her and our baby."

"She has had a child by each of us, I refuse to let her go. Share?"

"I agree with Richard. John what about you?"

"Yeah, me too. Luke, you’re the only one left, do you mind sharing?"

"No, I guess not, as long as we take turns and no doubling up on her. One man a night, I'll call tonight, and then the three of you can fight out the rest of the week."

"I love you guys, and thank you for not making this hard on me. I couldn't possibly give up any of you. Our babies need their fathers."

“You need us too, don’t you Angel?”

“Yes, John, I do. With all of my heart, I do.”


© Lorrine McCain aka WinterWolf
2007

"Mom!"

"I’m in the kitchen"

"Mom, give me a hug"

"See Sally, it’s okay to give your mom a hug"

"Mom, give me a kiss"

"See Sally, it’s okay to give your mom a kiss"

"I love you mom"

"I love you too Orrin"

"See Sally, it’s okay to say I love you to your mom"


© Seeded Spirit
2007

Sunday With Abbie

"Whew. I need a break."

Silence

"It's been a really nice day. Actually a really nice weekend. Too bad it's almost over and I'll have to go back to work tomorrow. Come sit by me. What do you think of the backyard?"

Grunt

"I'm glad you came to help me out. It's nice to have company while I garden. Someone to talk to. Do you like these flowers? They're called Snapdragons. See, if you push here the flower opens up like a dragon's mouth."

Smile

"Look out at the sunset. See that mountain there? That's Longs Peak. You know, I'm going to miss that view when we move. But it'll be better for us. I'll be home earlier so I can spend more time with you. That's why we're planting these flowers. We need to make the house look more like a home so someone will fall in love with it. Much like I fell in love with you."

Groan

"You're so funny. You're my pretty little girl. I love you Abbie."

Pant....Lick


© Shari aka Peachy
2007

Mommy's Lap

"Mommy, can I sit on your lap?"

"Yes, you can."

"Mommy, where did your lap go?"

"Well, I am pregnant and the baby is taking up a lot of room."

"When is the baby coming out?"

"When she is ready. She is still growing"

"Can I see her?"

"No, she is not ready. She needs to stay in my belly until she is ready to come out."

"Is she playing hide & seek."

"No, honey...she is growing and getting ready to come out and be with us."

"She moves a lot in there, is she dancing?"

"Maybe, but mostly she is growing."

"Why won't she come out? I want to see her."

"She will honey when she is ready."

"I want her to come now. Is she shy?"

"Yes, that's it honey. She is shy."

"Ok, mommy."

"Sissy...I love you! I can't wait for you to come out and play. Don't be shy...we all LOVE you!"


(This is based on a conversation I had with my oldest son when I was pregnant with my daughter.)


© Jill Watkins
2007

The Other She

“Hello. Yes, this is she. Who’s calling?”

“It’s me, the other she.”

“What do you mean, the other she?”

“You know, the one that tells you that everything is going to be okay.”

“No! I don’t understand what you’re talking about! Leave me alone!”

“But you need to hear me out, it’s important. Don’t send me away.”

“Hello. I told you to leave me alone.”

“Wait please, just hear me out. It’ll only take a moment.”

“Hurry up! I have things to do, people to see and you’re not one of them!”

“I heard you crying late last night, I saw your face of fear and fright,
You said you didn’t want to live, That those you loved refused to give,
But in the room right next to yours, Lay little ones behind closed doors,
They are the ones who need you so, They do not need to see you go,
Please think of them upon this day, Don’t leave them in this haunting way,
Your life will find another road, Let someone carry your heavy load.”


“You will have to stay in your room today.”

“Why?”

“Because you refuse to take your meds.”

“Take off this jacket and I’ll think about it!”

“No, that’s not how it works around here.”

“Fine, leave me alone. I don’t need you anyway, I have someone else to talk to.”

“Hello … are you there?”

“Yes, I’m here. Why did you take me here? Now they really think we’re crazy!”

“We are.”

“We are?”

“Yes, we are … but only for a little while.”


© Lindamay
22 May 2007

Tortured Toes on the Tower

"Oh, John, have you seen that line? I'm not sure I can stand anymore after all that walking we did this morning since we got to Paris the last two days. They got smashed this morning at the Louvre; I'm so glad we went there this morning. The line over there would have been so much longer right now. Oh my poor tortured toes!"

"....tortured toes?"

"Yes, tortured toes! They got stepped on everywhere we went: in the museums, churches, sidewalks, you name it. And I have good expensive walking shoes! Tourists are so inconsiderate and like children in front of a candy store! And now I have to stand some more just to go up the Eiffel Tower...I don't think I'm going to make it."

"Don't worry Mary, the line is advancing slowly but surely...there, what'd I tell you?"

"There's a sign with the prices, John. Eleven euros and fifty cents per person just to get up to the top? Do we really need to go all the way up there? Let's stop at the second level; it's seven euros and fifty cents; I don't think my feet will take any more than that."

"Okay, otherwise it would take too much time coming back down; it's already almost 4 o'clock. Say, look over there, at those folks up there; they're actually walking up the Tower! I suppose it might be cheaper to go up on foot ..."

"Don't get any ideas, John."

"No, I'm not breaking my legs going up on foot; it will be easier to handle the movie camera in the closed elevators. Ah, finally here we are. Um, two ... second level, please."

"John, John where are you? Oh no, I'm lost, and my poor tortured toes!"

"I'm right here, Mary, in the corner in front of the window; I guess we got separated by the rushing crowd, eh? Here, just squeeze yourself in next to me. Up we go!"

"What a spectacular view! The people on the ground look like moving ants. Here, give me your hand, so we don't get separated again."

"Gosh, it's windy up here, isn't it? What an unbelievable view, just incredible...look over there, see that golden point? It's the Egyptian obelisk we saw yesterday morning on the round square. And look over there, it's the dome of the Invalides army museum we visited the day before yesterday; Napoleon's giant tomb is right underneath it. Over there is the Sacred Heart Basilica on the high hill in the painters' district...what's it called? Oh yes, Montmatre. We'll be going there tomorrow. I read there's quite a lot of stairs to climb to get up there."

"Climb stairs? Oh no... John, this trip is a wonderful dream; I don't want to wake up, even if it means I have to walk forever on my poor tortured toes."


© Joanne Pons
May 23, 2007

Week 5

Chocolate Challenge

While talking with Christina we mentioned that we both would like some chocolate and neither had any at home and the challenge was mentioned - so for this week girls - it is chocolate in all its yummy forms. Can be serious or funny - virtually your choice.
You can write in any form you wish - poem or prose
describing your favourite chocolate bar, chocolate desert, hot chocolate.
Only requirement is that we need there to be at least 10 words beginning with the letter 'C'

Chocolate Cravings

Ode to a Chocoholic

Comforting Chocolate

Chocolate

Chocolate Cravings

The Mysterious Chocolate Caper

Chocolate