For how can I be sure
I shall see again
The world on the first of May
–From “May Day” by Sara Teasdale
I’ve fallen on black days. My ears are deaf to birdsong; nose unmoved by the scent of hyacinth; the soft crush of early strawberries between my molars untasted. Mid-Spring breezes skim over bundled limbs. Most disconcerting is that my soul has slipped into anaerobic muck and pulled a rock over itself.
In past gloom of ill-fortune silhouettes were yet discernible, serving as promises to brighter tomorrows. Not this time and it nags me; for how can I be sure I shall see again?
The world on the first of May comes knocking. A small girl with long brown hair stands there, holding a small beagle puppy.
“Is he yours?,” she asks.
“No, not mine.”
“Good. Mom said if he isn’t yours maybe I can keep him!” Her eyes sparkle. She turns and runs back next door, bursting to share the news.
[144 words]
Merril is today’s host for dVerse’ Prosery. Merril says:
Write a piece of flash fiction or other prose of up to or exactly 144 words, including the given line [at the top of the page.]
Tao Talk 
What a lovely ending! Love this, Li. The part was so heavy, weighing down the reader….I wondered where it would go! Fantastic!
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Punam, thank you. I felt a load lift as I wrote the ending ❤
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I get that! I felt the same. ❤️ You are so welcome.
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Ha! Great ending…but also very clever use of the quote in what is a cutting first half of the tale…
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Ain, thank you. You never know what it will be to break out of the black, but it is always with such gratitude for the cosmos.
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oh not only do I love your story Lisa but I WANT THAT PUPPY .. SO cute!
💖
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lol I do too. Isn’t the puppy the cutest ever 🙂 ❤
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Omg sooo cute!
💖💖
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Very nicely done Lisa. Love the photo!
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Thanks much, Dwight. It took me awhile to find the right photo.
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It is perfect!
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A moment as nice as that is bound to improve things for your protagonist
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I think so too, Larry. Thank you.
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Delightful ending! Like climbing to the top of a rollercoaster and flying.
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Thank you! 🙂
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Great writing Lisa!
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Thank you, Carol 🙂 ❤
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So adorable and sure to raise even the lowest of spirits. Beautifully written, Lisa.
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K, thank you very much. It raised mine in writing it.
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🦋💜
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Children can bring such delight with them sometimes. The photo is lovely. Even the puppy seems to be smiling. 🙂
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So happy you enjoyed the story and photo and yes the puppy does 🙂
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Wonderful ending Li. From gloom to joy.
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Thank you, Sadje. I liked the idea of using the line as a “turn” in the story.
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You’re welcome! It works so well.
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Intriguing story. Luv how the light was switched on.
Thanks for dropping by to read mine
Much💛love
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Gillena, thank you for reading and for your lovely comment. And you are very welcome ❤
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this left a smile on my face, Lisa. thank you.
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Glad it did, Rosemarie, my pleasure 🙂
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A happy ending! (K)
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Yes! Finally!
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Nothing’s so bad that can’t be solved by a cute kid and a puppy.
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You’re right, Liam.
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There is no way a Beagle won’t melt your heart in the worse of times…
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I know! All puppies are cute, but there is something about a Beagle puppy…
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Well there is Snoopy also…that doubles their appeal! I had two Beagles growing up at the same time.
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oh! how unexpectedly cute, Lisa! Love this 😀
❤
David
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So glad you do, David ❤
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This was a perfect ending, and what joy children can spread…
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Thank you, and yes ❤
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That dog is just too cute. I’m also glad your story went from doom to bloom!😀
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Thank you, Christian 🙂 I know your family are animal lovers and think that little critter would be welcome at your place.
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Oh, you bet!😀
At one point, we had two Yorkies, two bunnies and five cats. And that doesn’t include my wife’s fish tank. Now, we “only” have one Silkie and two cats. And, of course, the lovely fish tank!😀
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I love this and the contrast of emotions and the joy a puppy can bring to a child.
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Thank you and am glad you enjoyed the story.
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