where can we find light in this never-ending shade?
–From Amanda Gorman, “The Hill We Climb”
Answered
Curled up in blankets, layered against cold and wet, I read Clarke, Heinlein, or Atwood by candlelight; books whose pages haven’t disintegrated yet in the cave’s humidity. “X’s” on its wall say it’s mid-January. Deep underground it’s a constant sixty degrees. Candles, kindling, canned/dry/paper goods are rationed; by my reckoning, I have a year.
I’ve been trapped here for two. Fire; then mudslides sealed exits. If only I’d thought to bring a shovel. I’m alive via air and water seeping through Mount Tai’s cracks.
Groans, taps, and echoes are my companions. And a mouse named Morgan. I leave her small bits that she retrieves when candlelight sleeps.
Each night I pray, “where can we find light in this never-ending shade?”
Tuesday’s candle flames. Morgan’s sitting on the blanket, facing me. She squeaks, turns, and runs. I follow her … to the light.
Merril is today’s host for dVerse’ Prosery. We are to write a prose narrative of up to 144 words and include the given line of poetry.
Tao Talk 
Thanks for joining in, Li! That’s a long time to be trapped in a cave. I’m glad they had books, as well as food and candles. I hope they got out with Morgan!
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You’re welcome, Merril. She was alone (except for the sounds and Morgan,) which made it twice as long. I’m sure Morgan left with her.
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Oh, that’s good! 😊
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Love this! Nature always leads the way. 😘
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:)
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This brings to mind the situation when miners have a cave collapse around them and must wait to be saved….too real for some.
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That’s a good ending! (K)
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:)
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Yay for Morgan! A creepy little piece that ended well.
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Thanks, Nolcha. With that line, it’s a given it will be creepy, but it must also allow for some relief. Just like what we’re living in.
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Great poem, Lisa. I also like what seems to be a happy ending! :-)
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Thanks, Christian. I guess it depends on what they find once they get out of the cave?
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True. Well, I guess I want to believe it’s something good! :-)
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Nicely done, Lisa. Sounds rather ominous!
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Dwight, I watched a doc/report on Democracy Now! last week about the wildfires in CA that talked about how fire destroys the trees/vegetation whose roots hold the land in place. When the heavy rains and winds come, they bring floods and landslides. It *is* ominous and it is going on right now :(
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Yes, it is not a good situation to be in for sure.
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I like the ending, Lisa! Well done.
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Thanks, Miriam :)
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“Groans, taps, and echoes are my companions” is such a cool line.
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<3 thanks, Melissa
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Love Morgan, in a disaster the animals usually know what to do and where to go. I would always watch the animals first. Great story Lisa.
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Di thank you so much. I totally agree.
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This was so good, Lisa. I was right there in the cave with her, and Morgan. Hopefully the exit is large enough for her as well as Morgan!
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I hope so also, Dale. Maybe that gleam of light will inspire her to enlarging the hole if it isn’t. I’m vibing to them both to make it happen. Thanks much, glad you vibed with the story.
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I don’t doubt she will dig deep into her strengtch to dig through. I did!
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<3
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💞
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nice one!!!
much♡love
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Thanks, Gillena!
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I wonder if we were writing about the same caves…. I hope Morgan set you free and that the outside is worth visiting,
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<3
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A very well written story Li.
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Sadje, glad (but sad) that you connected with it. May it never come to pass to find oneself in such a situation.
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I sincerely hope not. This is not what one wants.
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A strong metaphorical tale of our communal inner turmoil….supern attention to detail, the mouse introduced, the flickering candle and mouse eading you to light…but…the relationship established first with bits of food. Lovely to read.
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Ain, thank you, your feedback is most appreciated <3
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A lovely prosery, Lisa. It’s a great prompt.
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Thanks, Robbie, it’s a line open to creative possibilities and one most everyone can relate to.
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Brilliantly done. No inflection of adherence to a prompt. Nice job.
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Violet, I appreciate what you see (or don’t see) in the story. Thank you.
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This was fabulous! I liked the way you worked in the line.
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Colleen, many thanks :)
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Thank goodness he kept feeding Morgan! Lol! Great prosery, Lisa!
Yvette M Calleiro :-)
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com
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Yvette, thanks much :)
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Morgan may save the day…or night. That kinda put me in a Tom Saywer mood in McDugal’s cave.
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:)
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Lisa, to me this piece feels heartfelt and resilient, capturing the sense of isolation and hope beautifully.
Much love,
David
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Thanks, David.
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*hug*
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This is such a timely and poignant write, Lisa! The prose piece speaks to me of inner turmoil and trials that one has to face .. may we all find the light at the end of the tunnel 🩷🩷
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Sanaa, thanks for sharing the feedback. Indeed.
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Where there is hope , there is light.
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