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dVerse Prosery Monday — Heard

Posted by Lisa or Li on
ancient feminine 1124

Publication – is the Auction
Of the Mind
— Emily Dickinson, from
Publication – is the Auction (788)

Heard

The first things she remembers are screams. Her own. And too much red.

Twelve years later…

Lilac wafts through window of the third-floor dormitory, waking Dahlia. It’s laundry day. Still an hour before dawn. She pads across the wooden floor, polished smooth with age, to Jeen’s cot. She shoves the rough blanket, whispers, “C’mon!”

They’re in knee-length frocks, falling down, baggy socks; carrying hand-me-down Florsheims, two sizes too big, as their clunks might alert the Sisters. They scurry down the back stairs – to the basement.

Lighting stashed candles, the girls pull out pilfered pens and paper. The stillness in the belly of the orphanage is tickled by scribbling echoes off of centuries-old stone.

Pink blushes glass block eastern windows. Dahlia says, “We’ll be famous one day, Jeen.”

“Do you know that publication is the auction of the mind?”

“Our stories need to be known.”

[144 words]

Melissa is today’s host of dVerse’ Poetics Monday. Melissa wants us to write a 144-word (or less) story using the given line of poetry.

23 Comments Add yours

  1. Melissa Lemay's avatar Melissa Lemay says:
    April 13, 2026 at 3:17 pm

    I like both Dahlia and Jeen’s stance. You create a fascinating setting, Li. I’d like to know more about twelve years earlier, too.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:
      April 13, 2026 at 3:45 pm

      Thanks, Melissa. And thank you for a great line to write to.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  2. kim881's avatar kim881 says:
    April 13, 2026 at 3:29 pm

    A tragic story, Lisa. Women have been mistreated for centuries and just when we thought it was over, it seems to be starting all over again in the U.S.  Thankfully, those who could/can write have an escape through imagination and creativity.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:
      April 13, 2026 at 3:47 pm

      Kim thank you for your thoughtful comment. I think of many groups of women and others who have been silenced and punished for things like learning to read and write, speaking their own language, etc.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. kim881's avatar kim881 says:
        April 13, 2026 at 3:51 pm

        I’ve read so many books and articles, watched films and documentaries, and I wish women had a chance to prove that men got it all wrong.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:
          April 13, 2026 at 4:34 pm

          <3

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply
  3. Gillena Cox's avatar Gillena Cox says:
    April 13, 2026 at 3:50 pm

    nice obe, Lisa

    much love

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:
      April 13, 2026 at 4:33 pm

      Thanks, Gillena <3

      Like

      Reply
  4. pandamoniumcat's avatar pandamoniumcat says:
    April 13, 2026 at 4:12 pm

    You have packed so much suspense in this flash fiction Li. I feel I’d like to read more about Dahlia and Jeen, their stories do need to be told :)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:
      April 13, 2026 at 4:34 pm

      Di, thanks so much for reading and your comment. Indeed!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. pandamoniumcat's avatar pandamoniumcat says:
        April 13, 2026 at 4:56 pm

        You’re welcome Li :)

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  5. memadtwo's avatar memadtwo says:
    April 13, 2026 at 7:07 pm

    Words are empowering. (K)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  6. lynn__'s avatar lynn__ says:
    April 13, 2026 at 8:48 pm

    You pulled “write” in, Lisa, and I’d like to know more of their story!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:
      April 13, 2026 at 9:06 pm

      Thanks so much, Lynn.

      Like

      Reply
  7. authorstew's avatar authorstew says:
    April 13, 2026 at 11:33 pm

    Nice setting Li. What is it that they publish for their auctioned words one wonders? 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:
      April 14, 2026 at 2:08 am

      Thanks, Stew.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  8. jaerose37's avatar jaerose37 says:
    April 14, 2026 at 12:20 am

    I love that they have the gift of words – Jae

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:
      April 14, 2026 at 2:09 am

      <3 And they have each other.

      Like

      Reply
  9. Violet Lentz's avatar Violet Lentz says:
    April 14, 2026 at 9:10 am

    I love this little period driven piece!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:
      April 14, 2026 at 1:26 pm

      Thanks much, V.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  10. Unknown's avatar Anonymous says:
    April 14, 2026 at 5:57 pm

    Wonderful write Lisa Ma’am, nice to be back again among friends. Women are strong support though some went through difficult beginnings.

    Hank kaykuala

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:
      April 14, 2026 at 10:25 pm

      <3 Thank you, Hank. Yes, we have to be. Hope I'll see you again at dVerse?

      Like

      Reply
  11. Tamara Gerber-Stutz's avatar Tamara Gerber-Stutz says:
    April 15, 2026 at 1:53 am

    This feels like the perfect embodiment of Emily Dickinson’s line; quiet rebellion, fragile hope, and the courage to create despite everything.

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