image link The seed of a poem lay dormant in my heart. by Valsa George, from “Winged Words“ Trauma rattles like bingo balls in a metal cage, trapped, praying for caller’s graced hand to reach in and release them in correct alignment. It’s almost six. Players shuffle in. Most sit horseshoed with their charms and…
Category: fiction
#FF — The Great Builder
PHOTO PROMPT © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields I was raised with foundations of a truth that made me prone to earthquakes, floods, drought, and wildfires. The Great Builder assigned worker bees to this aimless wretch. Stone by stone, my foundation was overlaid with bioliths of resonant wonder, kindness, grace, patience, forgiveness, laughter, companionship, guilelessness – and reciprocation….
#FF — Get a Real Job
It’s my first children’s birthday party gig. Parched from twenty rounds of “Old McDonald’s Farm,” Billy’s mother says she will watch Stradi while I go inside for a quick powder room visit and some lemonade. Intercepted in the living room by three girls with ponytails who beg for a capella Katy Perry, they cheer after…
#FF — Jokers Wild — Alternate Title: Hammered (strong language warning)
PHOTO PROMPT © Liz Young I enter the first door with a neon sign over it, sit at the bar, and order Magners with a shot of whisky on the side. As the burn rolls down to my gullet, I notice photographs above the shelves of pretty poisons. Photos of laughing patrons in goofy costumes…
#FF — Memory Lane
PHOTO PROMPT © Rowena Curtin The narrow lane is just as I remember, with its rainbowed walls of eclectic shops and cafes. What were cobblestones are now slabs of concrete that detract from its character. The tidy appearance belies secrets that hover, invisibly, yet palpably for people like me. I look to the end of…
#FF — Best Woman
PHOTO PROMPT © Jennifer Pendergast I assess my image in the mirror as Layla stands behind me, adjusting my hair accessories. My eyes travel up to one of the most beautiful people I’ve ever known. For a moment I feel I’m dreaming. How can this be? I check the time. “We have five minutes, Layla….
#FF — Maintenance
PHOTO PROMPT © Miles Rost My being is rife with addictions and transience. The question of chicken and egg, which came first, is anyone’s guess. At this point it doesn’t matter. Employers are desperate for workers; often anyone will do. Even someone like me. I’m hired as locksmith, maintenance, and hotel security; room and board…
Tao-Talk 