Illness of the Mind #shortstory #mentalillness
“mental illness” the doctor said shaking his head noisily.
i was still young and wondered if something was rattling in his head.
after all she sounded more logical than he did and her head certainly did not rattle when she shook it.
but “that” would explain the voices she heard in the middle of the night.
“she must be sedated. she must be contained. … put in a place for her safety.”
“quiet!!!” I said to my head that was starting to rattle.
“for the time being she is safe, she will be under my care” I stated emphatically amidst the frowns and rattlings.
in time she removed herself from society and whatever cacophony of sound there had been was relieved by the sound of the birds and the animals that sought the peace in her gardens.
one day I removed myself to the gardens for some clean air and thought.
“they have been poisoning you for years” she said without nary a comment on my part
“how did you know?” I had known for some time myself.
“i can smell it and the voices told me.”
“breathe the air here and in time your head will cease to rattle.
in three months I was clear
i fed the creatures from my hand during my hiatus
the voices started going away
when I returned I found it
well actually them:
an inconspicuous bottle with an ancient name written in Latin
at her house i read the book that had told me about a poison used on a fictional character using this same substance
and the book titled “ convince them they are mad ”
i got a call from my husband’s doctor “time for your annual checkup”
i knew if I stopped hearing the voices telling me to flee i would be out of my mind
Jealous of Love #poetry
Be jealous of the man who grasps her heart as they become one with the sea
Beware the hands who one day will remove the veil of a woman who once seemed so frail
watch the man whose eyes of black consume her body never looking back
Be jealous of the man whose gentle lips launches love like ships
beware the love these two possess they will sail the tides and never wreck
don’t watch as he holds her hands under the moon for love’s fervent stand
Be jealous for one day this man you will be
embrace the woman she will be me
z a fitting end #atozchallenge
The end it fits
Boa constrictor
Squeezing out last gasps of air
You raped
Pillaged
You leave nothing
The audience will be by for viewing
“Here lies her carcass
Once a woman
Now a shell
Ripped to pieces
Teeth marks latent”
Compared to heart bludgeoning
Never you mind
Go forward
You are good
At enticing
Destruction
Causing people who feel
Their END
*incessant clapping by audience who in their ignorance helped bloody the water***
Yawl #atozchallenge #poetry #life’slessons #sailing #napomo
She was ours this sturdy craft
maiden voyage stem to stern packed
we set off on a lark that day
knowing not that bad weather was in the way
we pitched we rolled
our new craft took a toll
we trimmed we sailed
and emptied quite a few pail
an ugly grey squall no less
it was sent our way to give the test
when sun’s weak rays came at last
we knew one of many we had passed
for others would we be ready
in our life there would be plenty
storms to test our merit
lessons for love we would bear it
***
There are many challenges in life. If we cannot weather those storms our life is not hardy and hail. This is my offering to the A to Z challenge. A lesson of life packed into this “Y” – my little “craft” bobs and pitches on a regular basis but we are still “afloat.”
The beautiful seascape is by artist Konstantinovich
X Marks the Spot #atozchallenge #shortstory #children
“They say there has been treasure hidden somewhere around here. It was left by pirates a long time ago.” my cousin whispered as I drifted off to sleep the first night I was staying at his house.
“Tony what were you thinking giving Bobby ideas of treasure seeking? He already has so much to deal with his mother being so sick and all.” Tony’s mother wrung the color from her hands.
“Ma it will keep his mind off of it.” Tony looked at her seriously.
“A rousing game of Monopoly would have done the same.” She sighed. “He fell asleep with the map under his pillow.”
“It will be ok. I promise” Tony hitched his shoulder and went upstairs to the room he was sharing with me.
Tony said those words repeatedly to his mother over the weeks that followed. What she didn’t realize he was doing it as much for her as for me. My mother, Alicia, was his mother’s younger sister. In some ways, she was like her daughter. He knew neither of us could take it if “Auntie” died.
“Ok… I’m ready for another search” I said with wide-eyed eagerness.
Each day, before going out, Tony would tell a story about pirates and treasure. Each day his mother and I listened intently.
“That boy’s quite the story-teller” she said proudly to a neighbor as they watched us venture off with a trusty shovel and dirty map.
I’m not sure that I believed Tony until one night…
…I had this crazy dream of fire, pirates, lots of bottles of something that made them shoot off their guns and yell into the night. They didn’t know I was watching them as they buried their treasure. I woke up the next day with an indelible “x” in my mind.
“Tony, Tony. I had a dream… pirates…treassure. The dream told me where the treasure is.Tony, Tony.”
I became the story-teller that morning before we set off. I could see my aunt’s eyes glisten with tears.
The sun was setting and Tony’s ma was getting a bit worried. She didn’t realize carrying pirate’s treasure is a lot of work. When she saw us, she ran to see what the trouble was.
“We found it!!!!” our arms and legs were exhausted but our voices conveyed the exuberance in our discovery.
“Oh – you did” she said rather breathless with excitement.
Inside the box was a treasure of gold doubloons that were who knows how old.
The next day she got the call from daddy.”They can treat Alicia but it will cost more than any of us could raise in a lifetime. I have no hope left.”
We heard a “whoop” from the next room and ran to see what was happening. There was my auntie on the phone. “Here tell your daddy about the treasure Bobby. Tell him!!!”
***
That was years ago now. I still love a good story told by my cousin Tony who has a weekly radio show. The left over money from the treasure put Tony and I through top notch universities. I became a syndicated writer for associated press. Tony occasionally asks me to write a script or two…
******
This is my offering to The A to Z challenge. I had to revert to my story telling and script writing to pull off today’s letter “X.” Whewww (no that’s a “W”)
World Race #atoz #flashfiction #Rodin
I didn’t realize there was a world race for the discovery which my colleagues and I had spent the better part of our lifetime researching.
Yes there could be money, recognition…
but that is not why
Does a singer have to sing?
an artist sculpt or paint?
We had to discover
we were so close…
My world as a child was the think tank of Stanford University. My mind filled with science. While most kids were putting together Tinker Toys, I was studying bones (really old bones.) I got my break – the opportunity to work in medical research starting at the age of 13 (they kinda fudged on my age.) I saw and learned much. Scientific discoveries seemed to be made every day…
This is a flash fiction for my friend Galen aka Mr Know it All who has been in the hospital. Get well soon G-man.
and this is “W” for the wrap up week of the A to Z challenge.
Photography: Public Domain picture of Rodin’s sculpture “The Burghers of Calais ”in front of the Stanford Quad
The Living Well #napomo
I bubble and sing
never stopped up
stench cannot foul
a living thing
reach your hand
touch be refreshed
by pure
clear water
I foment and fuss
out of love
for I watch
and fear your loss
you are the reason
there is a well
drink
and be filled
I bubble and sing
I am the living spring
come to me
be refreshed
As a chilren’s writer I am etched with simplicity. That does not mean my mind does not whirl around complexity. Early on as a story teller, I realized that the children needed to be able to see my words. Simple though the words may be, I hope that you are able to see the and grasp the well.
Photograph: “Water’s Prism” L. Moon copyright 2011
Vicissitudes of a Life #atozchallenge #dreamer
I had rapid fire thoughts surge through my head.
- Princesses never have power in fantasy stories; they always look good and have a “ga ga” prince
- focus – poison
- Get Blue!!!
- Get Blue!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- I never dream in colour
- When I wake up I am going to write a bestseller because this dream is too rich
- mommy
“Look mama.” I heard that nauseatingly sweet voice of that little girl.
“Don’t you have somewhere to go?” I wanted to say a bit too unkindly for a kid in a dream. “Ok little girl look at what? I’ll play along.”
“Yes dear her lips are a very odd blue colour. I hope that doesn’t mean the end is near.” Why does she sound like Mrs. Cleaver?
“At least the mother is a realist.Wait. It’s my end that she is referring to. Get that Prussian Blue – ASAP!!”
The next moment the princess sat up. I mean I sat up. I don’t have any idea what is happening. (Needless to say I have no idea if these are thoughts or I am speaking.)
“Thank you so for your help little girl.” (did I say that?)
“All I did was to wish you to be well.” The little girl smiled a little too sweetly for my liking.
“Yes you did.” A beautiful smile crested the princess’ face like dawn after a storm. It was radiant and commanding. “I must go back now. There is a war to stop and a Viceroy’s son to marry.”
“Is that all?” I thought sarcastically.
“Goodbye” the little girl said secretly holding a handful of blue.
“Ahh” I sighed “that’s the way I like a dream to end. A little girl with blue pills, a very assertive princess, and the dreamer discovering that she is mentally unbalanced.”
The next moment I, she was walking through an unusual forest. “Toto we are not in Kansas…”
Shake it off normal person ”I have need of you as you have need of me. Your knowledge from the other world will keep me alive. In exchange, I will one day return you to your world…”
“That’s one assertive princess” I sighed.
…much later having come to my senses
“I’m glad daddy taught me how to look out for myself. (you may not know it prin…cessss but my daddy was a Navy Seal he could kick butt).” I thought.
Out loud I said “Lead the way princess – Carpe Diem.”
She chuckled “You do realize this is not a dream sequence!”
“Yes – time to prepare for a wedding” (back atcha princess)
“It is time I take charge of my dream” I thought as my mind and body shifted to high alert. “Afterall there are people out there trying to kill “my” princess.”
*****Warning*****
When princesses in dreams start talking back to you realize you are in for a big change!!!!
******
This is the forth of a short story series that I think I will condense, edit then re-post “Dreamer” “Jolted Asleep” and ” The Hidden Element”
The beautiful water color that has been the front piece of my “dream” series was painted by the talented Arna Baartz.
Thank you to the A to Z challenge that has given me the chance to pull out archived work and get some feedback on some of my WIP. All of the moderators deserve a month off to dream of next year’s A to Z!!!!
Undone #atozchallenge #poetry #nationalpoetrymonth
Her feelings undone
by you
a butterfly released
into the wild
she flutters
floats
silent for one moment
on your finger
she teases
taunts
color and movement
a private dance
of beauty
synchronicity
for you
Looking in your eyes
she is undone
transformed
a petal falls
falling
falling
softly
caressing
with velvety snow white
petals
landing
before you
Undone in a melted pool
what you will do
she knows not
she yearns for you
to scoop her up
cast her into the breeze
watch her
glide
wait
she is free
to light
upon
your
heart
I found this beautiful picture at http://www.petsfoto.com/wonderful-world-butterflies/
And we are on U for the A to Z challenge – I did it!!!
Is a Blot enough? #poetry #photography
Long awaited drop
falls from the limb
I watch
all I want to do is cry
***
weak arms
cannot stretch
the distance
that one drop can fall
***
frantic appeal
into darkness’ night
impotent to aid
the one I love
***
“why” I beg
when others needed aid
I was there
but not for her
***
Place a shield
around her now
dawn will come
filled with light’s warmth
***
give her strength
draw away the pain
feed her need
blot out her …
An excellent shot Photography: “The World in A Drop” by Damien Franco
Those Eyes #atoz #napomo #photography
She sat by the trickling stream deep in thought.
She gazed at her only companion the moon; it was lovely and ethereal.
It reminded her of years of dreams. “If only…” She sighed.
Quietly he sat beside her; he wrapped his strong arms around her.
She leaned against his shoulder. He turned her face toward his. He gazed into the depth of her mesmerizing blue eyes.
“Those eyes, I know those eyes.” He could have looked there forever.
He traced her face with his thumb. He combed his fingers through her long, silky hair.
He breathed in the clean fragrance of her.
His finger traced her lips and paused.
He lowered his lips to hers so gentle yet filled with unspoken desire.
“Those lips…” taste of a lifetime of hope, of waiting, of …
…The breeze gently lifted a tendril of her hair and caressed her cheek.
She leaned in to whisper a kiss on lips never forgotten.
He was gone…
where did he go????? the reader asks
Thanks to the A to Z challenge co-hosts for the daily fun.
photography: “La Luna” & “Garden Path” copyright 2012 L. Moon
Just For You… #poetry #napomo
Though you wont know
these words are penned
typed rather slow
with thoughts of you
Im on the moon
you ~ terra’s ground
looking down
with thoughts of you
working school or sick
wish I could pick
a tea cozy spot
with thoughts of you
can never replace
the warm embrace
since you were young
with thoughts of you
hold on tight
from the monsters of the night
I can’t be there
but I have always
thoughts of you
Final Stroke #atoz #art #shortstory
The final brush stroke…
she held her breath knowing what had seemed like a lifetime of creating would be culminated at this final pass of color. For a moment she heard a child laughing with glee as she pranced around the studio with her first paint brush from her grand pere. “I was so full of life, exuberance, potential then. I knew I would be a talented artist with many commissioning my work. I was too much the dreamer.”
A brush fell…
“What if this final mark on my years as an artist is a flop?” She turned as if speaking to stacks of blank and partly finished canvasses.
“You must” she spoke assuring the canvas that they must move forward.
What the art enthusiasts did not know is that she felt each painting would be her last. The beginning stages of applying gesso and sketching out her subject was like birth for her soul; the final touches But it was not the brush she had been using. Taking a lasting stroke with what she believed was a subtle cream ;she left a mark on her painting that would be talked about by historians and students for generations.
“The stroke of red made this a masterpiece”
“She knew the stroke of red would be like a crescendo in the art world.”
“It symbolized her heart failing her.”
“It was a dagger…”
They found her in a pool of red. In her glorious world of finished and unfinished creations.
Her final work had indeed been the most influential piece of her career.
***
Some day I will finish my life work which is a biographical fiction about my mother’s life. An artist who has made everything she touches a masterpiece. In her youth, she painted and made history.
This piece ” Final Stroke” is my creation for the letter “S ” in the month long A to Z writing challenge,
Reflection #atozchallenge #sanfrancisco #napomo
Wait
A solitary figure looking
listening for you in the silent waters
For one moment I heard young laughter
inspired by you
watch
a much younger me
You robed in wisdom
crowned in silver
we dance and sing
fairies from a younger time
Look
discovery of cherished yellowed memories
reach into the blue
trace the reflection of you and I
ripples of giggles
I harken to new sounds of glee
grateful for the cycle of life
standing still I embrace you and I
at the Palais
******
It has been a joy to look into the reflection of the work of others over the past month of A to Z challenge where there are rare and beautiful treasures (writings and people). Please enjoy a memory that I pulled from a reflection into the past.
Photography: Palace of Fine Arts L. Moon 2010 ( believe it or not that is an iphone shot)
Meet me at the Quad #atozchallenge #stanford #flashfiction
The note was cryptic all it said was:” meet me at the quad.”
“The Quad” I mused where so many discussions had taken place.
As scientists, we had seen the world through a different aperature
viewed things few would ever see…
“Who is it I am to meet?” I stood looking at a name in stone.
****
The Stanford Quad is an historic place for myself and many others. If your know anything about Stanford University as an institute for higher learning it was ( and is ) the place where rules were broken and new discoveries emerged. I am going to break a rule and extend this story into next Friday Flash Fiction 55. Please forgive me this one time Mr G.
I am also submitting this piece to the month long A to Z challenge that I am part of. Today’s challenge was “Q” and coming up with a Q was a challenge…
The Hidden Element #atozchallenge #dreamer #shortstory
Though my hands couldn’t help my mind was in full motion.
“Hmm poisons. If only…”
Then it happened my mind scrolled to a symposium I had sat in with a woman who was an expert on poisons. She had an interesting story really. She was a physician who had done an internship in Mozambique. She had purchased jewelry for friends and family. When one of her friends got deathly ill, she realized it had been the jewelry; a beautiful seed that had a residue of the poison inside the shell. It had gotten into a small cut she had on her neck. Something so beautiful could unknowingly kill. So Doc started doing her research on innocuous things that could be poisonous to her patients.
I started thinking about things I had done, things I had eaten. The strangest thing happened. My mind went into a chamber – beautiful with velvet hangings on stone walls. I looked down at my hands; they were covered with rings. My bejeweled hand and wrist alone was worth millions of dollars. I heard an odd language; I understood what the servant was saying.
“You must rest princess tomorrow you must meet meet with Viceroy’s son. They say he is very handsome.”
I did NOT want to get married but my country was on the edge of a war.
“Yes you are right. Please bring me something to eat in an hour.”
I woke to food laid out but no Awala. “She must be busy preparing my garments for tomorrow.”
I ate slowly. The food had an odd taste. Must be my imagination.
My mind was trying to configure the taste or smell.
“Olepheride” Where did that name come from? It wasn’t part of our element table. But it was an element in the alternate world. A slow deadly poison with no antidote in ”that” world. But apparently an antidote here.
“So how did I get here? I mean how did she get here?”
“Stop getting side-tracked. Focus!!!”
I rummaged through all the antidotes I had heard about in the symposium. I had chosen one for a story ; it sounded romantic – Prussian Blue. It was easy to take and you could take a fairly large amount of it. Blue paint pigments were also derived from it.
“Ha” I wanted to laugh and cry at the same time. Even if I had a handful of the capsules or paint, there would be no way to injest the stuff. I am afterall a lifeless princess. A kiss will not eradicate this problem.
“But…”
“No that’s crazy”
“what if???”
“No. Reason think logically.”
“This princess could have powers…”
(I hate it when I start dialoging with myself.)
“…. a princess with powers from another world”
sounds like your average dream sequence
“WHEN _AM __I _GOING _TO _WAKE_ UP???????????”
***
Please forgive the double book on the letter “P”. Todays 1st post I had auto posted a month ago before I configued this serial short story. In order to give each some room I will post the dreamer story in the late part of Wednesday. Part 1 “Dreamer” and Part 2 “Jolted Asleep” are part of this dream sequence a four part story that may resolve next week with the letter “V”
Happy A to Z all!!!!!
Many thanks to the very talented artist Arna Baartz for allowing me to use her watercolor as my “Dream girl”
Our House…. #moneypit #ourhouse #atozchallenge
“… is a very, very, very fine house”
I used to love that song when I was 19 and not a homeowner.
they forgot the line with —
“my roof is caving in
the budget is so thin
now all my hairs receeding cuz of you”
***
I had just hung up the phone “Honey the roofer says we are lucky we aren’t sleeping on top of the roof moss”
“…or under a lily” I wanted to snarl but I knew it would not help the situation.
“How is it that a house in an upscale, desirable neighborhood can have so many problems? All the plumbing was replaced just a few years ago and I thought the roof…” his voice was tired.
“what had they used for pipes… peet pots?”
“with two cats in the yard…”
there was that part of the song that rang true ~ Jekyll and Hyde were buried side by side in the backard where they used to sun.
“life used to be sooo haa ard”
“what was I thinking?” I muttered as I remembered cheerfully signing a 30 year bank note humming this song.
“If I find one more problem with this house you will have to commit me” I whistled between my teeth to the only one who cared… my shrink.
“I’m sure that we can list the house for … ” my relator cheerfully shook my hand.
“ We will only lose fifty to one hundred and fifty thousand DOLLARSSSSS if we are lucky.” he said through woeful eyes.
“now everything is easy cuz of you”
those Vallium went down so well maybe number four or five will help me forget the rotted trusses and the sinking foundation…
la la lalalala
“oh they are such cheerful sorts at this sanitorium
fortunately my healthcare package includes mental breakdowns”
la la la la
la la la
la la
la
“Ah yes A to Z fiction for the letter “O” , Moondustwriter says as she sits on a lawn chair wearing white. “Time for your mint julip dear (and sedatives).” Just so you know rotting houses are no fiction. The good news I already had craters in my face but my hair is rapidly thinning and we just got the estimate for all new appliances. The cheapest bill this season!!! I can’t feel my fingers… Landscaping includes the sink hole wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
A very very very fine house (indeed…)
Nothing to Replace the Sorrow – for K #atozchallenge #napomo #poetry
when she was young and still a child
she felt she could conquer the world
she suffered an incredible loss
the death of the one
who made her heart sing
danced where no one else could
raised the curtain of her soul
revealing pure light
and because of it
she could see
really see
love
So unexpected
so soon
life taken in an instant
before she could blink
no let me return air
life
existence
but nothing the girl did
could return
the dance
the song
the joy
she wandered in the fog
little caring where life took her
no one to understand the dance of love
she would on occasion hear rumor of a song
never could it be her singer
it is dead she had to face it
never can it return
so she
stopped
looking
until one day quite by accident
when she was not looking
the curtain was pulled back
light filtered through green
a song played
she had to dance
it was a piece
of the love she had lost
she saw it in those eyes
love she had cherished
in the spirit of this being
come
dance
sing
hold my hand and love life
with me!!!
***
Loss begets sorrow how do we deal with it?
In life’s journeys there are some blows that seem impossible to recover
How does one bear it?
My dear daughter is suffering such a blow
I cannot hold her at arm’s length from the sorrow
She must walk through the fog — alone
no words can be said
and so
as a parent I watch, I cry, but can do nothing to hold back the pain
To Unlock My Heart #napomo #poetsunited #poetry
I heard the song of sorrow
swinging in the trees
“So very long”
time passed
you hung there
out of reach
releasing me
from this prison
doable
as
“finding the key”
to the lock
a many keyed puzzle
lifetime’s maze
“impossible”
“give up”
I shout
whispered entreaty in silence
“please try”
a tear from the past
waters the soil
a buried heart
given up on life
and hope
a hand grasps
barren, corroded key
“Wait it is here!!!”
he calls from his grave
hope turns
opens the lock
unleashes two
“me”
I weep
“you”
he smiles
lives opened together
“joined by one key”
Believe in the conduit
of the art of poetry
dear reader
for in it
a poet can be one with the words
a reader can feel himself open
at times
per chance
both reader and poet
for that singular moment
are united
thus the poem
the key of many an undoing
~L. Moon
In Love with the Moon #atozchallenge #napomo
The young adventurer gazed from terra at this beautiful silvery orb and wondered “what does she look like up close?”
For years he travelled far and wide grasping glimpses of her from many cultures. This he knew she was beautiful, lithe, elusive, she changed many times in one month, and at times disappeared from his sight altogether. He wondered what she would look like up close.
He would lay under her on warm nights and as he slept he would dream of a woman in a gossamer gown. She danced for him always out of his reach; she had a beautiful voice neither high nor low in pitch. In the deepest part of his sleep, he could hear her speak. Unusual was her speech but always he was embraced by her smooth whisper.
Come with me and dance this night
there is a lady just out of sight
a woman alone tho far away
grasp for her arm
perhaps she will stay
come with me and dance this night
through the galaxy let us take flight
open your arms
I will spread my wings
speak to me of love and other things
come with me and dance this night
too soon for lovers the sun makes his light
He groaned as he awoke from a very sound sleep. His skin tingled as tho he had been touched by her fingertips. “Please come to me tonight dear lady for I am willing to take flight,” he called up to the faint outline in the sky.
He followed her around the world and back for he wanted to know every aspect of her. She seemed to taunt him but he never gave up trying to dance with her at night. There were a few nights when he almost took flight.
His breaths were jagged now and he knew it would be soon.
He heard a voice strong and lusty. It was his gossamer clad lady come for. “I am ready to take flight at last” he murmered from crusty lips.
Come with me and dance this night
hold me darling I’ll hold you tight
for all the years I’ve waited for you
waiting for us at last is through
take flight…
Lovely Lady #atozchallenge #poetry #spring #theater
Her name spoken softly in a whisper brought a hush to the room.
Like a swan shyly opening her wings Calla enters from stage left.
diamond like tears glisten as beholding such beauty evokes this emotion
In velvety white, the audience’s aww is hushed by the entry of a shadow that removes oxygen from the room.
The phantom swoops in on Calla crushing her in one hopeless instant.
One and all gasp feeling oppression, darkness
A sadness fills the room at the thought of beautiful Calla’s brokeness.
light fails to emit from the corners of the room
****
A colorful poppy clad girl pranches center stage
She wistfully brushes Calla on the forehead with a kiss as she is swept away by a tropical breeze.
Calla tilts her face to a radiant orb.
Too hot for many Calla welcomes his strength.
No longer white nor pure Calla feels beyond love as she is wrapped in warmth
The sun booms forth a deep chuckle as the red and orange curtain closes.
All that remains is light that cannot be contained
Photography LMoon copyright 2010-2012
Killing me softly #atoz #flashfiction
the words and intent
too long
angst flow now thru my fingertips
run away from my heart
I urge the poison placed
like acid there for nigh too long
Away!!!
killing who I had been
i air out my soul
i glimpse what I lost
now that I am
myself regained
now
flow
ing free
A Day After this Night #poetry #napomo
I live under the pain of life’s night
suffering losses
the sack that I carry
some days unbearable
others just managable
I am you
I am me
I am youth
the elderly
a mother
a child
a homeless person
a veteran
Push away the curtain of suffering
beyond the clouds
the turbulance
past the rainbow
glorious
bright
where you and I will see
perfection in the day
photography L. Moon copyright 2011
