In response to Scott’s Daily Prompt, Sweet 16
When I was just sixteen
I wanted to change the world
Bring peace, fix all the problems
By twenty one I knew that was not to be
Instead, I would leave a legacy
Something by which the future would remember me
By thirty, the world was down and dirty
I was fighting for my place
By forty I was planning for those to come
By fifty I was fearing the legacy we were leaving
Now
I only crave peace
Dusk murmurations
Like a ballet in the sky
Whirling evening swirls
Ordered by some hidden sign
Steeling for the long flight home
Today’s prompt is.
Sweet sixteen
When you were 16, what did you think your life would look like? Does it look like that? Is that a good thing?
In response to Scott’s Daily Prompt, Breaking the law
I have lived in fear of breaking the rules
While the party of fools
Partied
Why
Did I fear
Adhere
Keep clear
When the pattern has grown grey and tired
When the plaid is threadbare and thin
Break out the paint and the brushes
And graffiti the fucking walls!
Today’s prompt is.
Breaking the law
Think about the last time you broke a rule (a big one, not just ripping the tags off your pillows). Were you burned, or did things turn out for the best?
In response to Scott’s Daily Prompt, Apply yourself
Run up and down the scales
Patience they say is the key
To be a master of music
Run up and down the scales
Run up and down the scales
Repetition and I don’t agree
It’s just not how I learn
Run up and down the scales
Run up and down the scales
I like to hop, skip and soar
Produce something bad and improve
Run up and down the scales
Run up and down the scales
It’s still not a tune
Not even pleasant to the ear
Run up and down the scales
Run up and down the scales
When will my guitar gently weep?
When will the crowd cry for more!
Run up and down the scales
Run up and down the scales
I think you are getting my point
Patience. Patience is the key.
Run up and…. sod this! It’s brain surgery for me.
Abstract
That seems to be the government’s plan
Absent
And
Subtracting
Taking away
From those who need it most
With a complete lack or guilt
Or morals
Today’s prompt is.
Apply yourself
Describe your last attempt to learn something that did not come easily to you.
In response to Scott’s Daily Prompt, free association.
The rain on the soil Leads us to the homeward road Where roots are deepest
She had brought it on a whim at a garage sale. The woman who sold it had practically thrown it at her when she enquired, took only 50p. With bloodshot eyes, she spat the tale.
“She must have brought it for him! I have never seen before.”
She, it turned out, was some mysterious floozy who had apparently stolen her husband. He had disappeared one night leaving everything behind. His wife had found the picture hanging in his study. She assumed it was from her.
Now it hung in Suzanne’s hall. As she looked at it in greater detail it did not seem a likely love gift.
It was a simple landscape. A green field of swaying grass and in the distance a lonely figure. A man she thought but there was no telling why.
A simple image but compelling. The nuances of the colour were subtle and lifelike. She could almost feel the grass swaying. She wondered where the man was walking to. He seemed to be disappearing into the horizon.
A simple picture that had drawn her eye from the moment she saw it.
And so it continued to. As she went about her daily business she kept passing by and stopping to appreciate her new find.
In fact, she realised that she was finding the least excuse to pass that way more and more often. She laughed at herself. What a silly obsession!
But she did not stop.
Finally, she went to bed.
She could not sleep. The picture played on her mind. There was something about it. Something she was not seeing. There must be some subliminal symbol or hidden message that was trying to call out to her.
She tried to ignore it and get to sleep.
She could not.
There was something about the picture!
Something wrong.
She got out of bed. Went back down to the hall and stared at it.
It was mesmerising. The brush strokes were so fantastically real. Had she stumbled on some forgotten or lost masterpiece? The grass almost seemed to be moving, rippling like water in the wind.
No! It was moving! And the figure, the man. He was closer! Holding out his hand in invitation….
He had not noticed the picture in the catalogue. But now, here in the auction room, it drew him. The fact that it was from the house clearance of a mysteriously missing woman somehow added to his desire for it. It seemed to have no worth. It was described simply as “Man and Woman in Grassy Meadow”. Artist unknown.
He had to have it!
He would pay dearly for it!
Today’s prompt is.
Free association
Write down the first words that come to mind when we say . . . home. . . soil. . . rain. Use those words in the title of your post.
In response to Scott’s Daily Prompt, In a crisis
Vacillate, hesitate That would be me In a crisis I know But I would not be alone We should be thankful For the impetuous In a crisis In these days They are a pain
I ruminate on my future
I have grown weary
My skills and senses
Blunted
A plough driven too long
I must change
Or something must change
Nervous
I must arise again
Be alive again
Feed!
Today’s prompt is.
In a crisis
Honestly evaluate the way you respond to crisis situations. Are you happy with the way you react?
In response to Scott’s Daily Prompt, Toot your horn
A tenuous connection but that’s how my mind works.
Knowledge is nothing To admit your ignorance That is true wisdom
Around the towering icon
The overgrown child
The mad fool with power
They swarmed
Bringing their stings
And their anger
Buzzing at last!
On the sidelines
Stood the keepers
Ready with their smoke
Ready to reap their honey
Today’s prompt is.
Toot your horn
Most of us are excellent at being self-deprecating and are not so good at the opposite. Tell us your favourite thing about yourself.
In response to Scott’s Daily Prompt, Polite Company
Polite company
Will not let you grow
It will smother you
With comfort
Only the harshest critics
Will allow you
To find the best seeds
To sow
The kingfisher marks
The day with a drip, drip, then
Flashing, splashing colour.
Today’s prompt is.
Polite company
“It’s never a good idea to discuss religion or politics with people you don’t really know.” Agree or disagree?
In response to Scott’s Daily Prompt, Ripped from the headlines
The headline on the BBC news website was.
Channel migrants: Thirty rescued as man dies off French coast.
He was running from fear
From death itself
But
Died alone and cold
In the sea
Because we did not want him
We wanted to be left
To dine in peace
On our cheese and wine
I cannot believe this! If anyone were to stop them, this mob of hungry hunters raging through the forest, then nobody would believe the explanation.
The people of the village, the county planners, the farmers, the surveyors, the members of the RSPB, all are hunting in the night. They are hunting the Green Wizard.
What will they do when they catch him? The question fills me with fear.
What will he do?
I feel responsible. It was my decision. I weighed up all the considerations and reached the verdict.
Whatever choice I made would be opposed. The conservationists urged me to leave the forest alone. Those who favoured progress wanted the forest managed and great tracts of it grubbed out for profit.
I should be used to this. I was brought up in the country and we learned to live with threats.
And I had made this kind of decision for years now. I was used to angry crowds. How could they know that I felt their anger and pain? I always found the best compromise.
Unfortunately, this often hurt the countryside.
What had gone wrong this time?
The Green Wizard, that was what. Ever since I set eyes on him I have sailed seas of madness and now dragged the entire community with me.
Last night I saw him. I was wandering in the evening light near the edges of the forest trying to make my decision. I wasn’t sure that this old forest would benefit or even survive having its heart grubbed out. But the village that nestled twinkling below the forest needed fresh hope. The industry this would bring might make a crucial difference.
Then I saw it! A green light bobbing between the trees. At first, I thought it was a firework for it had that bright magical quality. It was an artificial green like the glass baubles of a Christmas tree. It drew my heart towards it.
I walked in, my fear disappearing as I entered the solace and safety of the trees.
Darkness fell completely as the sun sank but the green light bobbed before me and led the way.
It must be a willow-the-wisp I half told myself but its beauty was far too potent to resist.
I came to a clearing and then I saw that the light was a flame flickering on top of a staff held by an old man. He was dressed in a green robe that shone as bright as the flame, with the same entrancing shade. He looked the way that all wizards look in storybooks. Wide-brimmed, pointed hat, long beard.
Only his beard was green. He was the Green Wizard.
He beckoned me towards him but when I got a few feet he held up his hand and I felt a force block me. I felt the full potential of his strength in that strange touch. He could have crushed me with a thought.
“The forest must not die.”
His voice was deep and strong, trusty as oak and full of command!
I nodded.
“There is life here,” he went on, “that is beyond the comprehension of your people. It is vital to the power of the earth in ways you cannot understand. It will not lie idle any longer. If you threaten, it will react.”
“Who are you?” my voice a scared noise in the sudden immensity and darkness of this forest.
“I am the life of this forest! I am the power of the earth!”
I nodded again.
“An agreement is reached!” he boomed. “If you break your bond your life will be forfeit.”
Suddenly something moved in the leaves. I whirled around and a fox bolted across the clearing. All around the clearing the bushes suddenly rustled and shook with life. I spun trying to see what made the noises. There was nothing.
It stopped. The only sound was my panting breath.
It was dark. The Green Wizard was gone.
I thought I had imagined him but I saw a flicker of green, like a warning, away in the trees.
I knew then what I had to do. I had made a bargain. My life was forfeit if I did not make the right decision now.
All my doubts of mad hallucinations disappeared then. The Green Wizard was real.
The next day those concerned gathered at the village hall and listened to my decision. It went badly. Not surprising.
I had some support. The conservationists were pleased with the verdict. Their precious forest would be left to its natural state.
But most of those gathered were businessmen and farmers whose livelihoods were at stake. They were not going to let some upstart in a suit take that away.
I lost my nerve. I couldn’t meet their arguments. Every reason I put forward for the conservation of the forest they pulled to pieces. I cursed the Green Wizard for abandoning me to this. Where was he now that I was fighting his battle?
Finally, I had nothing left. I declared that the forest would be saved. They would not relent. They wanted to know why I had made this decision when I had no argument to support it. They pushed and pushed me until I could stand it no longer.
I told them about the Green Wizard. I warned them of the danger.
The whole hall was silenced. Even my supporters looked at me, trying to fathom out the madness that appeared to have seized me.
Finally one of the farmers said it.
“He’s mad! Or on drugs!”
I bowed my head. Where was this going to lead?
“This is a farce!” said another voice but then everyone suddenly gasped and fell silent again.
I looked up.
There hovering in front of me was a small globe of bright green light!
I stared at it. What did it mean? It was obviously from the Wizard. It was his shade of green, vivid, unforgettable, alluring and dangerous like something was burning that should never have been set alight.
“Is this some sort of gimmick!?” said one of the farmers.
The globe of light rushed straight at him and knocked him off his feet in a shower of sparks. Then it stayed where it was, where it had hit him.
The farmer slid back across the floor and hit his head against the far wall with a crack. Blood flowed immediately. People rushed to his aid. Others turned to me.
“If he’s dead you had better pray that the police get here quick before we’re finished with you!”
They all suddenly looked ugly. I feared for my life and wondered if this is what the green Wizard had meant. Had I failed some kind of test? Had I been chosen to champion the forest and failed?
“Look!” A young girl was standing by the window pointing up to the forest. People stared out and piled from the hall. I followed.
There, high on the hill, the whole forest was alight from within with the strange green glow.
“It’s the Green Wizard,” I said.
“More likely some new age travellers who don’t want their peace disturbed by the idea of having to pay their way like the rest of us.”
At that point, the green globe suddenly shot out of the window, through the glass without breaking it. At impossible speed, it shot into the heart of the forest.
By now people were muttering things about ghosts and UFO’s but the main core of farmers and businessmen were having none of it. They decided to go and find out for themselves.
I followed the frenzied crowd that raced up the hill to the entrance of the forest. I felt drawn, whether by them or the forest I don’t know.
At the entrance stood the Wizard. Tall and menacing but only I had felt the touch of his power.
“Do not touch this forest,” he said but he sounded somehow weary.
“Who the hell are you?” someone called out.
“He’s the Green Wizard,” I replied feebly but was ignored.
“You can’t tell us what to do with our forest!” someone else yelled at the figure.
“We don’t need freaks like you dossing on our land.”
“If you want to remove me then you will have to catch me!” he sneered. With that, he turned and disappeared quickly into the trees. The flame of his staff was still visible.
With a yell the villagers set after him. they became a pack of hungry wolves after their prey. Their eyes burned with fury.
I yelled after them, warning them not to go. They did not listen. Helpless I followed in their wake.
They crashed through the trees and the undergrowth picking up sticks and waving them as they went.
And even now as I follow them I find it hard to believe.
I fear the outcome of this but I am not sure who I fear for most. This horde is wild and out of control. If they catch him I would not be surprised if they tore him limb from limb with their bare hands.
But I have felt the power of the Green Wizard.
Suddenly we are before him. There he stands. Like an old man, weary with the chase, leaning on his staff in the middle of the clearing.
The mob grab him. Their fury somewhat dampened by his appearance but not quenched. They bind him. The rope is tight around his arms but he does not struggle. As the villagers dance around him like demented witches he holds my gaze with an accusing stare.
The dancing goes on and on like a frenzy but slowly people drop. They sit and lie on the ground, tired by the night’s activity. Despite the Wizard’s relentless stare I too sink to the ground. Around me, people are falling asleep and I find I cannot resist the need to join them.
I awake to find myself choking. Something has hold of my throat and is strangling me. I can’t breathe.
All around me are bodies. All held by tree roots or thorny vines! Some struggle feebly for others it is too late. Many are being dragged into the earth by the irresistible power of trees.
The Green Wizard stands watching the process with a blank expression. His ropes lay on the ground, snapped and frayed.
He turns his back on me, not even deigning to notice my dying breath.
I tried. I did try.
The End
Today’s prompt is.
Ripped from the headlines
Head to your favourite online news source. Pick an article with a headline that grabs you. Now, write a short story based on the article.
In response to Scott’s Daily Prompt, Clean Slate
Rain washes the slates Grey sheen shines in the sunlight Ready for the moss
We swing from lack of
Parlay to way too much talk
Blessing or a curse?
Today’s prompt is.
Clean slate
Explore the room you’re in as if you’re seeing it for the first time. Pretend you know nothing. What do you see? Who is the person who lives there?
In response to Scott’s Daily Prompt, Take Two
Slightly cheating from the prompt guidance – these two pictures were taken yesterday. The first was a quick snap of our garage. We are in the process of clearing it. It was completely full of rubbish – including two big sofa’s. We need to start using it for what it intended and parking our car there.
The second picture I took as I caught sight and our hall wall. We have just rearranged the picture frames there and put up a clock. I was struck by the arrangement when looking from above.
The thing that connects the two? – Well see the poem below the images.
Time
Transforms
Order
To chaos
Utility
To waste
Decor
To ruins
Let the wind blow me
On the course of its desire
The ocean’s freedom
Today’s prompt is.
Take two
Run outside. Take a picture of the first thing you see. Run inside. Take a picture of the second thing you see. Write about the connection between these two random objects, people, or scenes.
In response to Scott’s Daily Prompt, This is Your Life
It is quality
Not ticks on a bucket list
That will reckon us
Sparrow, sparrow in my way.
Briefly tell your tale today.
Tell me if my love is dead.
Do I waste the tears I shed?
Briefly, now I’ll tell my tale.
Pray your courage does not fail.
You do not waste the tears you shed.
Alas I say, your love is dead.
A sharp, cold sword did spill her blood.
She tried to stem an angry flood.
But peace that day she could not win.
So fearful war will begin.
Thank you bird for being true.
Nothing’s left for me to do.
To take up arms and pursue strife.
Slay the spoilers of my life.
I bid you, sir, think awhile.
Turn from this dark path so vile.
Listen to my humble song.
Step not where your lover’s gone.
Just a simple bird am I
But far above this land I fly.
And see its beauty spread below.
See ahead, where you might go.
Lay down your sword with forgiving heart.
Do not tear your land apart.
Still your rage and vengeance cease.
Follow rather a path of peace.
Humble bird I hear your song.
But my love is dead and gone.
So I raise my sword today.
And will make those killers pay.
The enemies that broke my heart.
And now have torn the land apart.
Upon their heads is all this blood.
For I must release the flood.
Then sir, I shall shed a tear.
For the future I do not fear.
Yet for now I swiftly go.
To make way for the crow.
Originally published in A Spring of Dreams
Today’s prompt is.
This is your life
If you could read a book containing all that has happened and will ever happen in your life, would you? If you choose to read it, you must read it cover to cover.
In response to Scott’s Daily Prompt, 32 Flavours
32 Flavours
Mmm
What to try, what to try
They have mint choc chip, my favourite
But I always have that
Everyone’s telling me to try some new
Expand my horizons
I want to try rum and raisin.
But the buzz on the street is asparagus and chilli!
The kids want that new take on raspberry ripple
But it’s so expensive
Still
I feel bad, all their friends have had it
How can I deny them this?
But really my heart is set on vanilla
What to try, what to try
Time’s up!
What ifs hang on
Like poisoned barbs
Even in the face of reality
All reason tells you
Let them go
Rip them from the flesh
Yet deep they go
Sharp their points
Beyond the anaesthetic
Of mere words
So rise up
From the river
Of doubt
Rip that flesh and bleed
Step on the shore of tomorrow
Healing first needs hurt
Today’s prompt is.
32 flavours
Vanilla, chocolate, or something else
In response to Scott’s Daily Prompt, 1984
We are being watched
Because we craved attention
Saught out fame
And paid
With our privacy
I hesitate
Vacillate
Dissemble
Hold back
Yet the words I need
To express to you
Are bursting
In me
They need freedom.
I
I
OK
Here goes
Um.
Where did you go?
Today’s prompt is.
1984
You’re locked in a room with your greatest fear. Describe what’s in the room.
In response to Scott’s Daily Prompt, Teacher’s Pet
This is dedicated to Mr Marsh – wherever he may be – who used to teach like this. He also turned me on to Stephen R Donaldson so I am doubly grateful. One of very few good teachers in my school.
Teach the solution
And the solution will be forgotten
Teach how to solve
And solutions will be found
For life
Maybe
The danger we face
The sheer wall of darkness
Will quicken the protest
Flesh the resistance
Hasten the day
The snowballing
Of the revolution
Today’s prompt is.
Teacher’s pet
Tell us about a teacher who had a real impact on your life, either for the better or the worse. How is your life different today because of him or her?
In response to Scott’s Daily Prompt, Helpless
Let go of what you can't control
They say
But what if it controls you
And won’t let go
And who are they
Anyway?
The ancient secret
Burns in our hearts and our blood
Obscured by sharp lies
If you really want to know the secret check out Mankind Limited
Today’s prompt is.
Helpless
Helplessness: that dull, sick feeling of not being the one at the reins. When did you last feel like that –- and what did you do about it?
In response to Scott’s Daily Prompt, My Favourite
I miss you
My favourite
Those times
Oh, those times we spent!
In the twilight hours
The world between worlds
When the world beyond
Was no more
No more cares
No more worries
Now
My life is one long slog
One long fight
Back to find
My favourite
Peace and Quiet
You say center
We say centre
You say color
We say colour
We are different
Guess that means
You will build a wall against us
Ban us
Make war on us
One day
Today’s prompt is.
My favourite
What’s the most time you’ve ever spent apart from your favourite person? Tell us about it.
I think I have broken my toe
But I am just too tired to know
Stubbed it on a childproof gate
Too tired to see it until too late
But the pain and the weariness melt away
Into warmth when you hear them say
Dadda and they give you a smile
That gives you the strength for the next mile
Originally published in A Spring of Dreams
Today’s prompt is.
Call Me Ishmael
Take the first sentence from your favourite book and make it the first sentence of your post.
Scott Andrew Bailey - Author 