the moon, the sole witness

Her eyelashes are heavy by restless nights.   The backpack strains her shoulders as she nears the destination.

She walks faster now, knowing the path towards the forest trees with giant roots climbing out of boulders.   The shadows are draping every crevice.   This is the barrenness of harvest or pestilence.   She almost lost her bearings.

You can't stop now (voice in her head).

She steps into the clearing of stones.   (Only the wind hears his whispers).   Taking out a black case from her bag, she reaches for the knife.   His knife, bold & black, pressing familiar on her palm.     

There is no hesitation - she plunges the knife & breaks the case.   Small bones and dust caved into tunnel beneath.   The ancient trees will bury the remnants of her broken promises - finally. 

After a long exhale, she retreats, growing smaller as a candle light.                

Posted for dVerse Poets Pub - Prosery, hosted by Bjorn Rudberg.    This is a word post less than 144 with the given line:  This is the barrenness of harvest or pestilence from All Hallows by Louise Gluck. 

That memorable trip

She inhaled the sea wind.  The sands were soft on her feet.   Afternoon sun was ebbing away, giving her a tangerine glow  

When I saw her, she was bouyed by the place's serenity.   It is not often that the company is spending money for an out of the city management conference.

"Have a good night, Vangie", I smiled at her.   "Don't forget to set your alarm at 7:00 for breakfast tomorrow."

"Yes, I will".

I was chatting with another guest, when far away an interrupted cry was heard.     We ran to Vangie's room.   She came out, deflated  jellyfish with arms blanket-wrapped.  

"Can you please call the doctor?".    

She had vomitted the "fresh" clams that she bought from the fisherman with a boat that afternoon.   

She missed the day's conference & went home.  She left her sandy collection of sea shells & coral stones.


Posted for dVerse Poets Pub - Prosery, hosted by Bjorn Rudberg. This is a flash fiction of 144 words with the line:

 When far away an interrupted cry 

taken from the poem acquainted with the night by Robert Frost.