Today is the fourteenth day of Advent, leading up to Christmas. I would like to re-run my take on the Nativity story. I first wrote this in 2011, in the style of prosetry
Mares looking into the future
Mares was a resting, sitting in a comfy chair wondering what her life would be like when her child was here. Jo was in the garden talking with Gabriel, that amazing angel had more important news to tell.Will her baby really be the saviour of man, will he have a strange life and die the worst of deaths known to man. All things were frightening all things seemed too much but overriding all these fear she longed for this baby and it’s touch.Annya had just been with her and told her all was well but she needed to rest as her blood pressure was as high as hell. Annya was going out but Irena was around again Mares counted her blessing for this little haven Jo had found.The children had been in earlier they had been singing songs. Mares loved it when they came and made a happy throng. They had told her of the lady down the street who had been busy knitting for the babe she had yet to meet. Mares remembered the lady she had arthritic hands, Mares had wanted to straighten her fingers and help her as the lady was so sweet.
Jo and Gabe talking
Jo and Gabe were outside talking, they had things to discuss. Gabe was telling Jo of Herod and that as soon as Mares had, had the child and was ready they should leave Bethlehem without any fuss. Gabe told Jo that Herod was a bad man without a conscience at all and that to make sure there was no king to usurp him he would slay all children under one,yes he would slay them all.
Then he had some good news about three good and wise men who would visit them soon. They had bought some strange gifts for the baby and they would have news of Herod too. They were clever men and he would like them all three. OH! Yes there would be shepherds they were coming from the pastures above the town they also wanted the baby to see. They were also bringing a gift of some of their sheep . “Sheep !” said Jo, “Sheep , do you mean live ones we can keep?? ”
Gabe looked at Jo, at the shock in his eyes and he said “come on Jo don’t panic now I know it all sounds mad. But you will find along the way that good times are to be had” Jo really was not sure it all seem far too big “come on ” smiled Gabe you are going to nail this gig.
For visually challenged writers, theimage shows a landscape wearing a light dusting of snow. From the hill, where skeletal heather and brown grasses pierce the snow, a valley spreads out below, lit by the rays of a pale sun.
After the noise of the battle earlier the silence cut like a knife. The snow was doing a good job of covering the dead and dying. From nowhere came silver rays from the sun bathing the valley in an almost gentle way.
It seemed almost impossible that only at dawn she had stood on the horizon looking toward the castle wondering what was to come. There had been no snow or cold when she had arrived. The witches still held sway over the climate around the castle. Yet as she had stood in the early morning warmth wondering about her future she had felt the temperature drop and seen the white of the Vampire winter approaching.
Realising there was no time to waste she ran to the castle altering those within to the incoming danger. Not bothering to morph from wolf to human she bounded up the stairs howling. She halted at the sight of Ewan, relieved to see he was back to his old irritating self! He confirmed this by patting her head. ***********
The men, dwarves and elves were ready, Rachel told Ewan that the warewolves were on their way. Everything was set and ready, the battle was nigh.
The snow and ice covered the ground silently, it didn’t fall from the sky it was just there. The temperature plummeted, the men’s breath frosted their beards as they saddled their horses, the dwarves drew their cloaks about them against the cruel wind, their axes glinting in the pale morning light. The elves lined the turrets their quivers full of wooden arrows tipped with silver.
The men on horses rode out across the draw bridge and lined up outside the castle in a phalanx the others formed a line infront of then with their spears and weapons raised. Not one of these brave men had ever fought vampires before. The dwarves were ready inside the gates singing and banging drums. The women, children and the old were all inside the castle praying to their gods . Alicia, Lisa and Rachel stood on the ramparts with the elves.
Then of a sudden a whispering, a screaming, a moaning carried across the valley and up the hill towards the castle. “They are here” shouted Alicia, “where” shouted the men. Too late they were upon them , bodies flew around, and were torn apart, men’s and horse’s hearts ripped out and thrown upon the ground. The vampires were invisible they picked the men off simply and cruelly. Within minutes men lay dead and dying, disemboweled, quartered some just drained of blood.. The elves fired into thin air and many arrows met their mark, revealing the evil vampires, writhing and screaming as they caught on fire then turned to dust.
Not a man was left standing not one survived the carnage. All the while the vampires fill the air with their screams and threats.
Hope stirred in her cot, she visualised the Vampire hoards and broke their veil of invisibility. The Elves took aim and fired their arrows up into the sky from where they rained down on the the enemy. The dwarves now came into their own as each vampire swooped at them they used their honed weapons to decapitate as many as they could. Sadly the dwarves took heavy losses.
Lisa and Alicia felt Hope’s power and they joined with her willing the sun to shine at its brightest and hottest. Slowly their powers joined and the warmth in the sun turned into heat. The elves could see the younger vampires crawling up the castle walls and taking advantage of the light they shot at them mercilessly. Rachel looked out to the plains where she saw that the hoards of Vampires were still massing. All was lost how could they cope how could the beat these numbers? The humans barring the women, children and old all dead, all gone. The Dwarves were valiantly holding the castle but for how much longer!
Then a miracle happened the Vampires began to feel the effects of the sun.. they began to burn, black dust from them coated the snow. Their war screams turned to wails of anguish and pain as they died.
The order from the ancients went up R
“Retreat, Retreat” and soon the sky was full of retreating and burning vampires.
After the noise of the battle earlier the silence cut like a knife. The snow was doing a good job of covering theb dust and human dead and dying. From nowhere came silver rays from the sun bathing the valley in an almost gentle way. The heat was gone and the cold had returned. The vampires had gone for now they would be back at night.
Hope stirred in Lisa’s arms as her power subsided so did her mother’s and Alicia’s. “Sleep for now Hope my darling” whispered Lisa, ” they shall not have you” The child smiled in her sleep.
To be continued.
If you wish to read Lisa’s and Rachel’s story up to this point you can find it here.
Today is the tenth day of Advent, leading up to Christmas. I would like to re-run my take on the Nativity story. I first wrote this in 2011, in the style of prosetry.
Now lets see where we have got to lets what we already know. We have our young couple expecting a baby any time and they have no where to go.
They have to go to Bethlehem to register for their taxes and we know that in the last few months their lives have been knocked off their axis. They had both been visited by big boy Angel Gabriel he had shocked them with his news and even if it was an unexplained pregnancy he promised all would be well.
They had made the journey to Bethlehem on Jo’s beloved moped and arrived safely but they had nowhere booked. Mary being pregnant they needed a place hastily. After being turned away from everywhere they found the Hotel Delph
The security man had said he had a room where they could stay. The children of the staff at the hotel where happy to spend time with them they all had lots of fun and even played show and tell. The children in the town all knew what the new child would be, they all knew he would be special, he was to set them free.
Shepherds on the hills above Bethlehem town had had a visit from angels too they had lit the skies up and truly brought glory all around. The shepherds had understood the message and were on their way to see the soon to be baby and to him homage pay.
Also we have three astrologers of royal blood who had formed magi.com and their latest and most important project is to follow a new star travelling west from where they are.
They had, had a meeting with their rival, Herod.com he was after all their findings and they felt his motives where not good when he asked where the babe was to be born.
magi.com were wise men not to trust Herod as he was threatened by the thought of new king who might usurp his place. He did not want another king, as he saw it, muscling in on his place. He came up with an answer to what he saw as a threat. To kill all male children under one year old that way he would be rid of the new king on that, his company, he’d bet.
So we have a pregnant couple like pied pipers to children, we have shepherds who see angels and three wise men. Sadly we have a villain a nasty, nasty man who to keep his kingdom for himself will do all that he can.
To day is the ninth day of Advent, leading up to Christmas. I would like to re-run my take on the Nativity story. I first wrote this in 2011, in the style of prosetry.
Now Herod is a an angry man so insecure and so he tends to grab what he can. He owns herod.com and is a mean and cruel man who works his employees till they drop wages rarely go up they just get cropped. He had set up his company in his kingdom of Judia. Yes that is where Mares and Jo had to go for a census, that is why they were there. Oh! that Herod he would squeeze every one to the max he did not worry about anyone as long as they paid the tax.
King Herod
News had reached him about magi.com’s research into the new star that had travelled towards the west then inexplicably stop over Bethlehem. This being in his kingdom was a threat to him. He had invited the three founders members of magi.com to a big corporate bash as he wanted information for once he was ready to splash the cash.
No expense was spared he greeted them as if he was really pleased to see them. The food was excellent and the wine was too and the room was amazing and even had a great view. After dinner the talk turned to the star and the new software that magi.com where developing along lines stellar. They were happy to share some of their work until he mentioned the fact of the new king’s prophesied birth, when his face took on a nasty look of scorn. Something in his attitude set the three on their guard they politely took their leave, secretly vowing to keep their results to themselves however hard.
As the limos arrived for the three magi to departure Herod ask them to visit after they had found the new king and give him the whereabouts so he too could visit. As the chauffeur whisked them away they all decided to tell that man nothing! NO WAY! Herod was angry and he sent out spies to all parts of Judia to find the king and bring him the news of his birthplace so he could delete him! There was no room for another to rein and Herod was determined to keep his people,workers and his domain. An evil thought was growing in King Herod’s head if he had all males under one year old slaughtered then certainly this new upstart would be dead.
Back at the now happy, Hotel Delph, the manager was wondering from whence was coming all this new found wealth. It was Mares and Jo, people where coming from far and wide for the new kings birth all the rooms where full and some were camping outside.
Mares and Jo though, where slightly distressed and decided that to leave as soon after the birth as was safe would be best. Gabe has been to see Jo again and told of Herod’s plans for the babes and he made it quite plain.
Somehow without being told no one ever mentioned Mares and Jo’s safe and comfy bolt hole.
To day is the fifth day of Advent, leading up to Christmas. I would like to re-run my take on the Nativity story. I first wrote this in 2011, in the style of prosetry.
It was the talk of the staffroom everyone was interested in the young couple staying in David’s’ room. Have they got enough linen asked the housekeeper Jean, if there is a baby due she will need towels and sheets warm and clean. Have they eaten the cook wanted to know, they are resting now, well when they are hungry just let me know. Isn’t Irena a midwife, wasn’t that her job in her old home, she can help them if help they need. Everyone was interested everyone wanted to help this young couple in need. Jo was relaxing watching a film so relieved they had somewhere to stay. Mares was luxuriating in a bubble bath soaking all her aches and pains away. Outside miles up in the dark night sky a brand new star shone out on high. It is a strange thing but everyone who saw would insist it was stationary and would move no more. In the east boarding a plane, three royal, eminent, astrologers where heading for Bethlehem. The had been researching the new star, for months now they had been watching it from afar. They had been working together for a while now and called themselves Magi.com a name that had style. Sharing the secret that a new king was to found under this star light.They wanted to meet him, to pay homage as is right. They had a competitor Herod.com and so he was someone the facts of their journey were kept from. So with the staff busy but wanting to help and the star shining down the hotel Delph we leave our Jo and Mares to get some peace, as soon somewhere to sleep will be of their troubles the least!
To day is the fourth day of Advent, leading up to Christmas. I would like to re-run my take on the Nativity story. I first wrote this in 2011, in the style of prosetry.
Many people talk about her, many people laughed, many people said she if thinks we believe this, she is just daft! Her parents at first not sure that their daughter spoke the truth were most relieved when Jo turned up . Even with his odd story , he was a likeable youth. After all the upset the tantrums and the tears everyone settled down and they all discussed their fears. The Little town of Nazareth was rife with gossips and with snipes none of them could swallow talk of angels and a virgin’s sinless life. Time went on and Jo and Mares set up their home. Jo was a carpenter so he had loads of work Mares was a strong and gamely lass who had no mind to shirk. Eventually their friends came around to their way of thinking and accepted that the child was special , angels had visited and the couple had not just been drinking. The months went by as they do Mares and Jo’s relationship blossomed as Mares grew. The child inside her womb was active but in no hurry to arrive, yet that would be soon. Then the letter came telling Jo he had to return to Bethlehem to pay some taxes and fill in the census no if’s or buts he had to go. When he told Mares she said, this is all we need but never mind we have the trusty steed.
Their motor scooter was their trusty steed neither build for comfort or for speed! Mares parents were worried they feared for their daughter and the babe but the letter meant they had to hurry. Mares asked Jo to sort their hotels which he did, but too well!They packed the things that they needed and with all family and friends well wishes heeded. They scooted off into the unknown followed by waves and kisses blown.
To day is the third day of Advent, leading up to Christmas. I would like to re-run my take on the Nativity story. I first wrote this in 2011, in the style of prosetry.
Mares was gently sleeping, her breathing slow and thin yet inside her head, her brain was still in a spin. Just like Jo she was thinking back to when all this did begin. She was in her room alone late at night when suddenly this stunning young man appeared, and gave her such a fright. Before she could say a word he gently touched her mouth he smiled at her and all her questions and fears took flight. Who are you and why are you here there will be trouble if my parents hear. Again he smiled and then he said the strangest thing she had ever heard “Hail Mary full of Grace” Mares eyes wide open stared into this strange man’s face. He beckoned her to come near and then he whispered in her ear. Well he said the most outlandish things. He told he was an angel he even showed her his wings. A messenger from God was he, and Mary was pregnant Just how could that be. Gentle Mary you must not fear I told you God has sent me here, you alone have been chosen from all of womankind to bare a son who will save the world by dying for them, that did not sound so good. The angel ask Mary if what he had said was clear, she was quiet and full of fear. Things will not be easy the angel knew and many would point the finger at Mary it’s true. This was such an important things she had to do. Mary had not been pleased and asked just how she was to be with child , you are already the angel smiled. The next month was no fun, her parents did not believe their daughter and friends thought her mad so she was shunned.Then one afternoon her friend Jo asked her to share his life he would love the child and her if she would be his wife. Mary asked if he believed her story was true he said he did and he had met an angel too. And so their strange story had begun .
To day is the second day of Advent, leading up to Christmas. I would like to re-run my take on the Nativity story. I first wrote this in 2011, in the style of prosetry.
Mares looked so comfy asleep upon the couch the lady in reception smiled and told them let her rest she would close her eyes to this and make a rare exception. The security guard said to Jo let’s let the lady rest I’ll show you my room I think that is for the best. The two of them went through the door that was marked with “Staff” and when Jo was shown the the room he was so relieved he laughed. It was not very big but it was cosy and clean there was a big sofa, a TV, a fridge and a washing machine. The security man’s name was David, Jo learned when they introduced themselves. He told Jo to make himself at home and help himself to any of the DVDs on the shelf. Left alone Jo took some time to collect his thoughts, the strange events of the last few months that had bought them to this point. It all began when he met this stranger in his local bar, the guy’s name was Gabriel and he had come from afar. He seemed to know Mares very well and spoke highly of her he asked Jo to listen to the facts he had to tell. Let us walk and talk he said.
Now Gabriel had told Jo that Mares was expecting a baby and that he, Jo, was going to take her on as she was a special lady. Jo was rather shocked at what he was hearing, the baby was not his so why should he be caring? Gabriel told Jo don’t make a rash decision this child will be the son of God as foretold in a vision. The government, Gabriel said,would demand a census and everyone had to return to their town of birth and that no matter what they did Bethlehem would see this baby’s birth. Why him Jo had asked, okay he knew and liked the girl but he was not sure if he was ready or even up to the task. Gabriel said not to worry and that all would be well. So there you go though Jo, with a rye smile, for now there was no more to tell.
This week’s prompt from Jim Adams for Song Lyric Sunday, November 24, 2019 is Bounty/Dessert/Eat/Feast/Food/Hungry/Turkey. I have chosen the word Eat.
This week I have chosen part of Kate Bush’s film The Line,The Cross and The Curve. The part I have chosen is called Eatthe music.The Line, the Cross and the Curve is a 1993 British musical short film directed by and starring singer Kate Bush, co-starring Miranda Richardson and choreographerLindsay Kemp, who had served as dance mentor to Bush early in her career.
This short film is essentially an extended music video featuring songs from Bush’s 1993 album, The Red Shoes, which in turn was inspired by the classic movie musical-fantasy The Red Shoes.
In this version of the tale, Bush plays a frustrated singer-dancer who is enticed by a mysterious woman (Miranda Richardson) into putting on a pair of magical ballet slippers. Once on her feet, the shoes start dancing on their own, and Bush’s character (who is never referred to by name) must battle Richardson’s character to free herself from the spell of the shoes. Her guide on this strange journey is played by Kemp. The film was released direct-to-video in most areas and was only a modest success; Kate Bush later expressed her displeasure with the final product, calling it “a load of bollocks”.[1] Soon after its release, Bush effectively dropped out of the public eye until her eighth studio album, Aerial, was released in November 2005.Two years after the UK release, due to late promotion in the US, the film was nominated for the Long Form Music Video at the 1996 Grammy Awards.
Here is the whole film for you to enjoy. I absolutely adore this film and I hope you do.
"Eat The Music"
Split me open With devotion You put your hands in And rip my heart out Eat the music
Does he conceal What he really feels? He's a woman at heart And I love him for that Let's split him open
Like a pomegranate Insides out All is revealed Not only women bleed
Take the stone out Of the mango You put it in your mouth And pull a plum out
Take a papaya You like a guava? Grab a banana And a sultana Rip them to pieces With sticky fingers Split the banana Crush the sultana
Split 'em open With devotion You put your hands in And rip their hearts out
Like a pomegranate Insides out He's a woman at heart And love him for that
Take a papaya You like a guavva? Grab a banana And a sultana Rip 'em to pieces With sticky fingers Split the banana Crush the sultana
All emotion And with devotion You put your hands in What ya thinking? What am I singing? A song of seeds The food of love Eat the music Lyrics fro A to Z Lyrics
As a child the story of the Red Ballet Shoess by Hans Christian Andersen was one of my favourite stories even though it scared me rigid. I even wrote my own version in verse here.Happy Sundayto you all
