Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “lid.” Use it in the literal sense, use it in the metaphorical sense, use it any way you’d like. Have fun!
Keep a lid on it, means keep something quiet, don’t tell a soul, a secret. Blow your lid, get angry or annoyed. Blow the lid, let the secret out. A lid is a top to a container, it can be for a box,tin,saucepan infact any type of container can have a lid. Personally I think lids have legs, arms and eyes because I have many containers in my cupboards but most of the lids have disappeared? Where do these lids go? Is there a place where all lost lids are having a huge party?
Pandora What ever you do They told her To this be true To us defer Don’t lift the lid Never let loose what’s hid She didn’t listen She needed to know. They found the lid missing It was her fault, she had to go. All of the ills and pain and strife Escaped and blighted all life.
Our lovely host LindaGHill has given us this week’s prompt for SoCs.
Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “near/far.” Use “near,” use “far,” use them both if you’d like. In fact, if you start your post with one and end with the other, you get bonus points! Enjoy!
Far away in the land of never never lived Princess Charmless. Unlike all her princess sisters Charmless was far from beautiful, far from dainty and far from demure. In fact she was so far from being princess like she was often mistaken for one of the commoners. She was, though the nearest to kind in her whole family.
Now near to the castle there was a blacksmith’s forge and that’s where Charmless loved to spend her days, getting hot and dirty helping old Dan the blacksmith. Dan knew exactly who she was but chose not to let on because he was so pleased to have a young and healthy assistant.
Charmless was never happier than when busy at the forge. The King and Queen knew where Charmless was and were happy to know she was, safe and near unlike when she was younger and running off near and far!
One day Prince Charming from a neighbouring kingdom had need to visit the forge. He came in dressed in all his finery and was immediately taken by the unglamorous but cute assistant.
Well so far we have Prince Charming and Princess Charmless thrown together by fate. … Well I am running out of time so to cut a very long and involved story short , they fell in love and got married and bought a nice little castle near both kingdoms. They lived happily ever after.
Oh! They had a huge wedding and their friends came from far and near!
For visually challenged writers, the image shows a red and white Vertical Lift Bridgecrossing an expanse of water.
Bridge – Image by KL Caley
“Where the hell have you been?” Merlin was not looking his calm self. “What is it honey, did you miss me?” Morgana sighed reaching for a cigarette. “No not at all but as it happens we have a situation, while you’ve been off playing Merry Maidens with the guy in green tights…by the way what are you wearing? No don’t answer that we have a problem.” Morgana exhaled filling the car with smoke and held her hand up. “Hold your horses Merl ” she actually shouted making him jump. ” You invite me out for posh afternoon tea , send me off without a ‘by my leave’ or even a scone dump me in a dangerous drop zone, I break my hip, nearly get murdered, you don’t send the anomaly as arranged and I get whisked through a portal back in time” she stopped to take another drag on her cigarette, then stubbing it out on the expensive dashboard she looked Merlin in the eye and said “I want a F###ing drink” Merlin pulled in the carpark of the nearest pub and slammed to a halt just missing a low wall in his temper. “Look what you’ve done to my lovely car ” he whined but he was talking to himself, he looked up to see the criss cross back of Morgan’s green velvet gown disappearing into the pub. They had a couple of drinks and a meal in silence then Morgana went outside to smoke Merlin paid the bill and joined her. “You certainly got some funny looks in there” Merlin said, “we need to get back to the lab, we need to get you into normal clothes quick sharp as you don’t want to stand out where you are going.” Morgarna’s eyes flashed, “I am not going anywhere, I have had a shit time and it’s all your fault! ” There was just a hint of a tear in her eyes. “No honestly” Merlin said, “we really need to do this one” “F##k you” Morgana snapped, “it’s not us, it’s always me” with that she stubbed her cigarette out on Merlin’s leather passenger seat. They drove back to the lab in silence. Four am the next morning they arrived in Middlesbrough. They were headed for the Tees Newport Bridge. The second it came into view Morgana broke the silence. “I know this bridge I had a large hand in designing it, back in the early thirties, I helped Mott, Hay and Anderson design it, ha! they’d of made a real pills of it else! ” Merlin chuckled, ” ever modest Morgana” “Well they weren’t quite there vision wise” Morgana replied hitting Merlin hard! She continued, ” I believe it was built by local company Dorman Long, and was inaugurated by Prince Albert, Duke of York (later King George VI) and opened to traffic on 28 February 1934.” She ended, lighting a cigarette. ” Use the ashtray ” Merlin pleaded! They walked on to the bridge at exactly five thirty am. “Here are your instructions” Merlin said handing her a piece of paper which she slipped into her bag. The sun began to dawn and the anomaly appeared. “Good luck” Merlin said and went to kiss her . Morgana shoved him away, “Get off me you two-faced…..” Her last words disappeared as she leapt into the anomaly. Merlin turned back towards his car and muttered ” it will cost a pretty penny to fix my poor baby”
Back in August 2014 Geoff at TanGental gave his page over to the ‘Archaeologist,’ his brother, to do a guest post. The post was called “What happened next ?” It is a beautiful post about a correspondence between two young people on the eve of WW1 . The Archaeologist lays out what was said in a post card from H to Miss Parry Jones, he then asks what happens next. It is a wonderful post. Do go and read the Archaeologist’s post and think about what might of happened to these two young people in that historic era.
Below is the reply I sent to the post. I have fallen for H and Miss Parry Jones and here I want to share my story with you.
Miss Parry Jones loved the bones of H They had one last chance to meet before their world would change. Both would be thrown into the maelstrom of war, where every thing was strange. He was for the trenches bound, though this he did not yet know While she, Miss Parry Jones, her world turned upside down into a factory would go. Young H would carry his gun, at first with pride. Before he, terrified, lost his youth. Miss Parry Jones watched her fingers turn yellow from using TNT though she never knew the truth.
Miss Parry Jones loved the bones of H In love they corresponded back and forth from Brighton to France They both fought tiredness and hunger while fate led them a merry dance. Their letters filled with their private code hid their love and fears Both wept alone in the cold and dark and drank deep of bitter tears. Mud and blood and noise finally took H’s mind He got his ticket back to Blighty leaving the trench horrors behind.
Miss Parry Jones loved the bones of H She went to the munition factory for her shift every night While H was being brought home a gibbering wreck, deaf and with no sight. Miss Parry Jones knew her man was returning home, this filled her heart with joy. God was looking elsewhere when she dropped a shell,her dying words where for H, her boy. H loved the bones of Miss Parry Jones sadly that was all that he came home to. He did recover in body though never in his mind. He lost his lovely girl.Their moments together too few.
Its Thursday again and time for K.L’s #writephoto Office.
For visually challenged writers, the image shows a small child who has commandeered control of the pc.
The Office.– Image by KL Caley
Right Morgarna told herself, deep breath count to ten…hold your breath all that zen! As her brain cleared of the drug induced fug she took control of the situation. Digging deep inside herself she visulized her broken hip and smiled as she watched it heal itself. Suddenly she was bought back to the present by Hugh’s concerned voice asking “Diana, are you okay, you look very flushed and your vitals are all over the place.” Poor chap he seemed genuinely concerned. Morgarna smiled, ” Yes, thank you Hugh I am fine. I was lost in contemplation! “ Just then the door opened and two porter’s arrived , “Are you ready love?” One of them asked, “we’re here to take you on a ride to the theatre!” Morgana grinned ” what’s the play lads I need some entertainment.” Hugh accompanied them, all four of them joking as they went, Morgana even asking if anyone had a ciggie she could cadge.
Morgarna or Diana, ( depending on if you have been paying attention) arrived at the orthopedic theatre suit, and entered the pre op room. There were two young men dressed in green scrubs. “Hi there let me check your wristband, you are Diana Hunter” said the young anetharist with sparkly eyes, above his mask. “Yes that’s me” smiled Morgana. Drawing her arm nearer the older anethetist said, “I can’t read your date of birth my dear, what’s your birthday.” “I’m not really sure” Morgana replied “but it was at least nine centuries ago.” “Well young lady” said Hugh “looks like you’ve had a tad too much of the happy juice! “ Picking up her notes Hugh flipped the pages to find a date of birth. At that precise moment Morgana decided to make her move before there were anymore awkward questions.
Morgana lifted her hand to eye level, with a flick of the wrist she stopped every single person in the Royal Sussex County Hospital, in their tracks. Everyone of them caught in time unaware of the fact. Quick as a flash she was off of the trolley and into the theatre where the entire team where stood mid action like a tableau. Not stopping at all she went straight to check everyone’s name tags. Eventually she found Dr De’arth..the young female Dr from the helicopter…she wasn’t expecting that! Really was this young woman the evil, time traveller? Then she heard a banging door…. running towards the sound she saw a man disappearing down a staircase. Clearing her throat she shouted “De’arth” …the sound of receding footsteps her only answer. Swiftly Morgana gave chase. Looking over the bannister she got a clear glimpse of her quary! He turned and looked her in the eye… Morgana sent a lightening bolt which glanced off of his shoulder as he dashed into an office suite. Mounting the bannister Morgana sailed down towards the office.
Morgana opened the door cautiously and was greeted by silence and blue light. Lots of people sitting at their computers all catatonic bar one. A cute toddler was sitting , almost hidded behind the double monitors. He looked so innocent in the blue light. Morgarna raised her hand again and sent a lightening bolt straight at the little chap, it almost pained her to dispatch him. “Back to hell De’arth ” Morgarna shouted, as the cute little boy disappeared leaving a neat pile of clothes on the chair. Bending down she picked them up looking round to see if the anomaly was approaching not yet she thought.
As she climbed the stairs to the roof she suddenly felt very tired! Not so tired that she was going to allow shit Merlin talk his way out of trouble with a hot meal and a hot bath! Magic, technology call it what you will, pain was pain and her hip hurt. Reaching the roof she released the time stopping spell from the hospital, she even remembered to erase all knowledge of De’arth and herself from their minds and their records. The anomaly arrived and Morgana jumped, she screamed , her hip hurt. “I’ll get you Merlin she shouted as she fell through the anomaly into the Lab.
Welcome to the weekly #writephoto prompt! Our hostess K.L. has set us another great #writephoto prompt. Arch.
K.L. said :”An arch is a vertical curved structure that spans an elevated space and may or may not support the weight above it. Will this arch provide divine inspiration or prove to be an arch enemy – (sorry)?”
For visually challenged writers, the image shows a stone archway, through which a pond and some steps are visible.
Arch – Image by KL Caley
“Where has the sunshine gone, it was beautiful when we set off.” “Yes an hour and a half later than we had agreed. Muttered Merlin sulkily.” Morgarna lit a cigarette and walked towards the arch leading to the garden and ornamental pond. “Why here Merl” she asked. “Last time I was here I was imprisoned in a dungeon waiting to be burned at the stake. That was not fun” “Come on Morgarna that was centuries ago you need to move on” Morgarna finished her cigarette and squashed it under her shoe. Looking Merlin in the eye she replied. “Actually it was three weeks ago and you were late with the bloody anomaly! I nearly had my chips on their stake! ” Morgarna shuddered, “I can smell the stench and the filth of that cell, that leap I took was the worst ever if I’d missed it would of been curtains for me! “ The two of them walked through the arch heading to the steps. They did look gorgeous, young and fashionably dressed. They looked like two young lovers….. “Well Merl where is this surprise you promised me” Morgarna asked like a spoilt child. “Just up the steps hun, it’s a doozie” Merlin replied getting his mobile phone out. As they reached the top of the steps Morgarna spotted the most scrumptious afternoon tea set out …..for one? Morgarna was just about to ask Merlin if he was joining her when she saw the anomaly approaching. “What the F*** Merl “ Merlin looked up from fine tuning the anomaly from his phone and said “Look in your bag hun your instructions are clear” Unfortunately Morgarna never had any choice on the way out, she just was compelled to jump. As Merlin sat down to enjoy his cream tea he heard Morgarna’s voice …..” I’ll get you Merl you Bas….”
For visually challenged writers, the image shows a speckled fish emerging from a pot in an underwater scene.
Subsea – Image by KL Caley
This is not a good look, Morgarna thought to herself. As she left one amphorae to investigate the next! It was empty too, she was beginning to lose her patience. Merlin had tricked her again, he’d said, “beautiful clear waters, warmth and sun, sea and plenty to drink, what’s not to like” no mention of being under water with no hope of getting out, and instead of white rum ..water, salt water. No Merlin owed her this time he’d gone too far, why was it always her that got the dirty end of the stick? As Morgarna flipped back and forth she was, rather reluctantly, impressed with her swimming skills, very agile she mused. Just as she was about to give up she saw it, a perfectly round golden sphere, the golden pearl of Atlantis. There it was floating Infront of the amphora on the right. Okay all she had to do was capture it then job done and she’d make sure Merlin paid for it! As she was wondering just how a fish might catch and transport a golden pearl, she saw a large fish approaching fast. He didn’t look like he was going to ask her out to dinner. He was looking at her as if she was the dinner. Without thinking Morgarna swallowed the pearl, and darted off upward! The large fish was in hot persuit and gaining. Come on thought Morgarna where are you. As she swerved this way and that feeling the large fish snapping at her tail she thought of all the ways she was going to make Merlin pay! Then she felt sharp teeth gripping her tail, a slight panic began to rise somewhere inside the body she was in. (hard to tell where when it’s not your body) Just as she decided she’d better make a few “Mea Culpas” she saw the anomaly inches away. With all her might Morgarna threw herself into it.
Landing with a splosh on the Laboratory carpet, naked as the day she was born and with a medium sized fish attached to her bum. She looked up and saw a shocked Merlin looking down on her! He reached out to help her up but she batted his hand away. Removing the fish gently from her behind she got up and relocated it in the large fish tank by the coffee machine. “Did you get it?” asked Merlin .. “Oh! Thanks Hun, yes I am okay, soaking bloody wet and my hair will take ages to recover from the sea water! Plus I have a bruised arse! ” Morgarna hissed. “Yes I know” Merlin replied, “but did you get it.” “Of course I did” she replied grimacing. “Can I see it?” Merlin was getting irritated now. A smile crossed Morgarna’s face. “Yes in a couple of days time….it’s in my tummy, it needs to be digested and expelled, then sweetie you can have it …and clean it!” Morgarna ended on a shout. Turning on her heal she marched off to the bathroom calling over her shoulder, “anything but fish and chips for dinner …. Hun.” Merlin watch her gorgeous back disappear into the bathroom, he smiled to himself and grabbed the car keys. Later on the sofa enjoying her second Bacrdi and coke Morgarna felt movement in her gut…. She decided not to tell Merlin yet…. He could stew a while! “
July 8, 2021, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story that features feathers. It can be a single feather or more. Where did the feather come from? Does it hold meaning to the character or story? Go where the prompt leads!
Feathers.
Tom reached out and caught the feather. He smiled, angel feather he thought.
The angel above him was weeping, their feathers were falling soon so would the angel.
Tom held the feather, “jump” he said looking up, “I will catch you.” The angel knew they could trusted him, Tom had faith enough for both of them.
Another feather fell into his hand, the angel’s tears dried and they smiled. Taking the leap of faith the angel fell into Tom’s arms. Falling the angel became whole. Love shone from Tom’s eyes. The angel naked but safe knew he was home.
For visually challenged writers, the image shows a stone stairwell with an opening obscured by a bright light.
The Stairway – Image by KL Caley.
Morgana had been tunneling for days, moving stones and dirt inch by inch as she moved upwards from the dark where she had been thrown. Feeling weak and tired something was driving her on. Was it the thought of freedom or just plain madness.
Suddenly the debris fell past her leaving her even more bloodied. Her nails were ripped and torn, she was filthy, covered in dirt and her own excretions. Tears of relief ran down her face leaving damp streaks.
Despite her miserable state she had to smile to herself. Condemned as a witch ? Well if she had ever had any magic powers they had deserted her over the last few days. Blood sweat and tears had got her out of that dungeon grave!
Emerging from the hole she looks up to the light at the top of the stone steps. The steps were rough hewn and the rise on each of them was uneven. Smiling she remembered Merlin explaining to her why they were made so. Enemies trying to creep up the stairs in the dark would stumble and if wearing any type of armour, the noise would alert the occupants of impending mayhem.
So carefully and slowly Morgarna climbed up to the light. Looking out over the valley she could see nothing unusual. That was unfortunate but she had faith in Merlin. The day past as she sat up in the opening overlooking the fields. As it got darker she looked to the horizon, sure enough there was an anomaly approaching she was sure of that!
Slowly she stood , calculating distance she prepared herself. Suddenly she was spotted from below the cry went up, “The witch lives!”
“Damn” thought Morgarna, ” it’s now or never” As the first of the stones hit her feet she took a leap of fate. Holding her breath, praying and keeping her arms and legs straight she simply disappeared.
Those below let our an incredibly loud “Oh!” Dropped their flaming torches and ran.
Landing with a bump at the feet of Merlin, Morgarna breathed a sigh of relief. Merlin looked at her and smiled. “My you look a mess! What have you been doing”
“Not now” Morgarna replied “I need a shower can you order a takeaway…curry I think please. ” “Okay” Merlin said picking up his mobile.
Later that evening, after being debriefed by Merlin Morgarana settled down to watch the Crown on Netflix’s she thought to herself…witch? Who needs magic when you have science?
This week’s prompt is a post with a difference – our JUNE guest photo!
For visually challenged writers, the image a tree that has partly been carved to represent a man (or an ape I’m undecided).
Tree Man – Image by Willowdot21.
Gaia had given up on mankind, they were so uncaring of this beautiful planet. Their waste and inventions clogged up her seas, oceans and rivers. They drilled, mined and fracked for all her bounty. They waged war, they plundered the spoilt!
Sitting on the edge of the woods surrounded by paper cups, used condoms, plastic bottles and polestyrine cartons Gaia spoke with Death who was looking wan and very thin.
“I just don’t know what to do really I am at my wit’s ends,” she exclaimed a tear in her eye. Death smiled, a scary sight all teeth! “Don’t worry he said I have one last thing up my sleeve.”
Sighing Gaia replied “Well the four horsemen are already here, War, plague ( he played a blinder) famine, and yourself you have all worked so hard.”
“Indeed we have been working overtime, and yet those uncaring humans still carry on their selfish ways. I have called in the big guns, my last resort. “
Gaia, inhailed loudly “Surely you cannot mean….”
“Yes indeed I am going to bring on the Ents…they will soon put pay to mankind and then they can gently and kindly restore you to your former health.”
Just then the first of the Giant Ents arrived looking tired and somewhat irritable!
