Month: July 2017

Free Verse, Poetry by Sarah

Deep In The Willowwacks

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Deep in the willowwacks*,
the hooded people encircle
eccentric stones.

Entangled in the foolish.
Fulfilling figments of need and
jumping like myrmidons^.

The blade glints
as it slices the flesh
of the chocolate haired girl.

And in the morning
only whispers remain.

By Sarah ©2017


* Willowwacks – A wooded or uninhabited area
^ Myrmidon – a person who executes without question or scruple a master’s commands.

Prompt: Mindlovemisery’s Menagerie, Wordle #166. Words: willowwacks, foolish, circle, hooded, figments, eccentric, need, entangled, myrmidon, chocolate, glint, jump; and also, Daily Post Daily Prompt: circle, inhabit

Stories by Sarah

Mayday

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The ghost tour had been uneventful so far, and I felt somewhat disgruntled at having paid extra for the EMF meter and infrared goggles. We had been into the women’s ward, the men’s ward (affectionaly known as the ‘bullpit’) and the laundry – with no activity at all.

As the tour guide opened the door to the new building, she announced dramatically, “This is Olivene where we held the worst of the worst; the criminally insane.”

I stepped inside the courtyard. Rooms that more resembled cells, formed an ‘L’ around the central space, with an ‘L’ the other way, consisting of open bathrooms and a dining area. Even in broad daylight, this place would give you chills.

The guide continued but I had zoned out, her voice static in the background. My eye was drawn to one of the doorways. I shuddered and stepped closer, despite every instinct telling me to run. My EMF meter started to light up. Rooted to the ground, my shaking hands lifted the infrared goggles. As I peered through them, a solid shadow of a man filled the cell. I whirled around, bumping into the shelving next to me. And that’s when I saw the head…

By Sarah ©2017

Author’s Note: My response to the prompt is based on a real experience I had (except for the head part!). I was on an investigative ghost tour at the old Mayday Hills Lunatic Asylum in Beechworth, Victoria and saw through the infrared goggles, a man where there was none. Believe it or not. If you are ever in the area, it is a VERY interesting place with an awful and fascinating history. Find out more about the history and tours by clicking on the appropriate word for the link.

Prompt: Sunday Photo Fiction – July 30th 2017, 200 word limit; and also, Daily Post Daily Prompt: continue

Haiku / Senryu, Poetry by Sarah

Looking At Leaves

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A trio of Haiku for this week’s challenge from TJ. Enjoy!

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The last leaves crumble.
Days grow longer; warmth returns.
It’s looking like Spring.

—————————-

—————————-

Looking at the world
from a leafy bird’s eye view.
I may catch them yet!

—————————-

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This year I’m looking
to turn over a new leaf
…it’s long overdue.

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Image credits Pixabay

Prompt: TJ’s Household Haiku, 29 July 2017 – leaf and look ; Daily Post Daily Prompt, leaf

Free Verse, Poetry by Sarah

Whispering Wind 

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I’m not a lady who thinks
all that glitters is gold
So, I don’t believe
everything that I am told.

For I learnt long ago
Words can have two meanings,
And you best be sure of
the way that they’re leaning.

We all seek heaven
For the here and the now
But sometimes we miss
The way,  and the how.

When I look to the left
And my spirit is leaving,
I can change my path
Despite my heart grieving.

For though I wish to
shine only white light,
I know of my dreams.
I know of what might.

There are those who watch,
And those who do,
and the smoke screen is all to 
distinguish between the two.

None of us are innocent.
None of us are pure.
We each play our part,
of that you can be sure.

And as my transgressions float
Across the whispering wind,
They remind me of all
The ways I have sinned.

I’m not the same person
I was ten years ago,
yet my deeds still follow me
wherever I may go.

When the piper comes for me
with shadows, taller than my soul,
I promise I will tell my secrets,
Yes; I will tell them all.

By Sarah ©2017

Prompt: Mindlovemisery’s Menagerie, Music Prompt #10, response to Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven”

Stories by Sarah

Eureka

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Image credit Mahdis Mousavi via Unsplash

If the stairs seemed never ending on the way up, they seemed even more so on the way down – his legs felt like jelly.

Even though he knew he would come in dead last, he felt enormously proud of himself for climbing the 88 levels and 1642 steps.

And after all, it was for a good cause and raising much needed funds for two charities.


By Sarah ©2017


Prompt: Only 100 Words, Three Line Tales – Week 78

Daily Post Weekly Challenge, Photos by Sarah

Satisfaction is…Bushwalking

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There is nothing I find more satisfying that communing with nature and grounding myself with a bushwalk. Even better if that bushwalk has a spectacular peak and/or view at the end. Here are just a few photos of my favourites!

The Pinnacle, Grampians National Park

Mt Glenrowan, Warby National Park

Gorge Walk, Mt Buffalo National Park

The Balconies, Grampians National Park

Mt Pilot, Mt Pilot National Park

Bullawah Cultural Trail, Wangaratta

Mt Taylor, Canberra 

Roper Lookout, Falls Creek

Paradise Falls, King Valley

Prompt: Daily Post Daily Prompt, gorge; and also, Daily Post Weekly Photo Challenge, satisfaction

Stories by Sarah

Into The Blue

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The delighted screams of children filled the air as I lay lazily on my towel, dozing. I was thoroughly enjoying the warmth of the sunshine dancing over my skin. 

My eyes popped open, as my husband returned, playfully shaking his water-soaked self next to me – the cool droplets shocking me out of my reverie. 

“Idiot,” I said, swiping a handful of sand his way. 

We grinned at each other, bolted towards the water and together, plunged ourselves into the blue.

Sighing, I put the photo down and cursed the snow falling outside. It was still another 14 weeks ’til summer would be here again.

 

By Sarah ©2017

Prompt: Bikurgurl, 100 Word Wednesday – Week 29

Poetry by Sarah, Tanka

Unravelling

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Image credit MKA Photography

He punishes her.
A blush heats her face. Confused,
she bows her head low…
knows she’s still bound to him but
aware it’s unravelling.

By Sarah ©2017

Prompt: Daily Post Daily Prompt – blush; and also, Colleen’s Weekly Poetry Challenge, heat & confuse and, Mindlovemisery’s Menagerie, Photo Challenge #175

Photos by Sarah, Tuesday Photo Challenge

Wallace Hut

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Wallace Hut is one of 106 huts scattered across the Alpine National Park. Many of these huts were burnt in the 2003 Alpine fires but fortunately Wallace Hut survived. Wallace Hut, near Falls Creek, is the oldest hut in the park. It was built by the three Wallace brothers – Arthur, William and Stewart – who arrived as small boys in Melbourne from Ireland in 1869 with their parents.

The hut is never locked. You enter by pulling the string hanging through a hole at the lower right of the tiny window in the split- paling door. This releases the latch and the sunlight, revealing an unusual split-slab and rammed-earth floor, a rough table of mountain ash on snow-gum legs and the fireplace at the far end. The names of cattlemen who first used the hut are burnt into the tie-beams of the roof and at the back of the mantelpiece. One small window looks towards the distant Mount Kosciusko. 

Prompt: Dutch Goes The Photo, Tuesday Photo Challenge, woods

Stories by Sarah

The Haircut

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Feeling nervous, I sidled into the room. Apart from one other patron, it was vacant. I tried to read the posters on the wall to pass the time, but found I couldn’t.

A smell permeated the area around me. To my horror, I realised it was eminating from me! Attempting to salvage my dignity, I sagged my shoulders, retreated to the corner and conceded the visit was necessary after all.

“Well don’t you have the prettiest Celadon eyes!” the young girl exclaimed as she grabbed me and guided me into the smaller room adjoining the waiting area.

Before I could reply, she commenced clipping with a startling trenchancy^; casting away my locks as though they were no more than offal.

I’d worked hard to grow my hair that long! I thought to myself sulkily.

In surprisingly short time, she was done and I looked at myself in the mirror. My coat was like spun gold; silky and shiny. I turned this way and that, admiring my new do.

As my owner entered the room to collect me, I stood up to greet her, completely unabashed*.

By Sarah ©2017

 

 

 

Author’s note: This is my mum’s dog Ollie. He has unusual pale green eyes and a gorgeous golden coat, as well as a neat party trick of being able to ‘stand up’ and rest on his bottom! I have often wondered what he thinks as he gets dragged off for grooming once every three weeks, and this was my take on it using the wordle to help me.

 

* abash (verb) to destroy the self-confidence, poise, or self-possession of; disconcert; make ashamed or embarrassed
^ trenchancy (adjective) incisive or keen, as language or a person; caustic; cutting; vigorous; effective; energetic

Prompt: Minelovemisery’s Menagerie, Wordle #165. Words: shine, clip, abash, read, salvage, Celadon, permeate, sag, nervous, vacant, offal, trenchancy 

Haiku / Senryu, Poetry by Sarah

Fate Making

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Dark Tarot

turning over cards
a dark prophecy her fate;
chose to make her own.


Image credit Pixabay


Lady Luck

she kissed the die twice
then threw them on the table
fate had made her day


Image credit Pixabay 


Downhill

as fate would have it,
it was all downhill from here
make the best of it


Image credit Pixabay


By Sarah ©2017

Prompt: Ronovan Writes, Weekly Haiku Poetry Prompt, Challenge 159 – fate & make

Daily Post Weekly Challenge, Photos by Sarah

Unusual

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A collection of ‘big’ things…


The Big Merino, Goulburn NSW


The Big Gumboot,  Taihape, Manawatu-Whanganui, North Island, NZ


The Big Lobster, Kingston South East, South Australia


The Big Murray Cod, Swan Hill, Victoria


The Big Cherry, Wyuna, Victoria


The Big Olive, Tailem Bend, South Australia


The Big Banana, Coffs Harbor, New South Wales


The Big Pineapple, Woombye, Queensland


The Big Koala, Dadwells Bridge, Victoria


The Big Fruit, Cromwell, Central Otago, South Island, NZ

Not sure what the fascination is that Australia and New Zealand have with ‘big things’ but it makes for interesting road trips! My bucket list consists of taking this trip one day and seeing all 150 big things…

https://www.travelwheels.com.au/site/big-things-of-australia/

Prompt: Daily Post Weekly Photo Challenge, scale, unusual


Stories by Sarah

Hoodwinked

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“Let’s see how the Blue team spent their left over lolly”, said Bargain Hunt host, Tim Wonnacott.

“Well Tim, I went for a ‘blue for blue’ theme and purchased the whole wedding set by renowned porcelain designer Messein. I picked it up for an absolute steal – £250. It’s quite rare and should make at least £500-600,” said antiques expert, Kate Bliss.

“You canny gal, you!” Tim exclaimed. “Let’s cross to our auctioneer, Paul Laidlaw, and see what he makes of your blue bounty.”

“Tim, though an exact replica of Messein, if you look closely at the hallmark, the M is actually an H. Therefore, the collection…worthless.”

By Sarah ©2017

 

Author’s Note: I am a huge Bargain Hunt fan and couldn’t resist a BH inspired post for this prompt. If you’ve never seen the show, you must check it out. Here’s a snippet…or visit http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006nb9z/episodes/player. Although Tim is no longer the host, it’s still a highly entertaining insight into the world of antiques!

 

Prompt: Bikurgurl, 100 Word Wednesday – Week 28

Poetry by Sarah, Tanka

Though I Roam Wild

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Image credit http://reylia.deviantart.com/

though I may roam wild
through the deserts of despair
rain shall drive my calm

creating joyful music
strangled by the whitest hope

By Sarah ©2017

Prompst: Mindlovemisery’s Menagerie, Photo Challenge – #174; and also, Colleen’s Weekly Poetry Challenge, wild & calm

Haiku / Senryu, Poetry by Sarah

Matryoshka

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Image credit Pixabay 

ornamental shells
of red and pink wooden halves
revealing figures


By Sarah ©2017

A Matryoshka doll is wooden figure which separates, top from bottom, to reveal a smaller figure of the same sort inside, which has, in turn, another figure inside of it, and so on.

Prompt: Ronovan Writes, Weekly Haiku Poetry Prompt, Challenge #158 – pink, shell

Haibun, Poetry by Sarah

Demise

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A vague sadness passed over me, as the choice presented itself again. I swilled the amber liquid in my glass, and wished, in an offhand way, that it was nepenthe; the sweet medicine of the soul. But my sallow skin, and the reappearance of terrible pangs, reminded me otherwise. Nonetheless, I savoured this, my fourth glass of the bitter, Neolithic drug. I had climbed too far, too soon and now it was either abdicate or perish…and I had chosen for my spectacular finale, both.

never to admit
defeat; choosing refuge in
eternal silence


By Sarah ©2017 

*nepenthe (noun) – A drug or drink, or the plant yielding it, mentioned by ancient writers as having the power to bring forgetfulness of sorrow or trouble. anything inducing a pleasurable sensation of forgetfulness, especially of sorrow or trouble

^abdicate(verb) – to renounce or relinquish a throne, right, power, claim, responsibility, or the like, especially in a formal manner

Prompt: Mindlovemisery’s Menagerie, Wordle #164. Words: climb, vague, sadness, perish, pangs, nepenthe, neolithic, four, offhand, reappear, sallow, abdicate; and also, Daily Post Daily Prompt, Word: vague, savour.

Free Verse, Poetry by Sarah

Beautiful Lies

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How many days had I been here?
Sitting at this table,
Watching the flowers wilt and die.
As he cooks me up his special brew.

Spices; herbs; stirred with a clear elixir.
My dear, this will fix your headache.
My love, your pain will dissipate.
My darling, you’re too excitable.

Let me ease your womanly discomforts.
But they were all beautiful lies.
A recipe for keeping me here.
Captive.

Addicted.
Dying.
Dead now.
Like the flowers.

I’m cast aside for his next target
He tells more beautiful lies,
To anyone who will listen.
It is all too easy.

by Sarah ©2017

Prompt: Mindlovemisery’s Menagerie, Sunday Writing Prompt, July 16, 2017 – Fine Dining Kitchen Tricks