We look at the map: in front of us runs the long road, above the shore, bordered by legendary harbours, and wildlife reserves. Here Saint Laurent O'Toole came from green Ireland, and blessed the town where he now rests. Here William took his future young bride, fair Mathilde, to the altar, and then, with his … Continue reading #FiveSentenceFiction: Maps #Valleys #Normandy #Eu #1914
World Wars
#VisDare 71: Ephemera
I have haunted these corridors for as long as my memories reach: a long way back... Yet, as clear as stream waters in the mountains, I recall the day: your smile, the wind in your hair, all that united us, before we parted. The world was young, we were innocent. Little we knew what … Continue reading #VisDare 71: Ephemera
#VisDare 66: Restoration
We found so much pain, that despite our hardened hearts we felt despair, but you, my love, you stood in the face of the Shadow. I remember you, holding the small crying child, and how beautiful you were, how much hope then rested on your smile. It was the early summer, already the tide had … Continue reading #VisDare 66: Restoration
#DailyPrompt: Pride and Joy
What's your most prize possession? He could not understand those youngsters glorifying a past which was alien to them: how could they know? How could they even understand what it had been like? He could tell them, but he doubted they would listen. So they marched in the streets of still peaceful cities, ignorant, holding flags and … Continue reading #DailyPrompt: Pride and Joy
#AtoZAprilChallenge: (On) War
He wrote from a position of knowledge: that of people who have been there, who stared defeat in the face, felt the icy lips of Death, and, later, much later, realised the sweetness of victory. He’s an officer’s officer, the strategist of the European legend. When Carl von Clausewitz started writing his book, “On War”, shortly … Continue reading #AtoZAprilChallenge: (On) War
Weekly Writing Challenge: Time Machine #DPChallenge
We’re giving you a free ticket to the period and place of your choice: where do you go? Do you stay where you are, or venture somewhere far away? Do you go all the way back to prehistoric times, or relive a fun moment you just had last year? I recognise the mountain, the light, … Continue reading Weekly Writing Challenge: Time Machine #DPChallenge
#WritersWednesday: the Secret Space, Near You
" But in the end we talked all night. Every story has a time to be told, I convinced her. Otherwise you'll be forever a prisoner to the secret inside you." ~ Haruki Murakami, Sputnik Sweetheart She longed to see him, to hold him as she used to. But he was no longer there, so she … Continue reading #WritersWednesday: the Secret Space, Near You
#FWF Free Write Friday: Quote Prompt
“We started dying before the snow, and like the snow, we continued to fall.” — Louise Erdrich, Tracks Out of the mist they march Cloaked in white, invisible, An army of wraiths, frightening the crows, Away from the living, they march towards Hell On their way destroying all evils... Image: Mieczysław Jakimowicz, Foreboding, 1907, via http://snowce.tumblr.com/
#FiveSentenceFiction: Moments
Then she knew, soon he would have to go, to go East, and face his fate, the fate of a soldier. Years later she would remember, his last letter from the front, the collapse, the ruins, the hunters in the streets... Now she was smiling, for their son was there, a strong tall young man, … Continue reading #FiveSentenceFiction: Moments
#FiveSentenceFiction: Dancing
For forgotten heroes The silent church was hidden behind sand bags and a heteroclite assembly of scaffoldings and canvas, derisory protection for its ancient coloured windows. In the distance could be heard the deep rumble of enemy’s artillery, under a leaden sky. His platoon had sought refuge in the now abandoned village, and the ruins … Continue reading #FiveSentenceFiction: Dancing
Of Glass & Paper 