The Aspiring Bard

On Friday, I had the privilege of doing Friday Introductions and taking over the stories on the Art Stew 52 Instagram account. The prompt for that week was 'Ship/Boat', so as a group activity, I asked everyone to send me whatever popped into their heads when they thought about boats and ships, and I'd take all of the ideas and write a piece of flash fiction from them.  Well, there were a lot of ideas, and the flash fiction turned into more of a short story. I think the whole thing, from concept to finished first draft (which I then proceeded to read aloud on a live video) took me about three hours. It was such an interesting experience to write a short story based on other people's interpretations of a prompt, and within a time limit. Definitely something I'd like to do again sometime! Here's the story (after some editing). Image: Unsplash Darrion stumbled into the Tavern at the Edge of the Galaxy. His boots were clumsy and heav...

The soul must cling, sometimes, to memories, The counting up of kindnesses And things that make this life a good one: Chappa lady telling me: "Don't take those words to heart." Salted fish and xima on the stairs. Notes written in a childish scrawl: For Janie in America A rubiks cube Skipping class to make sure I got home The little gifts Bright words in the darkness Closenesses of knowing, being known The bringing up of festered confrontations In hopes of understanding and of peace Eye contact and the honesty of words: "I almost lost a friend." (When I hadn't thought it mattered any more). Long Whatsapp calls And emails, Late- night chats That offered me a lifeline far from home. The conversations where I cried, And said mean things, Accused Yet still was sure of being loved. Chocolate Rusks A teapot wrapped and warm Coming in the rain to say goodbye. Nicknames: Hermana, maninha, and of course, madame Facebook messag...

Written in response to @artstew52 prompt:  Snow on Snow 

Written in response to Art Stew 52 prompt: Shy