In response to Sadje’s WDYS prompt
What do you see #168
January 9, 2023
Never the same
always different
caught in the middle
of others statuesque beauty
Molded differently
rougher hewn
sharper edges
unfinished pockmarked surface
Unstable untied to a base
unlike they who never wobble
strongly molded together
forevermore encased as one
Untouched in their concreteness
facing war weather and time
side by side in their cemented bonds
a weed inserts itself fighting to survive
The Master laughs as each one of his three chosen is sent back into their individual rooms down in the castle dungeon. Each student is reminded not to touch the door handle until the end of the session. They are instructed not to chatter among themselves.
Each of the three learned comrades is given two glasses of water, a scrap of food and a wooden rod. The moment the sconces are turned down and darkness spreads through the underground prison, a large rat slips into the first students cell. The student is sickened and enraged by the filthy creature and beats it away with his rod.
The fat rat scurries into the second dungeon cell where the student has created an intricate trap using bits of scrap food and cash. He plans to catch that rotund rat and have himself a nice, tasty dinner.
Undeterred and even less fooled, the old fat rat slides into the third and last alcove. The third student looks up from where he sits cross-legged in the center of his cell, meditating. The scrap of food cut in half, divided evenly in front of him.
“Welcome,” said the student to the large rodent, “I’ve been waiting for you. Please sit and join me in repose as I very much would like to hear your stories of old.”
The rat transformed back into the aged Master who smiled broadly at his third and best student.
“You have done well my son. You have passed the ultimate test. You are now the champ, you are the Rat King.”
She slipped from her trailered cage
into the cool waters of Dutchman’s Creek without a splash
sliding without a sound
Her heavy bottom keeping her stable
amid the obnoxious wakes
created by those less considerate
than she on her maiden voyage
Waves chased each other to shore
the tide racing the wind to the sea
and back again to caress her sides
her rudder vibrating in delight
The wind held its breath
teasing her new sails
until they lay listless
against the thick steel of her mast
At the moment of her surrender
the air moved gently against her
lifting her bow with the strength
of it’s force against her virgin wing
Salty spray sprang from beneath
the arch of her pointed bow
her release burst forth
the wind full force set her free
Barbs land true in the night
fired behind vicious words
wrapped in silken bed linens
Cool tufted comforter caresses
bodies fueled by hurt and anger
spew poison darts meant to injure
Thorns imbed deep burrowing
past thick skinned barriers
beyond years built steel walls
Monsters hidden emerge
obscured by the face of one
once loved beyond all measure
Ties are pulled apart and broken
bonds unravel the ends burned
beyond a braiders healing abilities
Backs turn in anger
neither relinquishing the last word
the line is drawn and quartered
Photograph by ©️Gypsie-Ami Offenbacher-Ferris
Prompt hosted by Of Maria Antonia December 31, 2022 Photo Challenge #53 / Perfect Shot
In response to KL Caley’s Weekly #Writephoto Prompt!
Dreams do manifest into reality
the test is in the waiting
the passage of time
patience
Waves caress the glistening sides
of the white sailing ship
her name a beloved acronym
a gift
Behind lies land and what used to be
ahead lives adventures to be found
hand and hand and arm in arm is life
profound
In response to pensitivity101’s prompt Three Things Challenge #M192 PENALTY AIM INTRICATE
His aim was true his future solid the plan he laid an intricate ballad of love lost and days spent in deep emotional torment
In a short time without much effort he stole her heart giving him comfort She didn’t know she didn’t plan to spend her life without this man
The truth came out painful and bold the ladies heart it grew quite cold He had cursed both of their destinies loneliness their ultimate penalty
In response to Bartholomew Barker’s prompt, “What does the future hold?”
Broken apart now faltering
angst anger regret and pain
A mother and father vow
never to speak again
Houses once homes
sold to provide funds
For out-of-state moves
beer and liquor runs
Electricity falters
smart phones and devices
Become treasured antiques
man left without his vices
Teenagers stay home
to help mom run the farm
Sisters and brothers
work together arm in arm
Through the heavy barn doors
walks a man scarred and torn
Demons and humans he battled
his soul thin and worn
The players are different
in this family once broken
Standing together as one
not society’s meager token
A strong family unit now
forms a community devoted
to save their Mother the Earth
by hard work and clean voting
A baby in a manger
wrapped in thin linen
smiled at the simplicity
of a rhythmic thumping drum
Over his head a stables roof
the songs of barn animals
serenade his first lullaby
a mother and father by his side
It mattered not to the tiny child
that others had much more than he
the healing light within his eyes
would bring joy to all for many years
In this world of violence and crime
where wealth and fame
eclipse love and care
wrap your heart in the barest linen
and remember
Gypsie’s Wonderful World of Words 