Love letters

January 28, 2012January 6, 2015 ~ Tara R. ~ 20 Comments

Before Internet, before email, they wrote love letters to each other. She tied them with a red ribbon, secreting them away in the rafters of the attic so they wouldn't scandalize their children. A little Trifecta lagniappe, or a Trifextra, for the weekend. A love story challenge, written in only 33 words. Backstory: my husband … Continue reading Love letters

Icarus

January 26, 2012January 5, 2015 ~ Tara R. ~ 9 Comments

Breaking the bounds of earth, I soar above the eagles and angels. True freedom, untethered and alive. Reaching ever upward, I touch the face of the sun. The wind rushing in my ears, I skim mountain tops, scooping fists full of virgin snow to slate my parched throat. The ripest, sweetest fruit from the highest … Continue reading Icarus

Stone soup

January 25, 2012January 6, 2015 ~ Tara R. ~ 11 Comments

"You have less than two dollars and no access to more money. Begging is illegal and the police are vigilant. How do you get food?" Professor Oliver walked around the lecture hall passing out one dollar bills. Frantic hands went up, questions thrown out in rapid-fire succession. Oliver held up an unconcerned hand, waiting for … Continue reading Stone soup

The ruling class

January 17, 2012January 5, 2015 ~ Tara R. ~ 23 Comments

She swept into the courtyard followed by her entourage of nodding sycophants. Casing her malevolent gaze over her subjects, she carefully selected her next victim. Who did she endeavor to destroy this week? Each of her ladies in waiting were specifically chosen for their beauty and prestige, as well as their inability to resist their … Continue reading The ruling class

We hardly recognized her

January 16, 2012January 6, 2015 ~ Tara R. ~ 14 Comments

During the first few months, we took turns sitting vigil. She was never left alone. If one of us weren’t with her, talking to her, reading from a beloved book, or playing a favorite song, doctors and interns were there poking and prodding. There were hushed discussion regarding brain activity and vital body functions. Whispering … Continue reading We hardly recognized her

Honeysuckle tears

January 12, 2012January 5, 2015 ~ Tara R. ~ 16 Comments

Outside on the lanai, under rented white canopies, mason jars filled with sun-brewed sweet tea sit untouched on the table. Tears of condensation roll down the glass, leaving wet circles on the old linen cloth. Gran's tatted lace doilies, yellow and wilted with age, hang forlornly from the backs of the chairs. The stifling gloom … Continue reading Honeysuckle tears