Untitled

[writersbeware]

Tides

The tides come in, white-top waves Pounding the shore Carrying all forms of debris Some vegetation, some manmade Gulls sweep down, Gobbling anything attractive, While leaving behind empty shells, Gutted. Emotional tides afflict me, At times rendering me incapable of being rational Should I forgive her for the mean things she said, Or carry on, carrying on. Is it time to ask for help…

[writersbeware]

Unexpected Gift

            There are general rules about gift-giving.             If an invitation says no gifts, then you don’t appear with a gift in hand.             If it says bring a gift for a shelter pet or a hospitalized child, then you don’t show up with an expensive bottle of wine. Or a fancy crystal platter.             When someone hands you a gift, you thank them even if it’s something you can’t…

[writersbeware]

Acknowledging Fears

            I’ve never been afraid of dogs, not even when I was a little kid. Back then I had no concept of the damage a frightened or angry dog could do, which is most likely why I always wanted to pet them.             All that changed as I got older.             A friend had dogs that wanted to jump in my lap and lick my face. I’d push the offending tongues away, only for them to resume…

[writersbeware]

Out of Character

            We expect our acquaintances to behave in predictable ways. Tom might be a show-off, except when spiders are involved and Wilma is reserved until she’s drunk.             Our friends are known, including strengths and faults. What happens when they don’t react the ways we’ve come to expect? We tilt our heads to the side, scratch our necks, and wonder what’s possessed…

[writersbeware]

            Embarrassment

Entirely my fault, I must admit Mention it not; I’ll never again Because I fear a permanent split Apologize, yes, for where I’ve been Remind myself of how much you cried Reflect upon what I now must do Accept my errors; deny my pride Stay strong in love and faithful to you Speak gently the words you long to hear End all discord; always keep you near Promise to strive to never…

[writersbeware]

All that Clutter

            Picture a house stacked with stuff. Piles of paper everywhere. Unopened mail on the desk. Dirty dishes overflowing the sink. Clothes on the floor. Baskets of craft projects. Buckets of who-knows-what.             Dust motes flutter in the air.  Strong odors tickle your nose. Doors stick and floorboards creak.             Your task is to write a story in which something happens to a…

[writersbeware]

Truth or Dare

            There’s a game in which players select Truth or Dare. If Truth, then they must answer honestly to whatever question is posed. If Dare, then they must complete, or at least attempt to complete, whatever challenge is presented.             Imagine choosing Truth, then being asked to reveal a deep, dark secret that you’d thought buried in the past. What emotions would you…

[writersbeware]

Forgiveness is Tough

            My mother epitomized the grudge-bearing harpy found in fables. While she couldn’t fly, she had an unnatural ability to sweep in when you really, really didn’t want her around. She’d rush in, her cheeks flushed with anger, accuse me of some sin, then threaten to have my father beat me.             I knew she didn’t love me. I witnessed her love for my older brother and younger sister,…

[writersbeware]

Monsters!

            Speculative Fiction stories often feature monsters. Some fly, some burrow underground, some spew poison, while a rare few, love humans.             They come in all sizes and shapes. Tinker Bell, while not a monster, was tiny. Godzilla and King Kong were gargantuan. Some, like Shek, are jolly, while others, like the evil stepmother, have viscous tempers.             Your task is to…

[writersbeware]

The Call

            I was a deeply religious child. I might not have understood the complexities of the Catholic Mass, but I was awed by the solemnity. Something about it being said in Latin made the service exotic and mysterious.             Stained glass windows speak to me. When the sun shines through, the images come to light, almost surreal. I longed to be there, with the holy figures, experiencing…

[writersbeware]

Time Matters

I won’t live for an eternity my demise is quickly coming there’s nothing I can do to prevent it from happening I must make good use of my minutes, hours, days being productive and holding myself accountable The clock is ticking. I hear it in the background, counting down how little time I have left. I must seize this moment. Do something productive. Call a friend or write a…

[writersbeware]

This prompt requires some clever thinking!

[writersbeware]

One more Piece of Advice!

[writersbeware]

In Thanksgiving

            Some people hand out thanks like candy: a piece here, there, and everywhere. At times, it might feel overdone, a bit false, as if the individual can’t think of anything else to say.             There are some who never, ever say thanks, even if the gift is huge. Imagine if grandma gives you her car. Yet you never thank her. Or if the teacher gives you a study tip for an upcoming…

[writersbeware]

Steps you should take if your computer is hacked.

[writersbeware]

A Sweet Affair

            Valentine’s Day has traditionally been a time for gifting candy to a loved one. Chocolates, in a heart-shaped box, were quite popular. Commercials show the happy recipient, hugging the red-ribboned box, while the giver also smiles. A time for sharing and for joy. Is it possible to gift candy during the rest of the year? Of course, and no reason required. During the Christmas season…

[writersbeware]

Embarrassing!

            One morning, as my kindergarten students stood in line waiting to enter the classroom, one of the girls peed. It streamed down her legs, filling her shoes and running down the ramp. She started crying, but my assistant led her inside. Some students made comments, which I handled by asking if anything embarrassing had ever happened to them. Of course, all of them shared a comparable…