Visitations
He hovers in the corner less frequently now. His face is rarely seen in clouds. He leaves no further messages as the cats walk over my computer keys. It is true that sometimes I catch the scent of him, but it’s not often and not for long. Who knows how long a spirit is tied to earth? The cats sense him sometimes, as do the dogs. The candelabra with its arms arched upwards and the carved wooden Virgin of Guadalupe statue rising up like a head in front of it, in a dark room backlit by kitchen lights, has given me a start now and then; but I soon realize it is not him. None of these places are where I keep him now. It is only long after midnight, when, exhausted, I fall to dreams, that his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream.
For the dVerse Poets Pub prompt, we are to write a 144 word prose piece that contains the quote “his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream” from Maya Angelou’s poem “Caged Bird.” Read other responses to the prompt HERE.
Thank you for the post…. It was nice….
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An impressive poem, Judy — and an amazing photo!
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This photo, which I did not take, looks exactly like my husband. I used it once before but can’t find the source again..It was on a free site, but I’d like to give credit. Perhaps I’ll find it. Uncanny how much it looks like him, though.
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I enjoyed this piece, Judy. The picture is a great one.
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Evocative poem Judy.
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The tricks that grief plays. The detailing is lovely, Judy.
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Thanks, Sarah.
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It was good, thanks for sharing 🍁🙂🍁
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Lovely piece Judy – so liked how it’s such a gentle lulling piece – the vagrant scent of him, the cats – right up to the punch line – and then it all tumbles down.
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I can identify with this piece, Judy. I still see and smell my mother and grandmother, but only just, especially after years have passed. I would love messages from cats walking over my computer keys. I love the very realistic description of the ‘candelabra with its arms arched upwards’ – it would give me a start too! I still dream of them, though.
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I found an old compact of my mother’s and when I opened it, the smell brought a flood of childhood memories. I wrote another piece about my cats walking over the computer keys a few months after my husband died and when I looked at the screen, it read “Once a wife no regrets sold.” I had just moved to Mexico and put our house in the states up for sale..I’m sure there is some logical explanation, but I’ve never been able to figure out what it was…
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I prefer the illogical myself.
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Well done, Judy.
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Thanks for that prose Judy~! Many of us have had such Visitations, and it is not in grief but in memories of a life long ago and the desire to commune with that memory. I am also pleased in your adding that the animals feel it too. Mine do~! The photo is also impressive, someone was very adapt with photoshop~?
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Nothing says abandonment like the cat walking over the computer keys! Love it!
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Such a mystery hidden in his write. I want to read the sequel!
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I’ve written the prequels to this piece on my blog, Beverly. I’ll try to find them and send you links…
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I agree with Beverly…a mystery behind the actions and words. Great tension created. (K)
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I like to think he’s still someplace reachable, or at least he was at the time. Nicely done, Judy.
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Yes he still appears now and then..making his will be known.
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These visitations sound tender and nice until you reach that point of midnight screams.
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Wow! Extremely excellent, Judy! Chills.
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Thanks, Sascha..Chills back.
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