My favorite by far is Nightmare. To me, it speaks to how carefully we construct our lives, trying to do the right thing, avoiding disaster or confrontation, and still life often throws unpleasant things at us for no apparent reason. We just have to keep on trying to make the good dreams outweigh the nightmares. These are all good stories, Justin, but Nightmare is special.
Thank you for reading and commenting, Andrea! I love your interpretation of the story. I was thinking along those same lines when writing it, so it was reassuring to hear it landed there for you!
Golly you are good at this, Justin. Each one is a little sparkling jewel. Some of the lines just jump from the page. "TIptoe between worlds." "Alone. Wild. Free." "Next!" "Faith, Marcus." "Time passes. Wars wage. Still, it stands." (As will humanity, if the gods are willing...).
I, myself, now have 78 fifties on Leaves. I could not have accomplished it, Justin, without your models. I am learning from the master here. Thank you
Well that is incredibly kind of you to say, Sharron! Thank you. I’m so happy you fell in love with the form, too. Fifties so much fun to write. I learn a lot from reading other exceptional writers like you, so please know that you are a major influence on my own work! Thanks, my friend! Here’s to the next 22 and beyond! 🥂
Clyde Bennington reminds me of a strange man who lived in a redwood tree in Boulder Creek, CA. I'd see him walking the highway a few times a week, a knapsack on his back. Once I saw him in the library borrowing books. The librarian told me he was once a burned-out attorney from the Bay Area. He was a fairly young man, but that was decades ago. He's probably dead by now.
I am so interested in this man and this particular story, Sue! I didn’t have any one person in mind when writing about Clyde Bennington, but I love the connection you made here. Thank you very much for reading!
The wolverine I hunted was illusive. Tracks disappeared in fresh-blown snow drifts. I brushed aside light snow and discovered fresh red blood. A little further, I found a den and the voracious beast’s jaws crushed reindeer bones. Surprised, the wolverine’s maw opened wider, mean, lean still hungry leaped .
I dig it! Great take on the prompt, Richard. Just so you know, I’ll create a post with the prompt on Friday. That’s typically when everyone shares their stories. You’ll probably get some more eyes on yours if you want to share it again.
I have a soft spot for ‘Free’. I love the possibilities of a discovered notebook. You have a deft touch with this format. They’re all great examples. Inspiring.
I loved every one of them, but, "The Hand Of God" is my favorite. The first time you posted it, the story stayed with me.
Thanks so much for reading and for the kind words, Sharon. Happy you liked that one!
Liked them all. Inventive and thoughtful every one.
Thank you for reading, K.C.!
My favorite by far is Nightmare. To me, it speaks to how carefully we construct our lives, trying to do the right thing, avoiding disaster or confrontation, and still life often throws unpleasant things at us for no apparent reason. We just have to keep on trying to make the good dreams outweigh the nightmares. These are all good stories, Justin, but Nightmare is special.
Thank you for reading and commenting, Andrea! I love your interpretation of the story. I was thinking along those same lines when writing it, so it was reassuring to hear it landed there for you!
Golly you are good at this, Justin. Each one is a little sparkling jewel. Some of the lines just jump from the page. "TIptoe between worlds." "Alone. Wild. Free." "Next!" "Faith, Marcus." "Time passes. Wars wage. Still, it stands." (As will humanity, if the gods are willing...).
I, myself, now have 78 fifties on Leaves. I could not have accomplished it, Justin, without your models. I am learning from the master here. Thank you
Well that is incredibly kind of you to say, Sharron! Thank you. I’m so happy you fell in love with the form, too. Fifties so much fun to write. I learn a lot from reading other exceptional writers like you, so please know that you are a major influence on my own work! Thanks, my friend! Here’s to the next 22 and beyond! 🥂
Clyde Bennington reminds me of a strange man who lived in a redwood tree in Boulder Creek, CA. I'd see him walking the highway a few times a week, a knapsack on his back. Once I saw him in the library borrowing books. The librarian told me he was once a burned-out attorney from the Bay Area. He was a fairly young man, but that was decades ago. He's probably dead by now.
I am so interested in this man and this particular story, Sue! I didn’t have any one person in mind when writing about Clyde Bennington, but I love the connection you made here. Thank you very much for reading!
I loved all of these, but Free is my favorite.
Thank you for reading, Caro! 🙏
50 words on wild animal.
The wolverine I hunted was illusive. Tracks disappeared in fresh-blown snow drifts. I brushed aside light snow and discovered fresh red blood. A little further, I found a den and the voracious beast’s jaws crushed reindeer bones. Surprised, the wolverine’s maw opened wider, mean, lean still hungry leaped .
I dig it! Great take on the prompt, Richard. Just so you know, I’ll create a post with the prompt on Friday. That’s typically when everyone shares their stories. You’ll probably get some more eyes on yours if you want to share it again.
Thanks for info.
Of course!
Like being asked to pick your favorite kid but i guess Free
Hahaha! That’s quite the comparison. Thanks for reading and for the chuckle, Scott! 🤣
Hand of God always waving in time is my choice. Nature never fades away.
Thank you so much for reading, Richard!
Free and Early Arrival were my favorites. Free for the sentiment and Early Arrival for the unexpected harshness. Let’s hope not. 🤣
Thanks, Mark. Haha, agreed! I hope that’s not what’s in store for us. 🤣
Hand of God was my favorite. I can see that tree.
I appreciate you reading and commenting, Joan! Thank you.
What a treat to have five of these to read! An Early Arrival was my absolute favourite; although I loved them all!
Thanks my friend. Hope all is well, Chris!
I have a soft spot for ‘Free’. I love the possibilities of a discovered notebook. You have a deft touch with this format. They’re all great examples. Inspiring.