The Sunday Whirl presents twelve words for us to use in a creative writing piece.
This weeks words are:
scratch, bones, branches, gathered, blow, words, stone, stranger, keep, tilt, feathered, we.
I played with Haiku. Probably Senryu, in truth.
The Stranger
Be not forgetful to entertain strangers:
for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
– Hebrews 13:2
The wind was blowing.
Branches screeched on the windows.
It was a bleak night.
A scratch at the door.
A dark figure stood outside.
He offered no words.
Barely skin and bones.
A coat gathered around him,
To keep the wind out.
“What brings you, stranger?”
But it garners no response.
He stands like a stone.
“Come in, have some soup”.
He tilted his head, thinking.
Then nods and enters.
The coat slips open.
A glimpse of something feathered.
No answers offered.
Fed and most grateful,
He silently leaves again.
We may never know.
◊
Father's Day in Australia. The opening quote was one that my father had done in calligraphy, many years ago.
ReplyDeleteTo J Cosmo Newbery
DeleteFather's Day brings a special joyful cheer,
A time to celebrate with children so dear.
Laughter and joy, moments to treasure,
Creating memories beyond measure.
With each hug and smile shared with love,
A day of warmth, a day we’re proud of.
дякую
DeleteFeliz Día del Padre
DeleteI had to look up senryu. Thank you for expanding my world. And leaving me with a mystery to ponder as well.
ReplyDeleteLovely! And a nice tribute to your father to use that opening quote.
ReplyDeleteLove it A great narrative poem So intriguing that I would like to know more
ReplyDeleteBoth inspirational and spooky. The feathers concealed under the coat remind me of "A Most Unpleasant Way, Sir." On the whole this captures the ambiguity of dinner with a radical humanitarian, not knowing who else may be at the table. Great story.
ReplyDelete(I'm Pris cilla King and Google is still being foolish about the extra cookies.)
DeleteDelightfully mysterious! And nice standing like a stone but also feathery imagery.
ReplyDeleteYes, quite mysterious, and well composed! I lost my father at age sixteen, your writing struck a chord. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteFeathers ? a feather boa perhaps? Must be a Melbourne thing:)
ReplyDeleteIs it not being true that the devil was also being an angel?
ReplyDeleteAre you the devil's advocate?
DeleteI love how cleverly you have used the prompt - and the air of foreboding...what isn't said is conveyed loud and clear - wishing you a cup of tea too - Jae
ReplyDeleteThat was delightfully mysterious
ReplyDeleteI like this so much... there's an old saying in India that every guest is a god... the same sentiment pretty much... kindness begets kindness...
ReplyDeleteI love the way this is written, and the mystery at the end. Great quote!
ReplyDelete