Me and My
I sat there in my kitchen, in my house, in the dark. I sat there all alone hoping he wouldn’t find me. The moon barely cast any light through the drawn blinds. I needed it dark, it had to be dark. I held the match in my right hand. The single match for a single candle, which stood patiently on the table, in my kitchen, in my house, in the dark.
I knew I should light it but feared he would show up. I feared that with the glow of the flame he would show his ugly face and torment me once again. Oh how I hated him. Wherever I went, there he was. Out for a simple walk and he would tag along. I once went on a date and he decided to appear, naturally at the most inappropriate time. I would try running and he would only follow quicker than before. I knew it was serious when I caught him in my house, uninvited. The police wouldn’t do anything. They said they couldn’t do anything until he did something first. How insane is that. If I’m lying in a pool of blood then they can do something? So that’s why I sat there in my kitchen, in my house, in the dark.
He never showed up when I was in the dark. The only time I felt any comfort was when it was completely pitch black, no light at all. I knew he couldn’t find me, I knew I was safe. But I had to face my fears, I had to face him and show him I was no longer afraid. I had to light the candle, I had to strike that match.
Slowly I placed the match at the end of the striking strip. Gritting my teeth and in one fluid stroke, I lit up the room with a flash. The flame flickered and danced as it sputtered to life only to settle back down and slowly glow with it’s newly found heat. I gently held it to the candle’s wick and it woke from it’s slumber. At first it didn’t want to light but it then caught hold and grew and grew in brilliance. Blowing out the match I sat there waiting, in my kitchen, in my house, now in the light. Waiting for him to show up.
Then out of the corner of my eye I saw a flicker of darkness on the kitchen wall. I spun to see what it was and there he stood. His motionless body taunting my frozen stare as I sat there petrified with fear. He didn’t make a single movement towards me. The flickering light from the candle danced all around the room but still he didn’t move. Then as I gained my composure and moved to watch him closely he moved ever so slightly. Standing up quickly I bellowed, “Damn you evil, you don’t frighten me anymore. You no longer will make me quiver in fear or cower in your presence. Stay if you like for I no longer care.”
He didn’t say a word. He never moved closer nor did he move away. He just stayed where he was. I sat down smiling, knowing I had conquered my foe. I had beaten my adversary right there in my kitchen, in my house, in the light,…. in the light.
Finally the roles had been defined and each one now knew their place. Finally there was an end to all this madness. For now there was peace between me and my shadow.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Eternity
It was lonely sitting on his balcony that night. It had been some time since he had any serious conversation. He remembered back some time ago when people of all ages scurried about the streets below. Now the noise was considerably less. He liked to think of the days when food was plentiful and easy to obtain. Of course man in his infinite wisdom had decided to screw things up as usual.
Oh sure it was to be a small battle. Nothing but a little skirmish, a conflict contained between two small countries that really only fought for the sake of fighting. They knew no better, no real reason for fighting, only that they had too. Passed on from generation to generation. Only this time it got a little out of hand. Soon other nations had to stick their noses into the fray. Then naturally the various militant groups took up their sides, then the religious zealots and not to be outdone, the classic terrorists factions. Before you know it the whole world was bickering and whining about something. To this day he never did actually find out what it was. But it had to happen, some smart-ass decided to show a little muscle and launched a few too many missiles. That set off a chain reaction and presto-chango, we have ourselves a nice little nuclear fallout on our hands. A self imposed man made winter.
Now the cities didn’t get vacant too soon. There were a lot of survivors. Food was still plentiful at this point in time but not as fresh as it use to be. Law and order was non-existent so it truly was survival of the fittest. He had moved around a lot at this time, mostly following the food. I think he was better suited for the prolonged darkness then the average person. All those long years on the graveyard shift made for an easier adjustment to the lack of sunlight.
So he had wandered until he found a home that would suit his needs best. It was a lovely 5 story brownstone with a quaint view over a large portion of the city. The iron grate railing surrounded the large balcony which covered the whole front of the building. Nestled on a busy street, he was sure to follow the pace of the remaining people. But tonight, it sure was quiet.
He had lost a lot of weight over the past few months as the food supply became smaller and smaller. Now he sometimes lacked the strength to get up out of bed and forage for some food. It could have been easy enough to skip on down to the local blood bank but after a while, even that doesn’t supply enough nourishment. For a vampire, the blood bank is like a fast food restaurant for humans. You can get filled up but no real nourishment is obtained. No, it looks like another night of fasting, or was it day. So hard to tell with the eternal darkness from the fallout. Sometime eternity can be a bitch.
It was lonely sitting on his balcony that night. It had been some time since he had any serious conversation. He remembered back some time ago when people of all ages scurried about the streets below. Now the noise was considerably less. He liked to think of the days when food was plentiful and easy to obtain. Of course man in his infinite wisdom had decided to screw things up as usual.
Oh sure it was to be a small battle. Nothing but a little skirmish, a conflict contained between two small countries that really only fought for the sake of fighting. They knew no better, no real reason for fighting, only that they had too. Passed on from generation to generation. Only this time it got a little out of hand. Soon other nations had to stick their noses into the fray. Then naturally the various militant groups took up their sides, then the religious zealots and not to be outdone, the classic terrorists factions. Before you know it the whole world was bickering and whining about something. To this day he never did actually find out what it was. But it had to happen, some smart-ass decided to show a little muscle and launched a few too many missiles. That set off a chain reaction and presto-chango, we have ourselves a nice little nuclear fallout on our hands. A self imposed man made winter.
Now the cities didn’t get vacant too soon. There were a lot of survivors. Food was still plentiful at this point in time but not as fresh as it use to be. Law and order was non-existent so it truly was survival of the fittest. He had moved around a lot at this time, mostly following the food. I think he was better suited for the prolonged darkness then the average person. All those long years on the graveyard shift made for an easier adjustment to the lack of sunlight.
So he had wandered until he found a home that would suit his needs best. It was a lovely 5 story brownstone with a quaint view over a large portion of the city. The iron grate railing surrounded the large balcony which covered the whole front of the building. Nestled on a busy street, he was sure to follow the pace of the remaining people. But tonight, it sure was quiet.
He had lost a lot of weight over the past few months as the food supply became smaller and smaller. Now he sometimes lacked the strength to get up out of bed and forage for some food. It could have been easy enough to skip on down to the local blood bank but after a while, even that doesn’t supply enough nourishment. For a vampire, the blood bank is like a fast food restaurant for humans. You can get filled up but no real nourishment is obtained. No, it looks like another night of fasting, or was it day. So hard to tell with the eternal darkness from the fallout. Sometime eternity can be a bitch.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Flittle the Bat
Flittle the Bat, wore a red hat, and stayed out late at night.
Flew through the sky, or at least he did try, in an unusual style of flight.
But a tiny flaw could be seen, a long time it has been, that his directions were all out of wack.
Turn to his right, to catch food for a bite, and he’d end upside down on his back.
This way meant that way, in circles he flew,
Tried new glasses, new wings, nothing would do.
His radar was all screwy, not working at all,
Mistook one time for food a big ol’ beach ball.
Tree limbs and flag poles, he would often crash into,
He tried everything he could, nothing would do.
Then one night, as he took flight, he wound up caught in a tree.
His wings they were caught, but the more that he faught, he still couldn’t get free.
Two young girls found him there and thought he was kinda neat,
Took him home, put in a cage and fed him some fruit as a treat.
But he wanted to sleep when they wanted to play, and to him this was silly for night was his day.
No matter how bad he flew, this he knew, that stuck in a cage was not his way,
Then it happened, he slipped and fell straight onto his head,
Which wasn’t all too bad, as he was only an inch from his bed.
Then the cage spun and it spun as he wobbled around,
Trying to make his way and he scrambled on the ground.
The girls were watching this and came to help out,
Frantic they were calling for Mom with a rather loud shout.
“Oh Mom”, they asked, “will he be alright”,
“Will he ever fly again, will he take flight ?”
But before Mom could answer, Flittle the Bat awoke,
Lifted himself, and with a loud squeak, he spoke.
Then with a flap of his wings, and his head held high,
Lifted himself from her hands and started to fly.
Fly as he did across the room,
Zigging and zagging, zoom a zoom zoom.
No flaws, no mistakes, not bumping here and there,
He was cured, he was cured as they all stood and did stare.
Then out the open window he flew, like a master of flight,
Away up to the sky, into the dimming twilight.
Back to his family and friends, happy as can be,
Now that he could fly straight and with radar to see.
So next time you look and see some fluttering speedy bat,
Look real close, for it might be Flittle, the one wearing a red hat.
Saturday, February 17, 2007
The old poet writes of love
unrequited nervous love
reaching for a desire
not to be granted.
On crinkly pages with a ball-point pen
you write of flowing tears
your heart desires.
On crinkly pages with nervous love
you write of flowing laughter
your heart desires.
A love story from the heart
flowing with laughter and tears
excruciatingly rejected
they wrote
….rewrite.
unrequited nervous love
reaching for a desire
not to be granted.
On crinkly pages with a ball-point pen
you write of flowing tears
your heart desires.
On crinkly pages with nervous love
you write of flowing laughter
your heart desires.
A love story from the heart
flowing with laughter and tears
excruciatingly rejected
they wrote
….rewrite.
Monday, December 04, 2006
A Dream, A Fantasy, A Quest.....
Oh my, what a tangled story we do weave.
Full of deception, then only to deceive.
I checked my heart, before entering in,
This dreadful place with unlimited sin.
A cast of thousands inhabit the brain,
For I do not wish to remain here insane.
As I sit and think of the glorious day,
When all out there, the peasants they do slay.
I ventured out this cold morning. The rain had just stopped its thundering activity, and the streets had that magical glow. Fresh and clean they were now. Gone were the remains of the days passed. Gone were all the dirty treading of tiresome feet.
Washed away to start anew.
I continued past all the regular and familiar shops till I reached something that was new, yet had that sense of familiarity. A unique little place that had only two tiny windows on the front of the shop. I reached for the door handle and turned it slowly. It wouldn’t budge.
“Locked”, I muttered to myself.
“Not locked young man”, a voice spoke behind me. “Just closed to the cautious”
I turned around quickly, only to find myself staring down into the face of a rather old man. His wrinkly skin cracked as he smiled, and his eyes danced with the seamless energy of a very young soul that was somehow caught in this old body.
“If you are scared, it won’t let you in” he continued.
Sensing a little ego pushing forward, I retorted back,
“I am not scared, I have nothing to be scared of.”
“The door won’t let you in unless it is convinced of this. You can say a lie, but your soul will not be able to hide that lie. For your soul tells the door the real truth.”
Realizing I was not going to win this one I conceded defeat of my ego.
“But how can I enter ? I asked of him.
“Through a clear mind and pure heart, then you will pass.”
“But I have those.”
“Then think only of them”, he spoke and pointed at the door.
“Try the handle and keep your mind.”
I looked at the door handle and then back at him. But he had vanished. Quickly scanning the streets in both directions I found no trace of him.
“That was weird,” I said to myself.
Turning back to the door I reached for the handle. Closing my eyes, I thought only of pure images. It must of worked, for I heard a click and the door swung inward.
Peering in, I could only make out darkness. Light did not seem to penetrate past the doorway. With much hesitation, I ventured over the threshold. I was a couple feet into the store, surrounded by darkness when the door slowly closed shut behind me. I spun around to grab it but was overcome with the sense of complete emptiness. I could not even make out my hand if it was place right in front of my nose. Fear was not an option at this point. I think I was too scared to be scared.
Then a complete feeling of enlightenment swept over my entire body. It was at this moment a bright light appeared in front of me. Well maybe not in front, but it actually surrounded me, engulfing me in a bright white light. A loud noise was heard, like the passing of an incredibly large jet airliner directly over head. I grasped my ears to block out the sound and shut my eyes tight as to shield them from the bright light.
Then all was calm. I wasn’t there anymore. I wasn’t anywhere. This indescribable feeling of nothing was overwhelming. The best possible description would be that my whole body felt like it was asleep and had just woken up. A lit tingle surged from my toes to the tips of my hairs on my head.
As I opened my eyes I was once again in darkness. Yet I could now detect a faint glow of light in the distance. Slowly the light surrounded me and I realized I was on the crest of a small hill at the edge of a quaint little meadow. The sun was rising in the sky but had barely crested over the distant mountains. It was still early in the morning. The dew still clung to the grass and the leaves of the trees. It shimmered off the wet surfaces, bouncing the light in a mystical sort of way. I looked out from that hill top, to view the valley below. A picturesque setting it was. A vision that was usually captured in a classic painting.
In the distance a small lake was feeding a little creek. The creek weaves its way through the tall grass, sprinkled with wild flowers. A light haze gently moved across the lake and its shores. The sun slowly warming it up. On the other side of the lake stood a little cottage house. From its chimney, smoke rose in small swirling patterns, then only to vanish into the morning sky. As I made my way down the hill towards the lake an odd noise startled me from the direction of the sun. The silhouette of a large bird hung motionless in the sky against the slowly rising sun. It then moved its great large wings and turned to head down to the lake. Gracefully it descended towards the lake. Not a sound could be heard from this great big bird. Then with a quick almost seamless approach, it landed on the lake with hardly a ripple of the water.
It was a strange looking bird, one that I have not seen before. Very large wings and a equally large body. But strangely it had a tiny head and beak. Upon closer inspection, I noticed that it did not have feathers but fur on its body. Shaking my head I said to myself, “No, I am not in Kansas any more.”
With the power of a new days sun, I ventured forth towards this magnificent site. The once still water of the lake, rippled with the subtle movements from the large bird. Its grace was not only for the sky, but it moved with the grace of a swan and the sweetness of a dove. I ventured around the lake, not wanting to bring attention to myself. An unexpected meeting with such a large creature would not be advisable at this point I thought to myself. The comfort and shelter of the little hut seemed like a good idea at this point, so I made my way towards it.
It looked like a simple little hut, obviously a one room place. I tried to look into the hut through its small window, but a thin curtain blocked my view. I was about to venture towards the door when the curtain slide to the side and a voice pierced the morning air.
“Ah, Good Morning my little friend.”
A small woman said. Her white hair flowed off her shoulders, and her eyes danced as she smiled when she crinkled her face.
“You’re not from around here are you ?” and tilted her head slightly.
“No I’m not from around here. You could say I am a little out of my neighborhood.”
“Then come in stranger,” she gestured. “Warm your belly and rest your bones”
I nodded and went to the hut’s door. As I reached out to grab the door handle, I noticed it to be quite familiar. Too late, I thought. I remembered where I had seen that handle before. It was the same as the store on the street. When I opened the door, I was again bathed in a bright light. I shut my eyes from the glare and I felt dizzy and confused.
When I awoke I was again not where I thought I should have been. I felt strange, like a completely different person. Now I was in a new place. A special place ? My own thoughts seemed to betray me.
I should learn to watch out for strange door handles. Just then an elderly man came into the room.
“You had a nasty fall young knight ?” he quizzed me. “Not where you thought you should be eh ?”
I thought of the old woman and wondered where she had gone. The old man turned to me,
“ She’s not here is she ? Not to worry, my wife has gone to fetch the morning meal.”
I tried to get up and rest on my elbows, but the old man motioned for me to stay down.
“Don’t get up sir, your strength is down. Rest is needed.”
“But strangely, I don’t feel weak.”
I tested my strength by ignoring the old man. I tried to get up again but it was true I had lost my strength. I felt dizzy and weak, so I lay down again.
“Now do you believe me young knight ?” the old man said grinning.
“Why do you keep calling me young knight ? I questioned.
“For you are” he replied back.
A puzzled look swept over my face.
“For you are a knight of many tales and adventures. I know of your grand adventures and heroics. We all do.”
It was at this point that I noticed that the old man and I were not alone in the room. Sitting off in the corner, in the midst of the shadows were three tiny bodies. The old man motioned them to come forward.
“Come, come, come closer my children.”
Waving his arms towards the three people, gesturing them to approach.
“These are my grandchildren Sir knight, from my eldest son. The youngest one is Coron, then next is Flavian, and the oldest is my little princess, Daniala.”
The children all stood now in the dim light of the fireplace. Two boys and a girl. None of them looked over ten years of age. The old man finally went over to them and in a simple way herded them towards where I lay.
“Sit here children, the young knight would love your company”
They came over slowly and sat near the end of the cot. I smiled at them in hopes that they would not feel threatened. I got the sense that they were becoming calmer because I thought I caught little Flavian with a slight smile.
“Now children, do you wish to hear the story of our young knight here ?” the old man asked.
I turned my head towards him in complete curiosity. A tale about me could be rather revealing at this point, something I should most like to hear about.
“I sure would love to hear how you tell the tale of my adventures.”
The old man smiled. Coron then quickly stated,
“I would love to hear it grandpa.”
“Yes please”, continued Daniala.
“So as soon as we are all nice and comfortable, I’ll begin.” the old man said.
The children quickly grabbed a small blanket at the end of the cot and snuggled up together. Heck even I got comfortable.
“Well then I will tell you of his journeys,” he started.
This should be good I thought. Actually I sure hoped my journeys were good. It would be a shame if I found out that I was boring.
A small smile crept across his face and a glow appeared in his eyes. With a magical tone in his voice he began his story, my story, my adventures. He spoke as if he had lived it, been there. I felt like I was listening to my life, as though he had been the one living it.
“This is the story of our young knight Tritio, before he was a knight, before he was the man he is today. From where he came and what he did”
He turned to the three children and examined their stares. I guess he found them to be interested enough so he continued into the story.
“The sun had crested above the rolling hills. The dew was glistening off the tall grass that swayed in the almost non existent breeze. Slowly the sun warmed the valley. Steam rose from all around, the day was beginning. Low mist was seen hovering around the tallest points of the valley. The tops seemed so far away, yet somehow did not feel imposing at all. Two mountain tops on either side of the valley stood out. Their imposing presence showered over the valley, they were always thought as the guardians of the valley.
Orge and Ore, simple names from simple people. The myths had grown from generation to generation. Some had said the mountains used to be two brothers that had fought over their farm land and upset the gods, and as their punishment, now had to stand watching over their land with neither getting more than the other.
Further myths had the legends of the peaks as the remains of a great battle left behind from when the gods walked the land. Some go as far to say that the peaks were two young lovers from different families that were made to spend eternity standing across from each other in response to their fathers disapproval of their love. Many more myths circulate, but none are really more valid than the next. Most of the time the stories were told to children by their parents in order to keep then under control or to teach them of proper moral values. But like all stories, they at one time or another, become worn out and replaced by something new. As times changed so did the values people placed on the stories. Now the stories only resembled simple tales of generations past.
But one man knew the real story. One man knew the truth. They say he had seen the dream, the magical dream. Some say he had a grand vision. It was to be a great adventure, one could say a quest, a quest of the dream.
... to be continued
Oh my, what a tangled story we do weave.
Full of deception, then only to deceive.
I checked my heart, before entering in,
This dreadful place with unlimited sin.
A cast of thousands inhabit the brain,
For I do not wish to remain here insane.
As I sit and think of the glorious day,
When all out there, the peasants they do slay.
I ventured out this cold morning. The rain had just stopped its thundering activity, and the streets had that magical glow. Fresh and clean they were now. Gone were the remains of the days passed. Gone were all the dirty treading of tiresome feet.
Washed away to start anew.
I continued past all the regular and familiar shops till I reached something that was new, yet had that sense of familiarity. A unique little place that had only two tiny windows on the front of the shop. I reached for the door handle and turned it slowly. It wouldn’t budge.
“Locked”, I muttered to myself.
“Not locked young man”, a voice spoke behind me. “Just closed to the cautious”
I turned around quickly, only to find myself staring down into the face of a rather old man. His wrinkly skin cracked as he smiled, and his eyes danced with the seamless energy of a very young soul that was somehow caught in this old body.
“If you are scared, it won’t let you in” he continued.
Sensing a little ego pushing forward, I retorted back,
“I am not scared, I have nothing to be scared of.”
“The door won’t let you in unless it is convinced of this. You can say a lie, but your soul will not be able to hide that lie. For your soul tells the door the real truth.”
Realizing I was not going to win this one I conceded defeat of my ego.
“But how can I enter ? I asked of him.
“Through a clear mind and pure heart, then you will pass.”
“But I have those.”
“Then think only of them”, he spoke and pointed at the door.
“Try the handle and keep your mind.”
I looked at the door handle and then back at him. But he had vanished. Quickly scanning the streets in both directions I found no trace of him.
“That was weird,” I said to myself.
Turning back to the door I reached for the handle. Closing my eyes, I thought only of pure images. It must of worked, for I heard a click and the door swung inward.
Peering in, I could only make out darkness. Light did not seem to penetrate past the doorway. With much hesitation, I ventured over the threshold. I was a couple feet into the store, surrounded by darkness when the door slowly closed shut behind me. I spun around to grab it but was overcome with the sense of complete emptiness. I could not even make out my hand if it was place right in front of my nose. Fear was not an option at this point. I think I was too scared to be scared.
Then a complete feeling of enlightenment swept over my entire body. It was at this moment a bright light appeared in front of me. Well maybe not in front, but it actually surrounded me, engulfing me in a bright white light. A loud noise was heard, like the passing of an incredibly large jet airliner directly over head. I grasped my ears to block out the sound and shut my eyes tight as to shield them from the bright light.
Then all was calm. I wasn’t there anymore. I wasn’t anywhere. This indescribable feeling of nothing was overwhelming. The best possible description would be that my whole body felt like it was asleep and had just woken up. A lit tingle surged from my toes to the tips of my hairs on my head.
As I opened my eyes I was once again in darkness. Yet I could now detect a faint glow of light in the distance. Slowly the light surrounded me and I realized I was on the crest of a small hill at the edge of a quaint little meadow. The sun was rising in the sky but had barely crested over the distant mountains. It was still early in the morning. The dew still clung to the grass and the leaves of the trees. It shimmered off the wet surfaces, bouncing the light in a mystical sort of way. I looked out from that hill top, to view the valley below. A picturesque setting it was. A vision that was usually captured in a classic painting.
In the distance a small lake was feeding a little creek. The creek weaves its way through the tall grass, sprinkled with wild flowers. A light haze gently moved across the lake and its shores. The sun slowly warming it up. On the other side of the lake stood a little cottage house. From its chimney, smoke rose in small swirling patterns, then only to vanish into the morning sky. As I made my way down the hill towards the lake an odd noise startled me from the direction of the sun. The silhouette of a large bird hung motionless in the sky against the slowly rising sun. It then moved its great large wings and turned to head down to the lake. Gracefully it descended towards the lake. Not a sound could be heard from this great big bird. Then with a quick almost seamless approach, it landed on the lake with hardly a ripple of the water.
It was a strange looking bird, one that I have not seen before. Very large wings and a equally large body. But strangely it had a tiny head and beak. Upon closer inspection, I noticed that it did not have feathers but fur on its body. Shaking my head I said to myself, “No, I am not in Kansas any more.”
With the power of a new days sun, I ventured forth towards this magnificent site. The once still water of the lake, rippled with the subtle movements from the large bird. Its grace was not only for the sky, but it moved with the grace of a swan and the sweetness of a dove. I ventured around the lake, not wanting to bring attention to myself. An unexpected meeting with such a large creature would not be advisable at this point I thought to myself. The comfort and shelter of the little hut seemed like a good idea at this point, so I made my way towards it.
It looked like a simple little hut, obviously a one room place. I tried to look into the hut through its small window, but a thin curtain blocked my view. I was about to venture towards the door when the curtain slide to the side and a voice pierced the morning air.
“Ah, Good Morning my little friend.”
A small woman said. Her white hair flowed off her shoulders, and her eyes danced as she smiled when she crinkled her face.
“You’re not from around here are you ?” and tilted her head slightly.
“No I’m not from around here. You could say I am a little out of my neighborhood.”
“Then come in stranger,” she gestured. “Warm your belly and rest your bones”
I nodded and went to the hut’s door. As I reached out to grab the door handle, I noticed it to be quite familiar. Too late, I thought. I remembered where I had seen that handle before. It was the same as the store on the street. When I opened the door, I was again bathed in a bright light. I shut my eyes from the glare and I felt dizzy and confused.
When I awoke I was again not where I thought I should have been. I felt strange, like a completely different person. Now I was in a new place. A special place ? My own thoughts seemed to betray me.
I should learn to watch out for strange door handles. Just then an elderly man came into the room.
“You had a nasty fall young knight ?” he quizzed me. “Not where you thought you should be eh ?”
I thought of the old woman and wondered where she had gone. The old man turned to me,
“ She’s not here is she ? Not to worry, my wife has gone to fetch the morning meal.”
I tried to get up and rest on my elbows, but the old man motioned for me to stay down.
“Don’t get up sir, your strength is down. Rest is needed.”
“But strangely, I don’t feel weak.”
I tested my strength by ignoring the old man. I tried to get up again but it was true I had lost my strength. I felt dizzy and weak, so I lay down again.
“Now do you believe me young knight ?” the old man said grinning.
“Why do you keep calling me young knight ? I questioned.
“For you are” he replied back.
A puzzled look swept over my face.
“For you are a knight of many tales and adventures. I know of your grand adventures and heroics. We all do.”
It was at this point that I noticed that the old man and I were not alone in the room. Sitting off in the corner, in the midst of the shadows were three tiny bodies. The old man motioned them to come forward.
“Come, come, come closer my children.”
Waving his arms towards the three people, gesturing them to approach.
“These are my grandchildren Sir knight, from my eldest son. The youngest one is Coron, then next is Flavian, and the oldest is my little princess, Daniala.”
The children all stood now in the dim light of the fireplace. Two boys and a girl. None of them looked over ten years of age. The old man finally went over to them and in a simple way herded them towards where I lay.
“Sit here children, the young knight would love your company”
They came over slowly and sat near the end of the cot. I smiled at them in hopes that they would not feel threatened. I got the sense that they were becoming calmer because I thought I caught little Flavian with a slight smile.
“Now children, do you wish to hear the story of our young knight here ?” the old man asked.
I turned my head towards him in complete curiosity. A tale about me could be rather revealing at this point, something I should most like to hear about.
“I sure would love to hear how you tell the tale of my adventures.”
The old man smiled. Coron then quickly stated,
“I would love to hear it grandpa.”
“Yes please”, continued Daniala.
“So as soon as we are all nice and comfortable, I’ll begin.” the old man said.
The children quickly grabbed a small blanket at the end of the cot and snuggled up together. Heck even I got comfortable.
“Well then I will tell you of his journeys,” he started.
This should be good I thought. Actually I sure hoped my journeys were good. It would be a shame if I found out that I was boring.
A small smile crept across his face and a glow appeared in his eyes. With a magical tone in his voice he began his story, my story, my adventures. He spoke as if he had lived it, been there. I felt like I was listening to my life, as though he had been the one living it.
“This is the story of our young knight Tritio, before he was a knight, before he was the man he is today. From where he came and what he did”
He turned to the three children and examined their stares. I guess he found them to be interested enough so he continued into the story.
“The sun had crested above the rolling hills. The dew was glistening off the tall grass that swayed in the almost non existent breeze. Slowly the sun warmed the valley. Steam rose from all around, the day was beginning. Low mist was seen hovering around the tallest points of the valley. The tops seemed so far away, yet somehow did not feel imposing at all. Two mountain tops on either side of the valley stood out. Their imposing presence showered over the valley, they were always thought as the guardians of the valley.
Orge and Ore, simple names from simple people. The myths had grown from generation to generation. Some had said the mountains used to be two brothers that had fought over their farm land and upset the gods, and as their punishment, now had to stand watching over their land with neither getting more than the other.
Further myths had the legends of the peaks as the remains of a great battle left behind from when the gods walked the land. Some go as far to say that the peaks were two young lovers from different families that were made to spend eternity standing across from each other in response to their fathers disapproval of their love. Many more myths circulate, but none are really more valid than the next. Most of the time the stories were told to children by their parents in order to keep then under control or to teach them of proper moral values. But like all stories, they at one time or another, become worn out and replaced by something new. As times changed so did the values people placed on the stories. Now the stories only resembled simple tales of generations past.
But one man knew the real story. One man knew the truth. They say he had seen the dream, the magical dream. Some say he had a grand vision. It was to be a great adventure, one could say a quest, a quest of the dream.
... to be continued
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Hallows Eve
It ‘twas Hallows eve and all through the house,
Was the smell of rotting flesh and one dead mouse.
The cobwebs were hung from the rafters with care,
In hopes that the Grim Reaper soon would be there.
Ghouls and ghosts all rested their heads,
On what was once their warm cozy beds.
Momma in her coffin and I in mine,
We had just said goodnight to our friend Frankenstein.
When out in the back there arose such a noise,
The local hoodlums had arrived, they’re such childish boys.
I sprang from my place to catch the sight,
What a wonderful time for a quick bite.
Warm tender necks, my bite to make bleed,
Oh how soon my family will sit down and feed.
I cracked open the window, rested my hands on the sill,
Noticed ol’ Wolfman howling up on the hill.
A cold chill was in the air and the moon was aglow,
Casting shadows all about from the objects below.
But I am wandering, for there was feeding at hand,
Many people to be bitten, all across this fair land.
Gathered my cape and my red velvet sash,
So handsome I looked and then I was gone in a flash.
Soaring high above in the sky I awaited my pray,
I would take them so quick they would have nothing to say.
The first warm blood of the night is by far the best,
As it drains from the neck it tastes the sweetest.
The fear in the eyes as their life drains away,
Even though I work at night, it sure makes my day.
Without boring you I’ll make this verse quick,
If I described all my kills it might make you sick.
Back to my house I made in a haste,
The night was ending, I had my taste.
For soon the sun would appear, this much I knew,
And I wasn’t wearing my sunblock, SPF-1002.
There would be another night, and more blood to drink,
Just thought you should know, might make you think.
As I crawled into my coffin, I pulled the lid tight,
Smiling to myself how it was a wonderful night.
Then with a click it was locked, I wasn’t to be seen,
May you all have yourself a Happy Halloween.
It ‘twas Hallows eve and all through the house,
Was the smell of rotting flesh and one dead mouse.
The cobwebs were hung from the rafters with care,
In hopes that the Grim Reaper soon would be there.
Ghouls and ghosts all rested their heads,
On what was once their warm cozy beds.
Momma in her coffin and I in mine,
We had just said goodnight to our friend Frankenstein.
When out in the back there arose such a noise,
The local hoodlums had arrived, they’re such childish boys.
I sprang from my place to catch the sight,
What a wonderful time for a quick bite.
Warm tender necks, my bite to make bleed,
Oh how soon my family will sit down and feed.
I cracked open the window, rested my hands on the sill,
Noticed ol’ Wolfman howling up on the hill.
A cold chill was in the air and the moon was aglow,
Casting shadows all about from the objects below.
But I am wandering, for there was feeding at hand,
Many people to be bitten, all across this fair land.
Gathered my cape and my red velvet sash,
So handsome I looked and then I was gone in a flash.
Soaring high above in the sky I awaited my pray,
I would take them so quick they would have nothing to say.
The first warm blood of the night is by far the best,
As it drains from the neck it tastes the sweetest.
The fear in the eyes as their life drains away,
Even though I work at night, it sure makes my day.
Without boring you I’ll make this verse quick,
If I described all my kills it might make you sick.
Back to my house I made in a haste,
The night was ending, I had my taste.
For soon the sun would appear, this much I knew,
And I wasn’t wearing my sunblock, SPF-1002.
There would be another night, and more blood to drink,
Just thought you should know, might make you think.
As I crawled into my coffin, I pulled the lid tight,
Smiling to myself how it was a wonderful night.
Then with a click it was locked, I wasn’t to be seen,
May you all have yourself a Happy Halloween.
A Threat Not Seen, What Could It Have Been
Oh How I shuddered when I awoke from a sound,
Lifted my head quickly and looked all around.
So dark was the room with only a sliver of light,
Cast through the window from the star filled night.
The moon was all aglow, in the sky it hung still,
As I slipped from the bed I caught a slight chill.
The shadows it cast had a life of their own,
Then I heard it again, it was a low moan.
My adrenaline was flowing, my pulse it did race,
There was fear written all over my now terrified face.
Then I gathered my clothing, wiped the sweat from my brow,
I would seek out this moaning, I would seek it right now.
Peering down the hallway, the light played tricks on my eyes,
Knees were a shaking along with my calves and my thighs.
A tapping on the window caused me to jump to the right,
Only a tree branch in the wind but it gave an awful fright.
Again with the moaning, I could hear it quite well,
I think it was closer, this much I could tell.
Then there it was at the end of the hall,
A glowing apparition that was at least 8 feet tall.
As frozen as I stood it just hung in the air,
So beautiful to watch I could only stare.
Then it raised its hand and beckoned to me,
Pointing at something that I just could not see.
I moved closer to look, this sure was a scare,
My curiosity drew me closer, my mind said beware.
At the end of the hall to my left was the den,
I entered quite slowly, cautiously and THEN!
The door slammed shut and the room started to spin,
Here I was trapped and the terror was to begin.
I sunk in the carpet right up to my waist,
Like the whole floor had turned into some sort of paste.
Sinking as I did, I had to get clear,
Reached for the doorknob, it turned into a mirror.
Oh great now I can watch as meet my demise,
To get out of this mess I must become wise.
With the walls all a spinning, above I did look,
For the ceiling was still there and in it, a hook.
To reach it I became clever, I had just one chance,
Quickly removed my belt from my gooey wet pants.
Holding one end I needed to catch it on the buckle,
Then that hideous voice gave out a loud evil chuckle.
The end was quite near I could not quit,
Goo now at my shoulders, me at ends wit.
Then it caught, the hook held as I gave it a good tug,
Tried to pull my way free, I was in quite snug.
Then free I became, for now I just dangled there,
The room still spun as I was caught in mid-air.
I swung my legs back to gather some speed,
If I could gather enough momentum it was all I would need.
I could swing far enough, this was something to do,
With luck I'd swing and fly over the goo.
Praying the hook held as I gripped on that belt,
The goo made it slippery, this was the hand I had been dealt.
Then with a creak, then a crash the ceiling did brake,
I looked up and whispered, "Oh, for Heavens sake".
Plaster went flying and the hook it fell out,
My downward descend gave me reason to shout.
I flew fast across the room, my feet heading first,
In a second it was all over, through the mirror I did burst.
Landing in the hallway I gave myself a second to pause,
For some strange reason I had just defied gravity's laws.
Lifting my body, I raised up my head,
How now I wanted to be back in my bed.
Then the hall, it started to stretch, slowly moving away,
The chandeliers above started flickering, as they began to sway.
I peered searching for an end, not that it could be seen,
I slowly walked in that direction, occasionally looking where I had been.
Then the floor shook, lifted up then down,
I stumbled as I cautiously made my way around.
The walls began moving, closing in on me,
I dashed to the stair way, as quick as I could be.
Turning I leapt, three steps at a time I took,
I made it all the way down the stairs, into the kitchen nook.
Breathing as hard as I was, I paused for just a sec.,
On the outside I may have looked fine but deep down I was a wreck.
Then I heard a rattle, a loud pop followed by a bang,
Several cans flew out of the cupboard, including the jar of Tang.
Little strands of spaghetti stood on the counter and danced,
A large platter of fruit spun around and each piece pranced.
I rubbed my eyes in astonishment, here was something I could not believe,
A force was out to confuse me, trick me, deceive.
The drawer flew out, spilling the cutlery all about,
The forks, knives and the spoons
I stood there in shock, glanced once at the clock,
That seemed lit by many moons.
Then the knives stood up and around the forks they did wrap,
The spoons played themselves, by doing a familiar tap.
Other appliances got into the rhythm, turning themselves on,
With all the buzzing and spinning, would this continue until dawn.
Then everything stopped, and slowly turned towards me,
Gradually approaching, or stalking, for as far as I could see.
I backed up slowly, against the closed kitchen door,
Over-stepping the now still mop that lay prone on the floor.
A knife flew past my ear and into the door it did go,
How these items became animated I surely did not know.
Then a paring, a couple of cutting, then the mighty meat cleaver,
Knives all around, I think I am to be the receiver.
Thunk, Thunk, Thunk, flew some more as they just missed my head,
Ouch, I thought to myself, as my sweat was turning red.
It was only a scratch but sooner it maybe more,
I had to escape, I had to get out through the door.
Turning the door handle, it wouldn't move, it was locked,
I had to think of another way that just wasn't blocked.
I dodged to the left, past the fridge and the stove,
Jumped over the broom, and into the pantry I dove.
Gathering my wits, I ran past the bread-making machine,
Noticing of course that it was due for a clean.
In a last desperate attempt over the counter I flew,
Landing in the dining room area, that much I knew.
Climbing on top of the old oak wood table,
I thought this adventure might make a neat fable.
No sooner did I believe that I was safe and secure,
When another bizarre event happen to occur.
Each chair around the table changed shape and grew,
Morphing to a hideous vision all purple and blue.
With long spindly legs and a body quite lean,
Its head sprouted fangs eager to devour you clean.
Just when it had gotten bad and I wasn't having any fun,
The chandelier had transformed into a snake-like apparition.
Too numerous to be counted, their heads all uncoiled and hissed,
I wanted to jump clear of them, but the carpet was now mist.
I noticed the dining room wall had not changed in the least,
On it contained the one thing I needed to defeat this ugly beast.
Diving to grasp, the family heirloom,
A golden saber from my dear Grandpa sure lit up the room.
I stood with my back to the wall, holding the blade,
I sliced two or three times, listening to whoosh that it made.
Then the attack began and I defended myself with grace,
Taking two beasts out quickly I had a grin on my face.
But another one struck and my leg shot out in pain,
Just as it couldn't get worse, it now started to rain.
Right there in my house, a torrential storm of no compare,
The odds were stacked against me, it wasn't quite fair.
So I battled hard and struck with incredible force,
I must have killed over 20 snakes without any remorse.
I had made my way to the center of the living room,
Where I could only hope this would be the end, victory or doom.
A wind started blowing and the rain came down harder still,
I gathered my last ounce of strength and my determined will,
Facing head on my adversaries, real or not,
I would go out swinging, the brave man who fought.
The battle raged on for some time, it lasted for awhile,
As the many dead remains amassed in a pile.
Then it was over, we had ended this fray
I stood upright and proud, then the pile went away.
Slowly the house transformed itself to the way it was before,
With the nice bookshelves and furniture, and the hardwood floor.
My mind went a spinning and inside my head went blank,
I drifted alone in darkness, spiraling down I sank.
When all was thought to be lost a brightness took over me,
A point of light in the distance, one that I could see.
This glimmer of hope was my salvation, a shining guiding light,
I struggled against the strength of evil, I put up a brilliant fight.
In a rush of psychedelic colours, cascading towards me head on,
It was then I noticed I was back in bed, outside it was breaking dawn.
An evening not to be forgotten, or repeated to soon,
All caused by the eerie glow of one midnight full moon.
I curled with my bed sheets, tucking them around my neck,
I had to get some rest or I'll end up a wreck.
I drifted off once again to the wondrous world of dreams,
To a place and time where all is not what it surely seems.
So the next time you are getting ready to hop right into bed,
Remember that another place exists, deep inside your head.
Allow yourself to take a journey, a simple thing to do,
Fill it with a mystical adventure, its all up to you.
Oh How I shuddered when I awoke from a sound,
Lifted my head quickly and looked all around.
So dark was the room with only a sliver of light,
Cast through the window from the star filled night.
The moon was all aglow, in the sky it hung still,
As I slipped from the bed I caught a slight chill.
The shadows it cast had a life of their own,
Then I heard it again, it was a low moan.
My adrenaline was flowing, my pulse it did race,
There was fear written all over my now terrified face.
Then I gathered my clothing, wiped the sweat from my brow,
I would seek out this moaning, I would seek it right now.
Peering down the hallway, the light played tricks on my eyes,
Knees were a shaking along with my calves and my thighs.
A tapping on the window caused me to jump to the right,
Only a tree branch in the wind but it gave an awful fright.
Again with the moaning, I could hear it quite well,
I think it was closer, this much I could tell.
Then there it was at the end of the hall,
A glowing apparition that was at least 8 feet tall.
As frozen as I stood it just hung in the air,
So beautiful to watch I could only stare.
Then it raised its hand and beckoned to me,
Pointing at something that I just could not see.
I moved closer to look, this sure was a scare,
My curiosity drew me closer, my mind said beware.
At the end of the hall to my left was the den,
I entered quite slowly, cautiously and THEN!
The door slammed shut and the room started to spin,
Here I was trapped and the terror was to begin.
I sunk in the carpet right up to my waist,
Like the whole floor had turned into some sort of paste.
Sinking as I did, I had to get clear,
Reached for the doorknob, it turned into a mirror.
Oh great now I can watch as meet my demise,
To get out of this mess I must become wise.
With the walls all a spinning, above I did look,
For the ceiling was still there and in it, a hook.
To reach it I became clever, I had just one chance,
Quickly removed my belt from my gooey wet pants.
Holding one end I needed to catch it on the buckle,
Then that hideous voice gave out a loud evil chuckle.
The end was quite near I could not quit,
Goo now at my shoulders, me at ends wit.
Then it caught, the hook held as I gave it a good tug,
Tried to pull my way free, I was in quite snug.
Then free I became, for now I just dangled there,
The room still spun as I was caught in mid-air.
I swung my legs back to gather some speed,
If I could gather enough momentum it was all I would need.
I could swing far enough, this was something to do,
With luck I'd swing and fly over the goo.
Praying the hook held as I gripped on that belt,
The goo made it slippery, this was the hand I had been dealt.
Then with a creak, then a crash the ceiling did brake,
I looked up and whispered, "Oh, for Heavens sake".
Plaster went flying and the hook it fell out,
My downward descend gave me reason to shout.
I flew fast across the room, my feet heading first,
In a second it was all over, through the mirror I did burst.
Landing in the hallway I gave myself a second to pause,
For some strange reason I had just defied gravity's laws.
Lifting my body, I raised up my head,
How now I wanted to be back in my bed.
Then the hall, it started to stretch, slowly moving away,
The chandeliers above started flickering, as they began to sway.
I peered searching for an end, not that it could be seen,
I slowly walked in that direction, occasionally looking where I had been.
Then the floor shook, lifted up then down,
I stumbled as I cautiously made my way around.
The walls began moving, closing in on me,
I dashed to the stair way, as quick as I could be.
Turning I leapt, three steps at a time I took,
I made it all the way down the stairs, into the kitchen nook.
Breathing as hard as I was, I paused for just a sec.,
On the outside I may have looked fine but deep down I was a wreck.
Then I heard a rattle, a loud pop followed by a bang,
Several cans flew out of the cupboard, including the jar of Tang.
Little strands of spaghetti stood on the counter and danced,
A large platter of fruit spun around and each piece pranced.
I rubbed my eyes in astonishment, here was something I could not believe,
A force was out to confuse me, trick me, deceive.
The drawer flew out, spilling the cutlery all about,
The forks, knives and the spoons
I stood there in shock, glanced once at the clock,
That seemed lit by many moons.
Then the knives stood up and around the forks they did wrap,
The spoons played themselves, by doing a familiar tap.
Other appliances got into the rhythm, turning themselves on,
With all the buzzing and spinning, would this continue until dawn.
Then everything stopped, and slowly turned towards me,
Gradually approaching, or stalking, for as far as I could see.
I backed up slowly, against the closed kitchen door,
Over-stepping the now still mop that lay prone on the floor.
A knife flew past my ear and into the door it did go,
How these items became animated I surely did not know.
Then a paring, a couple of cutting, then the mighty meat cleaver,
Knives all around, I think I am to be the receiver.
Thunk, Thunk, Thunk, flew some more as they just missed my head,
Ouch, I thought to myself, as my sweat was turning red.
It was only a scratch but sooner it maybe more,
I had to escape, I had to get out through the door.
Turning the door handle, it wouldn't move, it was locked,
I had to think of another way that just wasn't blocked.
I dodged to the left, past the fridge and the stove,
Jumped over the broom, and into the pantry I dove.
Gathering my wits, I ran past the bread-making machine,
Noticing of course that it was due for a clean.
In a last desperate attempt over the counter I flew,
Landing in the dining room area, that much I knew.
Climbing on top of the old oak wood table,
I thought this adventure might make a neat fable.
No sooner did I believe that I was safe and secure,
When another bizarre event happen to occur.
Each chair around the table changed shape and grew,
Morphing to a hideous vision all purple and blue.
With long spindly legs and a body quite lean,
Its head sprouted fangs eager to devour you clean.
Just when it had gotten bad and I wasn't having any fun,
The chandelier had transformed into a snake-like apparition.
Too numerous to be counted, their heads all uncoiled and hissed,
I wanted to jump clear of them, but the carpet was now mist.
I noticed the dining room wall had not changed in the least,
On it contained the one thing I needed to defeat this ugly beast.
Diving to grasp, the family heirloom,
A golden saber from my dear Grandpa sure lit up the room.
I stood with my back to the wall, holding the blade,
I sliced two or three times, listening to whoosh that it made.
Then the attack began and I defended myself with grace,
Taking two beasts out quickly I had a grin on my face.
But another one struck and my leg shot out in pain,
Just as it couldn't get worse, it now started to rain.
Right there in my house, a torrential storm of no compare,
The odds were stacked against me, it wasn't quite fair.
So I battled hard and struck with incredible force,
I must have killed over 20 snakes without any remorse.
I had made my way to the center of the living room,
Where I could only hope this would be the end, victory or doom.
A wind started blowing and the rain came down harder still,
I gathered my last ounce of strength and my determined will,
Facing head on my adversaries, real or not,
I would go out swinging, the brave man who fought.
The battle raged on for some time, it lasted for awhile,
As the many dead remains amassed in a pile.
Then it was over, we had ended this fray
I stood upright and proud, then the pile went away.
Slowly the house transformed itself to the way it was before,
With the nice bookshelves and furniture, and the hardwood floor.
My mind went a spinning and inside my head went blank,
I drifted alone in darkness, spiraling down I sank.
When all was thought to be lost a brightness took over me,
A point of light in the distance, one that I could see.
This glimmer of hope was my salvation, a shining guiding light,
I struggled against the strength of evil, I put up a brilliant fight.
In a rush of psychedelic colours, cascading towards me head on,
It was then I noticed I was back in bed, outside it was breaking dawn.
An evening not to be forgotten, or repeated to soon,
All caused by the eerie glow of one midnight full moon.
I curled with my bed sheets, tucking them around my neck,
I had to get some rest or I'll end up a wreck.
I drifted off once again to the wondrous world of dreams,
To a place and time where all is not what it surely seems.
So the next time you are getting ready to hop right into bed,
Remember that another place exists, deep inside your head.
Allow yourself to take a journey, a simple thing to do,
Fill it with a mystical adventure, its all up to you.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
A Moment In Time.
A sudden hush fell upon the crowd, the only noise was from the breathing of the two opponents left on the field.
Tapping back and forth on the balls of her feet the goalie stood under the bar awaiting the whistle. Trying to get lighter and lighter, to move like a cat, to pre-determine which direction the ball will take. A bead of sweat rolls down the bridge of her nose.
It was a tie game and the shooter stood poised ready to make her score. Her teammates stood off to the side, her opponents stood hoping. She could feel the tension in the air, she could feel her heartbeat quicken. A light warm breeze played across the field, it's gentle nature pushing some stray leaves. The ball was in place.
Time slowed down.
The referee raised his arm, looking at both opponents, his whistle firmly gripped in his mouth. Eye contact made between the shooter and the goalie only heightened the suspense. A cute curl formed on the lips of the shooter, a devilish smile. The goalie broke no emotion. A last bead of sweat hit the ground as the piercing sound of the whistle broke the silence.
Slowly the shooter shifted her weight as she propelled herself forward. Each step thundering after the last. The goalie's legs were bent like springs about to release. The grass squished under the weight of the shooter's forward motion. With each step she grew closer to the ball. It's stillness about to be shattered.
Muscles tensed, the foot struck the ball, it's form changing shape for only a moment, then it accelerated towards the goal.
It was at this moment the goalie sprung. With all the built up energy in her legs, she launched herself to the left, diving outwards to the far side. The ball soared through the air. The shooter regained her balance and watched, as her aim was true. The ball soared through the air. The goalie dove. The players held their breath. The audience watched.
Crashing to the ground the goalie felt her weight on the green grass, her fingers still outstretched.
Crashing to the ground the goalie looked back at the shooter standing once again.
Crashing to the ground the ball finished stretching the netting on the back of the goal to the right.
In an instant, a split second, a decision had to be made. In an instant, a split second there would be a right and a wrong.
In an instant there would be a winner and a loser.
The crowd threw up a big cheer, some looked to the sky. The shooter reached an euphoric sensation as her teammates rushed. The ball rested motionless.
Slowly the goalie raised herself up from the ground, defeat written on her face. A bead of sweat rolled down the bridge of her nose.
It's only a game, but as in life there has to be a winner and today the shooter would know the feeling of victory. If only to savour the feeling for but a week, until the next match, the next battle. If only until once again the opponents would lace up the shoes, dawn the uniforms and take to the field in hope of victory.
A sudden hush fell upon the crowd, the only noise was from the breathing of the two opponents left on the field.
Tapping back and forth on the balls of her feet the goalie stood under the bar awaiting the whistle. Trying to get lighter and lighter, to move like a cat, to pre-determine which direction the ball will take. A bead of sweat rolls down the bridge of her nose.
It was a tie game and the shooter stood poised ready to make her score. Her teammates stood off to the side, her opponents stood hoping. She could feel the tension in the air, she could feel her heartbeat quicken. A light warm breeze played across the field, it's gentle nature pushing some stray leaves. The ball was in place.
Time slowed down.
The referee raised his arm, looking at both opponents, his whistle firmly gripped in his mouth. Eye contact made between the shooter and the goalie only heightened the suspense. A cute curl formed on the lips of the shooter, a devilish smile. The goalie broke no emotion. A last bead of sweat hit the ground as the piercing sound of the whistle broke the silence.
Slowly the shooter shifted her weight as she propelled herself forward. Each step thundering after the last. The goalie's legs were bent like springs about to release. The grass squished under the weight of the shooter's forward motion. With each step she grew closer to the ball. It's stillness about to be shattered.
Muscles tensed, the foot struck the ball, it's form changing shape for only a moment, then it accelerated towards the goal.
It was at this moment the goalie sprung. With all the built up energy in her legs, she launched herself to the left, diving outwards to the far side. The ball soared through the air. The shooter regained her balance and watched, as her aim was true. The ball soared through the air. The goalie dove. The players held their breath. The audience watched.
Crashing to the ground the goalie felt her weight on the green grass, her fingers still outstretched.
Crashing to the ground the goalie looked back at the shooter standing once again.
Crashing to the ground the ball finished stretching the netting on the back of the goal to the right.
In an instant, a split second, a decision had to be made. In an instant, a split second there would be a right and a wrong.
In an instant there would be a winner and a loser.
The crowd threw up a big cheer, some looked to the sky. The shooter reached an euphoric sensation as her teammates rushed. The ball rested motionless.
Slowly the goalie raised herself up from the ground, defeat written on her face. A bead of sweat rolled down the bridge of her nose.
It's only a game, but as in life there has to be a winner and today the shooter would know the feeling of victory. If only to savour the feeling for but a week, until the next match, the next battle. If only until once again the opponents would lace up the shoes, dawn the uniforms and take to the field in hope of victory.
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