Chapter 26 In the Light of Lilac-Purple Moon Now, granted the circumstances, you need to stay where you were lost, so your party can come get you when they get a chance. But that does not apply to Domiarn Gidealis, flustered by a shadow, claiming to know the future fate of his dear friend! So I follow that shadow into the hole. Does it look like I’m delirious after inhaling too much hydrogen? Or is it a cunning trap? What...

Yesterday I received a Friend request on Facebook. I didn't recognize the name. I didn't recognize the face. It was an old face. I happen to be a relatively old chap myself. This person shared one friend with me. That gave me a hint that she shared the same thing my other friend shared with me. Having gone to high school together. You understand, this was in the 1960s. So I went to her Facebook page and attempted some res...

Once, back in the ancient days of the 1970s, I was living, and sometimes going to the university, in Columbia, Missouri. I lived there for many years, going to school of and on. After 24 years I got my BA in English. Then I went on to get an MA in Geography. Anyway, this was before that was all done. While I was still just futzing around in the town, going to the Chez coffeehouse, serving coffee and tea to students and ha...

Final Goodbye Andy, the junior engineer of the galactic mining ship Gantry, stepped into the engine room and sensed there was something wrong, but he couldn’t place what it was. He shrugged and continued into the bowels of the mining ship to find his boss, Kerrick. Andy gave a huge yawn. He couldn’t understand why he felt so tired. He'd had two hours sleep and should feel revived and wide-awake. Maybe he’d caught a sickne...

We were together about a month  And everything seemed to be going well  Although we were parted by distance  Your Sweet words  Warmed my heart  Making me feel so special.One day you suggested we try something new  Let’s extend our phone calls into video chat,  Although a little nervous  Worried you wouldn’t like me  I agreed.The conversation seemed to go well  Filled with the familiar warmth  Finally able to put a face to...

"Why?" Pat was wondering to herself. Why had she ever posted that picture? It was only a photo of her face, not anything sexy or like that. But it must have been enough to cause something bad to happen to him. Now she was continually watching, always aware that he might be there watching her. This was no way for a teenager to live. Her parents had given her hell, but it was done. Nothing could be changed. He was somewhere...

One never knows. Belonging to a writing site is interesting. You get to write interesting stories and poems. They get posted and you receive a certain cachet from the acceptance and praise sometimes engendered. You gain new friends and acquaintances that add interest and a new feeling of worth to your life. Especially if you are older and retired. You are learning that life has not passed you by. You still have something...

Is it slipping away? Have I done it again? The same stupid mistakes? No answer to my pleas. No sign that she is there. It has happened before, This is not a new loss. But I have tried so hard. I was told I could trust. I was told I was loved. I was told many things. Which will turn out the truth? Which will be my new life? Without her or with her I cannot be so sure. The silence foreboding, No replies, no message. I just...

They lay there, comfortable together- he was in a good mood, chatting about football and his truck. Missy (Nymia) nods in all the right places and smiles at him, and kisses him when he leans in for one, but for whatever reason tonight, when he wants more, she backs away, shaking her head. He looks at her and she can see the anger behind the sweet expression on his face- eyes don't lie- as he says, "C'mon sweetie, please?...

It always seems to be the wayYou try too hard and lose the day. She asks so little from you nowPerhaps she has forgotten how. A loss, a hurt, an ache she sharedBut you were slow to show you cared. Away, she goes away to thinkAnd leaves your friendship on the brink.This is not love, but much, much moreAnd barely has it shown before. Sweet dear she is, a part of youYou must attempt to start anew. Reach out with earnest plea...

Today I discovered that I'd rather get bitten by a parrot then to stand up to a friend.Nancy, Jack, and I were sitting on the front float of the boathouse talking. I stepped inside, to get sweet tea and glasses, and noticed that Jack's large blue macaw was standing on the stairs instead of on his perch. "Cheeko. What are you doing here?" The parrot gave me his cute look. I was guessing that he wanted to be put up on his r...

Steve in the Canteen Steve when he's eating doesn't make a sound, for his teeth are in a bag, on the table or ground. He sucks the filling through his bread and the butter, he makes no sound, except the words that he mutters. “ Mfwmf!" I'll hear him trying to say, as I dodge the bits of sandwich heading my way.I'll tell him some jokes, and when he starts to choke, he'll cough, and then he'll, spray. Then he'll repeat his...

I used to be your angel,Your protector,Your friend,But now I am fallen,But not by my hand.You fell in love easily,You got hurt easily too,You questioned my friendship,And said I'd been untrue.You thought I'd betrayed you,I'd not said the truth,You thought I'd seen all,And let it pass blankly by.What you don't remember,Is the reasons I gave,Before this all happened,When we were still sane.I told you,"Stay calm, dear,"I'll...

The past remains the past, The present must be faced. The future comes at last, Don't let us judge in haste. Forgiveness is the rule, A new life must begin.Thus though the hurts were cruel Forget and love again. Remember all the good, Let pass all of the bad.You bless your friends, and should, Give joy and make them glad. Awake with dawn each day Resolving at your bestTo keep your hate at bay. Lie down to your just rest.B...

The Coal Wagons The coal trains ran behind our houses from morning to night, twenty four seven, thundering down from the pit to the staithes at the river, where the coal was transferred from the wagons to the ships.  Miles of seemingly endless coal wagons were pulled by a huge, blackly-chuffing locomotive. Our moms, on hearing the trains whistle, dashed to get their washing in before the ash and soot stained them. It felt...