The Crucible

This week Rochelle gave us a rather bleak photo prompt for her Friday Fictioneers challenge. I ruminated over it for a day, fighting my first impression; one of heartache, loss and destruction because, quite frankly, I am weary of of reality this week. Every day small fragile men find new ways to trample on the things we hold dear. Today, not content to destroy just our nation, our horrible leader took steps to ravage the earth our home. So I needed a bit of hope.

PHOTO PROMPT © KARUNA


The Crucible

The massive brush fires expanded their reach into neighboring homes licking at their foundations before ravaging the stick frames that held them together. Fire doesn’t discriminate once it contorts into its frenzied surge, consuming furniture, clothing, family photos and other treasures.

Precious though they may once have been, they are dross, but the tempest has no power over memories that emerge in the hearts of those left behind.

Memories remain, cherished all the more by living survivors who realize while sifting through the ashes, that they, and those that they love, are the greatest treasure of all.

~kat
(97 Words)


Thin-Skinned Deep


Today was The Great Unveiling. Crorrarq glanced at himself in the mirror. It had been seven years since the occupation. Seven years of blending in under a layer of celluloid, masking his true nature. Crorrarq was one of millions.

The Elders had vehemently opposed the event. “It’s much too soon. We’ve been observing these humans,” they said. “How can we expect to be accepted for who we are when they don’t even accept their own? You’ve seen them. Building their walls, hoarding their riches from the poorest of their kind. Killing each other for money and resources. Turning away those who are weak or different. No,” they warned, “humans are far too barbaric and uncivilized to accept us as neighbors.”

But the decision was made. Votes were cast. The Great Unveiling would go on as planned.

At noon on that fateful day every alien on the planet revealed themself to the humans they had grown to love and who claimed to love them. It was a dreadful day. The humans saw only monsters where once they saw friends. Every alien was rounded up, imprisoned and ultimately executed.

The Elders had been right all along. It was much too soon.

~kat

(199 Words)

For Sunday’s Photo Fiction Challenge based on this photo by our host Al.


Submit – A Haiku


like the yin and yang
to become one who submits
begs an oppressor

~kat

For Haiku Horizons Haiku Challenge, prompt word, Submit.


Ancient Weave – A Haiku

Photo by TJ Paris

soft smazed azure
just beyond the lattice weave,
ancient pergola

~kat

For TJ’s Household Haiku Challenge inspired by his photo and the prompt words, weave & ancient.

image


Pleasing Tease – A Haiku


pleasing the senses
she teases her clueless guests
dupes on the menu

~kat

For Ronovan Writes Haiku Challenge, prompt words, please & tease.