The Reaper: Conclusion

Without further ado, here is the conclusion to The Reaper. When I began this short story piece, I was not sure where the narrative would take me. Initially, it was a small piece about The Sower but I felt the story needed a sequel and conclusion of sorts. The only challenge I had writing this piece was chopping it up into posts that maintained a level of coherency. Please let me know what you thought of the story and thank you for reading.

Kadin purposed in his heart to see his father again and soon discovered his legs travelling to the fields of his dream. The world around him appeared desolate. The solace of the morning was interrupted by the beating of birds' wings. Then he noticed a man hunched so low to the ground, he kissed the earth. Kadin knew it was his father.

Time's withered hands cast wrinkles on his frame, and he appeared like a dried prune shrinking in the sun's eyes. Kadin was afraid of his father's countenance but opened his mouth to speak.

"Sir, may I have a word with you," Kadin asked graciously and the man looked up at him. The sower's eyes were dark and his neck could barely lift his head in the heat.

"May I help you, young man," he answered and his voice trailed softly.

"I'm your son, Kadin." The sower paused at the revelation with great jubilation and a broad smile settled over his lips.

"Oh my son, my son. How did you know how to find me," and his feeble arms embraced his grown child.

The years which had elapsed, gathered together like young chicks nestling under their mother's wings. Time wound back its hands and instantly a young boy was chasing his father in a field of dreams.

Sky Watch Friday: Summertime

The weather continues to be stormy in the Northeast but there are days when the skies reveal a little summer.

Rippling lines

The clouds

Of summertime

Recline

On blue skies

You can view more lovely photos at:

A Star Has Fallen

The world received sad news today that Michael Jackson has passed away. He was a music icon and legend, and his music has always inspired me to dance and cheered me up. He will be sadly missed.

Also, we heard the news that the lovely Farrah Fawcett has also passed away. The world will miss her beauty and grace.

Sky Watch will come tomorrow but today is just a time to remember.

A star has fallen
Moonwalks no more
Dance songs, love ballads
Silenced on earth
A star is lost

Simply Snicker's Challenge

This week's Simply Snicker's Challenge includes the words beside, blind, and bold. Thanks for the prompts Linda.


The accompanying photograph is Robert Henri's The Little Dancer (1917).

The flirty lines in her dress,

Peach cheeks and pomegranate lips,

Saffron satin inclines blind eyes,

To soak in the beauty of her splendor,

Radiating boldly for the painter's brush,

Besides the still ambiance of evening,

Light mingles on her countenance,

Dipping in the palette's glory.

After Life/ On Cloud Nine (Acrostic)

For this week's Acrostic Only challenge, I chose the phrases After Life and On Cloud Nine.

Awakening in
Flight
Time's
Euphoric
Resurrection
Lifts
Immovable
Faces into
Eternity

Opening
Nirvana

Contently
Loops
Over and
Under
Dreams

Nestling
In
New
Exhilaration

March Iran

Before I begin this post, I'd like to say Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there. For some reason, I wasn't inspired to write something reflective about this day. My heart was tugging more towards what is going on in Iran. That is the inspiration for this piece.

March Iran

Arm in arm

March in tens

Hundreds

Thousands

Tens of thousands

Protestations

Indignation

Outrage

Rising like fire

The world grows heavy

Flashes of the sixties

Hangs upon the landscape

Dogs and hoses

Now police batons

History blazes a new chapter

March, Iran march

The Reaper (Pt X)

Kadin woke shaking and trembling in his bed. The dew of the field and the image of his father melted. The wind cackled against his window. The warmth of the sun tapped against his conscience. In his heart, he conceived all could be rectified between him and his father. For he would make the reparations his father yearned for.

"Kadin, I'm surprised you contacted me," the cowboy spoke coolly. "Well, aren't you happy my boy? Don't you enjoy school?"

"School is fine," Kadin answered. He felt the words burn his tongue. "Sir, I have a business proposition for you. And you are the kind of man that can't refuse a good deal."

"Ha, I knew those classes would pay off. Speak, my boy, speak,"and the cowboy slapped his hands in glee.

"Thank you sir," Kadin continued. "You have trained me well but there is one thing that I seek. And that is the property that was stolen from my father."

"Stolen," and the cowboy's eyes sternly rebuked him. "Your mother sold me that land outright. And she spared your family from the famine."

"But it grieved my father and I cannot live while he sits in poverty," Kadin cried.

"The man may very well be rich and successful," the cowboy dismissed and turned to leave.

"He would have surely returned to his family if he was fine," Kadin spat back. And his hands curled into two iron fists.

"My boy, you've got a nasty temper there," the cowboy stammered. "All right, what can I do for you?" He sought to assuage the young man.

"Return the deeds of my father and I shall forfeit my education and work for you." The cowboy was surprised by his proposition.

"I will work until my debt has been paid. Now, if you will give me the deed." Kadin tore his transcripts and tosssed them at his feet. The cowboy recongized the boy's value. He could use a strong lad for manual labor.

"Okay, my boy. You win," the cowboy spoke smugly. "I worry for your mother though. What would she say if she saw you?" Kadin shook at the memory of his mother.

His mind wandered towards Julia's lips, and her eyes gaping at him. He held the memory of her knowing that he would not see her again. His future now chased a broken past.