A Child’s Cheer

hanukkah Chagit MoriahGibor

Photo: Chagit Moriah-Gibor

 

As chilly nights

Churn cold winds

And unclothed trees

Hold branches

In a yearn

To huddle near,

Cherish the fleeting

Flowing moments

Of memory’s chalices

Filling with cheer,

As a child

Chants a prayer

And gently lights

History’s challenge

To despair

Lack

And fear.

 

 

 

For the dVerse Quadrille Monday challenge: Cheer

 

One More Swim

breakwater2 NaamaYehuda

Photo: Na’ama Yehuda

 

“Time to go.” Ari shook the ground-cloth.

“One more swim to the breakwater and back!” Deni pleaded.

Ari eyed the sky, the flagpole buckling in the wind, the jellyfish tumbling in the surf. “Another time,” he turned to fold their sun-umbrella.

Behind him he heard Deni’s running steps. He reached for the vinegar. That girl never did listen.

 

 

For Sammi’s weekend writing prompt: Breakwater in 58 words

 

 

The Chief’s Command

Ethiopia OfirAsif12

Photo: Ofir Asif

 

“They are not welcome here,” the Chief decreed.

His eyes regarded the troop that was his to protect. The land was plentiful, but his soul recalled the stories of Times of Famine, when many had been reduced to skin and bone and many more had died. Legend had it that The Others had brought it on, had taken more than was their share, and angered rain from falling, seeds from growing.

He sensed Bannu’s discontent. Chiefs didn’t have to grant permission for anyone’s opinion. Life showed him, however, that good Chiefs balanced silencing with persuading.

“Bannu?” he grunted.

“What if they return with more of their kind?” The youngster’s sparse ruff bristled apprehension.

The Chief nodded. Foresight was rare. The youth had potential. It also made him someone to watch out for.

“If they challenge us,” the Chief bared teeth and growled an answer and a warning. “We fight.”

 

 

For What Pegman saw: Ethiopia

 

I Will Leave The Light On

LandOfGods20 InbarAsif

Photo: Inbar Asif

 

I will leave the light on

For you and those still lost.

I will leave the light on

For nights when stars hide most.

I will leave the light on

Even if some say I’m wrong.

I will leave the light on

So you know that you belong.

I will leave the light on

During storms and gale and snow.

I will leave the light on

Just so you see and know.

 

 

For Six Word Saturday

 

Snow Angel

snow angel ChagitMoriahGibor

Photo: Chagit Moriah-Gibor

 

An angel had been here

But it is here no more.

All it left is an imprint

Of what could be, before.

Will it come back

To see us?

Will it our wishes grant?

Deep in sparkling snow

I don’t know

If it will

If it can’t.

 

 

For the Wits End weekly photo challenge: White on White

Aladdin’s Ally

PHOTO PROMPT © Nick Allen

 

He didn’t find it yet, but failure was just motivation to keep trying.

People said playing the lottery was folly. Yet some people won that … and laughed all the way to the bank.

He wasn’t going to let those of little faith dissuade him.

Sure, let them think he was into antique oil and kerosene containers. It kept badgering to a minimum and lent him some credibility in scouting flee markets.

No one needs to know that what he’s really after, is an authentic genie lamp.

He’ll find it, and laugh all the way to the bank.

 

 

For Rochelle’s Friday Fictioneers