(Full Version)

She clambers atop the cardinal’s shoulders

Gently hooks soft knees over scarlet wings

Grasps the longest feathers of his crest

Her cape of midday flutters a hopeful breeze

Knapsack packed with morning dew, wild strawberries

Golden bee pollen

 

Time is the essence.

 

A sweet request, whispered in a red bird’s ear

He lifts his wings, ruffles his crest

Together they soar toward a land

Far beyond East of the Sun and West of the Moon

 

Finally, they reach day’s end

With all her strength, she pulls its edge

The leaf is stiff, heavy with Summer’s rain

 

Time to turn the page.

 

Cardinal warbles, beats blue sky, backs up

The cycle now continues

Toward crisp gold and russet leaves

Dark-eyed Winter nods, beckons her home.

© Liz Husebye Hartmann (2021)

 

(Solstice Story 2 – 99 words)

She clambers atop the cardinal’s shoulders

Gently hooks soft knees over scarlet wings

Grasps the longest feathers of his crest

 

Her cape of midday flutters a hopeful breeze

Knapsack packed with morning dew, wild strawberries

Golden bee pollen

 

Time is the essence.

 

A sweet request, whispered in a red bird’s ear

He lifts his wings, ruffles his crest

Together they soar toward a land

Far beyond East of the Sun and West of the Moon

 

Finally, they reach day’s end

With all her strength, she pulls its edge

 

Time to turn the page.

Dark-eyed Winter nods, beckons her home.

© Liz Husebye Hartmann (2021)

Carrot Ranch Prompt (06/18/2021): In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story that features a solstice. What is the era and setting? Use the solstice as a celebration, metaphor, or talking point. Go where the prompt leads!