Source: Rob Swanson Photography
(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!
