Frank Hubeny

Nightmares on the Gentlest Tier of Hell

This tossing makes me wonder why
regrets won't let me get some sleep
without those nightmares from the deep.
I would shed tears. I'd even cry
if that would help. Regardless, I
can't face these twisted memories.
I'd have to run off on my knees,
but could I even find my way,
the one I lost that lazy day,
or days, when I served my own ease?

Linked to Ronovan Writes Décima Poetry Challenge where the rhyme word “sleep” must be one of the B rhymes in a décima with rhyme pattern ABBAACCDDC.

In case it isn’t obvious, the “I” in the poem is an imaginary character in a mild region of hell trying to get some rest. I pray this “I” would not be me. I pray he not be you either.

Ronovan's Decima Poetry Challenge Image — Ronovan’s Decima Poetry Challenge Image

Wax – Six Sentence Story

The wax from a single candle dripped onto the cupcake. Jim let the candle flatten burning itself out in silence. After removing the wax he stood in front of his wife Mary’s grave and ate the cake.

Jim didn’t expect to be here given his own health conditions, but he promised Mary he’d come back yearly as long as he could with a cake and candles marking her “birthday into Heaven”.

Jim’s final cake had seven candles on it. It was made by friends from their small church who pushed Jim in his wheelchair to the gravesite and then celebrated Mary’s birthday with him.

Linked to Six Sentence Stories where Denise offers the prompt word “wax”.

GirlieOnTheEdge Denise Farley's six-sentence-stories icon — GirlieOnTheEdge Denise Farley’s six-sentence-stories icon

One-Liner Wednesday – Discernment

First you must make a clear distinction between those you can trust, and those you cannot trust.
Mario Murillo, THE RISE OF THE MACHINES, November 18, 2020

Linked to Linda G. Hill’s One-Liner Wednesday.

The following photo is for Kammie’s Oddball Challenge.

Badge by Laura @ riddlefromthemiddle.com

Thanks and Giving

I'm thankful for this time to live
and suffer if need be.
There also is a chance to give
and do so generously.

Though it be short or it be long,
though what I do be small,
I offer back a thankful song
in praise and give it all.

Linked to Michael Williams (Farrago Express) poetry challenge on giving thanks. I used a similar common meter to the poem he provided as a prompt.

Splash of Color

Oranges, reds and watery blue -
Wintry grays though seep on through.

Linked to Cosmic Photo Challenge where Dale offers the theme “a splash of color”. Against the gray of coming winter there is still some color in the woods and along the lake.

Also linked to Trent P. McDonald’s The Weekly Smile. Most of the leaves are gone and the weather turned cold, but I still enjoyed a trip to Lake Michigan. All worth a smile or two.

Sunday Walk 15

I have been rereading Mario Murillo’s Vessels of Fire and Glory this past week. I will likely read it again later. This sentence stands out for me.

When the pain of being average becomes stronger than the fear of greatness, you will embrace your destiny.
Mario Murillo, Vessels of Fire & Glory, page 137.

Here is a beautiful song from All Sons and Daughters. This is the kind of song that, once I’ve heard it, I can feel it going through my mind guiding my Sunday walk.

All Sons & Daughters, Great Are You Lord, Integrity Music

Avocado Toast – Carrot Ranch Story

For years Bill enjoyed beer, pizza and ice-cream. When diagnosed with an autoimmune disease he changed his diet.

Someone told him to stop drinking beer. He stopped. Someone suggested avocado toast. What’s that? He was told it’s obvious what that is. So he tried it. Someone said to stop eating pizza. Is that because of the wheat? Yes. There goes the toast.

Bill’s weight sank to normal and he felt better. He noticed he was spending less on food than before. Thankfully no one told him to stop eating avocados, but then he no longer asked them for advice.

Linked to the Carrot Ranch November 12 Flash Fiction Challenge where Charli Mills offers the theme of “avocado toast”.

A very short story of mine, “Friday the 13th”, appeared in Whispers and Echoes. I am grateful to the editor Sammi Cox for accepting it.

The American Swamp 8

My dying wish is that I don’t vote for a Democrat after I die
— Ashley StClair 🇺🇸 (@stclairashley) November 12, 2020

I mailed a form to the Miami-Dade Supervisor of Elections to change my party affiliation from the Florida Democratic Party to the Republican Party of Florida.

Given the reports alleging voter fraud associated with mail-in ballots and the Dominion Voting Systems, I am embarrassed to have aligned myself with the Democratic Party for decades in the various states I’ve lived in.

One Lap Too Many

Bill reached too far. He was the one
Who spoke our compromising spell.
We warned him to beware of hell,
But Billy laughed. He'd just begun.
He had more wicked laps to run.
It happened at that twisted bend.
We'll leave to medics who'll pretend
They knew the cause of Billy's death.
In dreams we smell his fetid breath.
We hear him scream, "Please, make this end!"

Linked to Ronovan Writes Décima Poetry Challenge where the rhyme word “one” must appear in the A rhymes of the poem with a rhyme pattern ABBAACCDDC.

Clip – Six Sentence Story

Joan was worried when she heard them clip phrases from her testimony before broadcasting it through their propaganda machines. That they got away with those distortions made her think the coup couldn’t be stopped.

However, Joan’s whistleblowing was the key to evidence that was now being confirmed. She couldn’t see what was happening, but then she didn’t need to. She only had to do her part which she did, and did well.

The republic successfully took it from there.

Linked to Six Sentence Story where Denise offers the prompt word “clip” to be used somewhere in a story of six sentences.