ghoulish + prepare + surprise

there's a new mirror on the wall. when i look, it has a ghoulish reflection in the glass, past me. the image appears stuck.   i bought it from an antique shop. the owner was glad to see it go. she took my money and said nothing about surprises.   i was not prepared for mischief…

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beauty + dreams + exceptional

there's no beauty to be found in these dreams, cold as they are. all there is, is an exceptional sight: the horizon is all blank. there's waking, and the horizon is bleak, black as far as the eye can see. it's a jarring contrast to before's all-white landscape.

surrounded + history + focused

the museum is silent, thin groups of people focused on stories. there's something quiet in the air itself.   people trickle through the exhibits, each clasping some relevant bit of literature. there's still so much to see and take in.   they're surrounded by history, watching as it unfolds in solemn halls, unfurls on compact…

crumb + cold + playful

there's crumbs on the bench a thin-framed tray cooling fresh cookies from the stove. a swipe of a damp sponge clears away the crumbs, leaving clean.   the cookies go cold left out too long and only just staying soft. they are still good, with a subtle tang of orange when bitten.   someone ventures…

anticipate + explosion + blocked

she's waiting by the computer, pacing, watchful, eyes trained on the screen. the email inbox, empty, stays clear - still nothing new comes in.   she anticipates something, though she is unsure what she's looking for. under her feet, the floor is cold. an error pops up: blocked.   message blocked, same as all the tries…

wild + domesticated + soil

flames flicker in the fireplace, slow to start - paper is quick to ignite, but there's no staying power. there's just lots of potential.   by the hearth, a cat curls up, warming its paws on rough-hewn stone flooring. domesticated for now, and back to wild mischief soon.   (and you, under the sunlight, with…

roots + wisdom + grit

the roots of the tree jut out, rib-like below the pavement that it is bending out of shape. above, the concrete is rough, cracked, torn.   there's wisdom to be seen in the sprawl of the branches, if one just knows where to look. (it's etched into the tree, watching countless bypassers)   a fine…

shelter + contentment + natty

solidly sheltered, inside, as the wind whistles through the window-frame. against a backdrop of dark walls, a wisp of steam floats up.   the tea is well-brewed this time, and feels like being content. inside, the fireplace crackles, emitting a faint scent of burnt sugar.   the blanket over the back of the couch is…

dream + achieved + qualms

i dream of goals, place them in the parameters of my mind - watch them. leave them to gather rust and dust, visit rarely and dull.   when they are achieved time to mark them off, take down the signifiers and move swiftly on. no looking back yet; no making time for regret.   have…

vision + temporary

early morning haze temporarily blocks my vision. there's a soft layer of ice over my surroundings, stuck there with sleep.   through the windows the horizon is distorted. condensation runs down the glass, helped by the sun as it's rising, shining weak heat.   the world outside is blurred, a mess of lines and colour.…