Blackout poem from Girl, Stolen
A black-out poem by Gabriela R., taken from Girl, Stolen. A poet creates a blackout poem by taking a marker to an already established text and redacting words until a poem is formed. Both the text AND redacted text form a sort of visual poem.
Writing inspired by prompts I put on my website and/or on Facebook and/or my books
I asked you to share your writing with me, and you did!
The beginning of a story by Savannah G
Peach Wilson stared at the card in her hand, hesitating to place it on the headstone. She’s placed a card on this headstone every year since she was 7. It was her father that was buried in the ground below her. It’s been 10 years since he died, yet the memory still haunted Peach to this day.
It was a warm evening in August. Her father had taken her to get ice cream and they were walking along the train tracks, collecting stones for their bird bath bak home. All of a sudden, her father stopped. He knelt on one knee so he could meet Peach’s eyes-
“Peach, I want you to know that I love you very much. You’re my pride and joy. Please, never forget me.”
Peach giggled, “Of course I won’t forget you daddy! You’re gonna be here forever and ever!”
Peach can still remember the look of sorrow in his eyes as he stepped back onto the train tracks. Before the train got too close, her dad pushed her hard. Peach was forced to watch the train hit her father. He had taken his life right in front of her. The months that had followed were a blur- her dad’s funeral, moving in with her aunt and uncle, being put in therapy. But she got through it.
Peach placed the card on her dad’s grave, shaking the memory from her mind. Sighing, she walked away. Little did she know, this would be the last time she would visit her father’s grave.
Peach Wilson stared at the card in her hand, hesitating to place it on the headstone. She’s placed a card on this headstone every year since she was 7. It was her father that was buried in the ground below her. It’s been 10 years since he died, yet the memory still haunted Peach to this day.
It was a warm evening in August. Her father had taken her to get ice cream and they were walking along the train tracks, collecting stones for their bird bath bak home. All of a sudden, her father stopped. He knelt on one knee so he could meet Peach’s eyes-
“Peach, I want you to know that I love you very much. You’re my pride and joy. Please, never forget me.”
Peach giggled, “Of course I won’t forget you daddy! You’re gonna be here forever and ever!”
Peach can still remember the look of sorrow in his eyes as he stepped back onto the train tracks. Before the train got too close, her dad pushed her hard. Peach was forced to watch the train hit her father. He had taken his life right in front of her. The months that had followed were a blur- her dad’s funeral, moving in with her aunt and uncle, being put in therapy. But she got through it.
Peach placed the card on her dad’s grave, shaking the memory from her mind. Sighing, she walked away. Little did she know, this would be the last time she would visit her father’s grave.
A story by Jerry R.
Pain. Nothing but pain. I was delirious with it. My head felt like an arrow had been driven through it, temple to temple.
My immediate neighborhood didn’t make things much better, either. A bridge or a railroad trestle. I must have been beneath one or the other. Light winking through it. A railroad trestle, then, with gaps between the ties. One small blessing: I could see the stars, so that meant wasn’t being rained on. Still, clean rain might have been better than the mingled dry scent of dust, garbage and oil. Or maybe creosote. Stench identification is not my particular strength. Or blessing, at the moment.
Move. Must move. Joints scream all at once, and not in tune. I dragged my tortured self to my feet, and began the long trudge up the embankment, through the blackberries, in the direction I vaguely recall leaving my car.
Lesson learned. I must have been delirious when I tossed back that last shot. When choosing, choose the triple tequila rather than that purple stuff, whatever it was. Never again. I hope I can remember what it was next time.
Pain. Nothing but pain. I was delirious with it. My head felt like an arrow had been driven through it, temple to temple.
My immediate neighborhood didn’t make things much better, either. A bridge or a railroad trestle. I must have been beneath one or the other. Light winking through it. A railroad trestle, then, with gaps between the ties. One small blessing: I could see the stars, so that meant wasn’t being rained on. Still, clean rain might have been better than the mingled dry scent of dust, garbage and oil. Or maybe creosote. Stench identification is not my particular strength. Or blessing, at the moment.
Move. Must move. Joints scream all at once, and not in tune. I dragged my tortured self to my feet, and began the long trudge up the embankment, through the blackberries, in the direction I vaguely recall leaving my car.
Lesson learned. I must have been delirious when I tossed back that last shot. When choosing, choose the triple tequila rather than that purple stuff, whatever it was. Never again. I hope I can remember what it was next time.
A Cinquain by Yvonne R. (a cinquain is a five-line poem that uses vivid imagery to express a mood)
Sars
Unintentional mistakes
April Henry’s creations
Crimes, bodies, blood, terrified
Teens
Sars
Unintentional mistakes
April Henry’s creations
Crimes, bodies, blood, terrified
Teens
Come Home Scott by Allyn G.
It was a hot summer day, the radio was blaring the weather forecast 'With a high of 98 degrees Fahrenheit and a chance of rain...' and the neighbor across the road standing on a chair while hanging up signs. The day felt so surreal. A hot, muggy day and a neighbor who was seemingly looking for someone by the name of 'Scott'.
Jay continued to watch what the neighbor across the road from him was doing. He didn't have anything better to do on that hot, mid-July day. "Who's 'Scott'?" He called out to the man hanging the the signs while walking over. Jay took note that he had never actually spoken to the guy since he moved in a couple years back. Upon speaking to him, he noticed that he didn't seem to be any older than 21 years old and had a rather high pitched voice.
"O-Oh! Uhm... Y-You see... Scott is the name of my car.. Scott isn't a-an actual person o-or anything..." The man said, fidgeting nervously. His glasses were rectangular with his short, curly hair bouncing slightly and moving with the slight breeze and how he moved his head around.
Jay raises a brow, silently questioning the male to continue. When the male doesn't continue, he asks, "So... You're looking for a stolen car?" He says, sounding unconvinced.
"N-Not exactly?"
Jay sighs exasperatedly, throwing his hands in the air for a minute. Now he was confused. "You don't make any sense, kid." He suddenly looks at the said kid standing in front of him. "What's your name, anyway?"
"O-Oh! My n-name's JJ! W-Well... At least that's what everyone else c-calls me.. And Scott.. W-Well... He's a car with h-human intelligence.. S-So basically, he can talk and he has a m-mind of his o-own.. If th-that makes any sense." JJ said through his stuttering voice. Did the kid always have a stutter? "Wh-What's your n-name..?" JJ had asked hesitantly.
"Jay." He says, extending out one of his hands for the boy to shake. "How old are you?"
"Erm.. Wh-Why do you want to know?" JJ asked quietly, barely above a whisper. It seemed as if his nerves were beginning to get the best of him. Some sort of social anxiety, perhaps?
"Just curious. You moved in a couple years ago. I've seen you a handful of time at most. And honestly, you seem kinda young to be on your own." Jay said, looking up at the sky as a bird flew over their heads. He placed his hand to shield his eyes from the harsh sun that the clouds above refused to cover.
"...Nineteen.." JJ said in a whisper. JJ wasn't too fond on talking about his family - or lack there of. He fidgeted even more with the rings he wore on his fingers.
"Damn.. That's young. You look about twenty - twenty-one at most." Jay says, leaning against one of the supports that held the porch roof up. "No family then?" He asked, returning his gaze back to the curly headed male. JJ just nodded, staying quiet in hopes that he wouldn't be asked about his family any further. JJ waited. And waited. And waited. Only for the question to never come. The only thing JJ had been given was silence. 'Is he thinking about something?' "Look, I don't plan on asking about the no family thing, but if you ever wanna talk.. I live across the way." Jay nods his head over to the house only a few yards across the street.
"Er.. Would you like a-a cup of tea? O-Or coffee??" JJ asks quickly, not wanting Jay to leave just yet.
Jay tilts his head slightly, a smile on his face. "Sure. I'm fine with either one." He says, standing upright again and following JJ inside his house. After the two go inside, Jay looks around a little while following JJ to the kitchen. When passing through the living room, he sees a bunch of photos that he only assumed were considered to be "family photographs." Each of the framed pictures had JJ and a small, silver car in it. "So is this silver car in these photographs Scott?" He asks suddenly, curiosity getting the best of him.
JJ looks over at Jay from where he's making coffee in the kitchen. "Ah? Y-Yeah.. That's him.. H-He's the closest thing I-I have to family.. O-Only thing that's ever spoken to m-me and n-not thought I was w-weird or... O-Or anything else.." Jay doesn't say anything, just nodding a little bit in understanding. "I-I was picked on a-and bullied for being quiet a-and socially aw-awkward... And for n-not having a r-real family.. So.. I-I dropped out a-and ended up working a-anywhere that I could g-get a shift.. And it w-was a plus if l-little to no s-socializing was r-required. And, w-well, here I-I am..!" JJ said, the coffee now done being brewed as he grabbed two mugs and poured them each a glass of coffee. "C-Cream or sugar?"
"Mm... Both, please." Jay says, smiling a little. "I'm glad you opened up a bit." He says, rubbing the back of his neck, almost as if he were a little nervous. "I understand the feeling. Being alone with nowhere and no one to turn to..Such a helpless feeling. I'm sure Scott will come home soon."
And as if on cue, Scott rolls into the driveway. However, with the curtains drawn, neither male inside could see that Scott had pulled into the driveway. But Scott could tell that JJ was talking to Jay. Scott could tell that the two males inside were having a good time. And Scott could tell that JJ was warming up to this strange man. Scott couldn't tell what was being spoken about or what the two were drinking, but Scott knew one thing - he did not like it one bit. Scott decided to pull out of the driveway and hide somewhere until Jay had to leave. Scott's plan was to hit Jay the moment he stepped foot into the road and then devour the man before speeding away again. With his plan in mind, Scott went away to hide nearby.
A few hours had passed and the other man still hadn't left JJ's house. 'What's taking this oaf so long to leave?' Scott thought to himself. Just then, laughing was heard - Jay and JJ were laughing about something as Jay was walking back towards the house across the street.
"Yeah! I'll see ya around then, neighbor!" Jay had called out his his new found friend. Just then, Jay stepped into the road as a silver car sped around the bend. The car looked angry. Could cars even be angry? Jay wasn't about to wait and find out, he suddenly jumped high into the air and barely managing to escape the car's wrath for another day as it continued to speed down the road. "Welp.. I suppose the was 'Scott'. Man am I outta shape to be jumping like that though! Good thing I was my volleyball team's ace all through my school years." Jay laughed softly to himself, the silver car suddenly coming to a halt with a screech of its tires. Scott turned around and glared at Jay.
The look in Scott's headlights seemed to say it all. Scott refused to say anything, just glaring and revving his engine. Just the mere actions the car gave was screaming 'You have won this time, but you won't win the next.
It was a hot summer day, the radio was blaring the weather forecast 'With a high of 98 degrees Fahrenheit and a chance of rain...' and the neighbor across the road standing on a chair while hanging up signs. The day felt so surreal. A hot, muggy day and a neighbor who was seemingly looking for someone by the name of 'Scott'.
Jay continued to watch what the neighbor across the road from him was doing. He didn't have anything better to do on that hot, mid-July day. "Who's 'Scott'?" He called out to the man hanging the the signs while walking over. Jay took note that he had never actually spoken to the guy since he moved in a couple years back. Upon speaking to him, he noticed that he didn't seem to be any older than 21 years old and had a rather high pitched voice.
"O-Oh! Uhm... Y-You see... Scott is the name of my car.. Scott isn't a-an actual person o-or anything..." The man said, fidgeting nervously. His glasses were rectangular with his short, curly hair bouncing slightly and moving with the slight breeze and how he moved his head around.
Jay raises a brow, silently questioning the male to continue. When the male doesn't continue, he asks, "So... You're looking for a stolen car?" He says, sounding unconvinced.
"N-Not exactly?"
Jay sighs exasperatedly, throwing his hands in the air for a minute. Now he was confused. "You don't make any sense, kid." He suddenly looks at the said kid standing in front of him. "What's your name, anyway?"
"O-Oh! My n-name's JJ! W-Well... At least that's what everyone else c-calls me.. And Scott.. W-Well... He's a car with h-human intelligence.. S-So basically, he can talk and he has a m-mind of his o-own.. If th-that makes any sense." JJ said through his stuttering voice. Did the kid always have a stutter? "Wh-What's your n-name..?" JJ had asked hesitantly.
"Jay." He says, extending out one of his hands for the boy to shake. "How old are you?"
"Erm.. Wh-Why do you want to know?" JJ asked quietly, barely above a whisper. It seemed as if his nerves were beginning to get the best of him. Some sort of social anxiety, perhaps?
"Just curious. You moved in a couple years ago. I've seen you a handful of time at most. And honestly, you seem kinda young to be on your own." Jay said, looking up at the sky as a bird flew over their heads. He placed his hand to shield his eyes from the harsh sun that the clouds above refused to cover.
"...Nineteen.." JJ said in a whisper. JJ wasn't too fond on talking about his family - or lack there of. He fidgeted even more with the rings he wore on his fingers.
"Damn.. That's young. You look about twenty - twenty-one at most." Jay says, leaning against one of the supports that held the porch roof up. "No family then?" He asked, returning his gaze back to the curly headed male. JJ just nodded, staying quiet in hopes that he wouldn't be asked about his family any further. JJ waited. And waited. And waited. Only for the question to never come. The only thing JJ had been given was silence. 'Is he thinking about something?' "Look, I don't plan on asking about the no family thing, but if you ever wanna talk.. I live across the way." Jay nods his head over to the house only a few yards across the street.
"Er.. Would you like a-a cup of tea? O-Or coffee??" JJ asks quickly, not wanting Jay to leave just yet.
Jay tilts his head slightly, a smile on his face. "Sure. I'm fine with either one." He says, standing upright again and following JJ inside his house. After the two go inside, Jay looks around a little while following JJ to the kitchen. When passing through the living room, he sees a bunch of photos that he only assumed were considered to be "family photographs." Each of the framed pictures had JJ and a small, silver car in it. "So is this silver car in these photographs Scott?" He asks suddenly, curiosity getting the best of him.
JJ looks over at Jay from where he's making coffee in the kitchen. "Ah? Y-Yeah.. That's him.. H-He's the closest thing I-I have to family.. O-Only thing that's ever spoken to m-me and n-not thought I was w-weird or... O-Or anything else.." Jay doesn't say anything, just nodding a little bit in understanding. "I-I was picked on a-and bullied for being quiet a-and socially aw-awkward... And for n-not having a r-real family.. So.. I-I dropped out a-and ended up working a-anywhere that I could g-get a shift.. And it w-was a plus if l-little to no s-socializing was r-required. And, w-well, here I-I am..!" JJ said, the coffee now done being brewed as he grabbed two mugs and poured them each a glass of coffee. "C-Cream or sugar?"
"Mm... Both, please." Jay says, smiling a little. "I'm glad you opened up a bit." He says, rubbing the back of his neck, almost as if he were a little nervous. "I understand the feeling. Being alone with nowhere and no one to turn to..Such a helpless feeling. I'm sure Scott will come home soon."
And as if on cue, Scott rolls into the driveway. However, with the curtains drawn, neither male inside could see that Scott had pulled into the driveway. But Scott could tell that JJ was talking to Jay. Scott could tell that the two males inside were having a good time. And Scott could tell that JJ was warming up to this strange man. Scott couldn't tell what was being spoken about or what the two were drinking, but Scott knew one thing - he did not like it one bit. Scott decided to pull out of the driveway and hide somewhere until Jay had to leave. Scott's plan was to hit Jay the moment he stepped foot into the road and then devour the man before speeding away again. With his plan in mind, Scott went away to hide nearby.
A few hours had passed and the other man still hadn't left JJ's house. 'What's taking this oaf so long to leave?' Scott thought to himself. Just then, laughing was heard - Jay and JJ were laughing about something as Jay was walking back towards the house across the street.
"Yeah! I'll see ya around then, neighbor!" Jay had called out his his new found friend. Just then, Jay stepped into the road as a silver car sped around the bend. The car looked angry. Could cars even be angry? Jay wasn't about to wait and find out, he suddenly jumped high into the air and barely managing to escape the car's wrath for another day as it continued to speed down the road. "Welp.. I suppose the was 'Scott'. Man am I outta shape to be jumping like that though! Good thing I was my volleyball team's ace all through my school years." Jay laughed softly to himself, the silver car suddenly coming to a halt with a screech of its tires. Scott turned around and glared at Jay.
The look in Scott's headlights seemed to say it all. Scott refused to say anything, just glaring and revving his engine. Just the mere actions the car gave was screaming 'You have won this time, but you won't win the next.
Home: A Place I With to Find by Allyn G.
It was hot. Too hot. You found yourself laying in the dirt underneath some shrubbery. You couldn't quite remember where you were, only that you were surrounded by trees and bushes - and covered in dirt. You couldn't see anything, but you could feel and hear what was going on around you. You could hear two people arguing in the distance. One male and one female. They sounded like your friends who had disappeared the night before. You began trying to get up, feeling sick to your stomach as your limbs screamed at you to stay down. You instantly put a hand to your eyes. That's right, you were blindfolded. When did the blindfold get put on? You couldn't remember.
-------
You had been playing a game with some friends late into the night only hours ago. Hide and Seek in the Dark. It seemed like a fun idea at the time. That is until Alice had gone missing. You had found Ben easily fore he had hidden only a few feet in front of you. Alice had run off much deeper into the woods. You remember hearing a scream get cut off and then silence. You remember looking at Ben and the two of you run in the direction of the scream, calling out for Alice to say something... Anything... Just to let the two of you know that she was alright and safe.
No sound ever came. You and Ben split up to look for her, each of you a flashlight in hand. A few minutes later, you hear Ben scream in the distance and you go to look for him, too. Sweat dripped down your face while you had searched for hours in hopes to find out of them. You searched and searched and searched only to come up empty handed and exhausted. You were struggling to stay on your feet as you stumbled through the dark in hopes of finding your friends.
They weren't anywhere to be found.
You began to panic about it. What their parents say? What would the police say? Would you get thrown in jail? If so, for how long? As your mind raced raced with panic and your feet struggling to keep up with your mind, you trip and fall over an uprooted section of a partially uprooted tree, hitting your head on a rock. Before you pass out from the blow to our head, you see what looks like a picture frame with a family of three picking up gardening tools to tend to a garden. As the picture begins to spin ever faster and your vision becomes even more spotted, the photo seems to change. It was warping into something ever more sinister. The final thing that you truly see before fading into the blackness is an image that you could only describe as a demon.
-------
Years later and countless therapy appointments with numerous doctors and medications, you had finally come to terms that it had all been some sort of dream. Your friends had never gone missing. You had never even played "Hide and Seek in the Dark" with them. Everyone had told you that you had been sleep walking and thus went out to find you. Had you truly been sleep walking? Would that explain the injuries you had and why you woke up in a wooded area?
You had been diagnosed with schizophrenia, some sort of sleep walking thing that you could never remember the name of, and PTSD. You had been put on several different medications to help you cope with your diagnoses. Ever since then, you had been reliving that same nightmare - the time where your friends had gone missing in a game of "Hide and Seek in the Dark" and woken up battered and bruised in the woods.
No matter what you did.. No matter who you spoke to.. No matter what medications you were put on.. You still looked for Home: A Place You Would Never Find.
It was hot. Too hot. You found yourself laying in the dirt underneath some shrubbery. You couldn't quite remember where you were, only that you were surrounded by trees and bushes - and covered in dirt. You couldn't see anything, but you could feel and hear what was going on around you. You could hear two people arguing in the distance. One male and one female. They sounded like your friends who had disappeared the night before. You began trying to get up, feeling sick to your stomach as your limbs screamed at you to stay down. You instantly put a hand to your eyes. That's right, you were blindfolded. When did the blindfold get put on? You couldn't remember.
-------
You had been playing a game with some friends late into the night only hours ago. Hide and Seek in the Dark. It seemed like a fun idea at the time. That is until Alice had gone missing. You had found Ben easily fore he had hidden only a few feet in front of you. Alice had run off much deeper into the woods. You remember hearing a scream get cut off and then silence. You remember looking at Ben and the two of you run in the direction of the scream, calling out for Alice to say something... Anything... Just to let the two of you know that she was alright and safe.
No sound ever came. You and Ben split up to look for her, each of you a flashlight in hand. A few minutes later, you hear Ben scream in the distance and you go to look for him, too. Sweat dripped down your face while you had searched for hours in hopes to find out of them. You searched and searched and searched only to come up empty handed and exhausted. You were struggling to stay on your feet as you stumbled through the dark in hopes of finding your friends.
They weren't anywhere to be found.
You began to panic about it. What their parents say? What would the police say? Would you get thrown in jail? If so, for how long? As your mind raced raced with panic and your feet struggling to keep up with your mind, you trip and fall over an uprooted section of a partially uprooted tree, hitting your head on a rock. Before you pass out from the blow to our head, you see what looks like a picture frame with a family of three picking up gardening tools to tend to a garden. As the picture begins to spin ever faster and your vision becomes even more spotted, the photo seems to change. It was warping into something ever more sinister. The final thing that you truly see before fading into the blackness is an image that you could only describe as a demon.
-------
Years later and countless therapy appointments with numerous doctors and medications, you had finally come to terms that it had all been some sort of dream. Your friends had never gone missing. You had never even played "Hide and Seek in the Dark" with them. Everyone had told you that you had been sleep walking and thus went out to find you. Had you truly been sleep walking? Would that explain the injuries you had and why you woke up in a wooded area?
You had been diagnosed with schizophrenia, some sort of sleep walking thing that you could never remember the name of, and PTSD. You had been put on several different medications to help you cope with your diagnoses. Ever since then, you had been reliving that same nightmare - the time where your friends had gone missing in a game of "Hide and Seek in the Dark" and woken up battered and bruised in the woods.
No matter what you did.. No matter who you spoke to.. No matter what medications you were put on.. You still looked for Home: A Place You Would Never Find.
Found Goat by Pam P
I had come into town that Tuesday afternoon to run a few errands. After parking my pickup next to the post office, I went inside to pick up a package which wouldn’t fit in our mailbox and chatted with the postmistress for a few minutes. Next I made my way to the bank to transfer money from savings to my checking account. The pharmacy was next so I could pick up a prescription for my wife and a bottle of aspirin. Last on my to-do list was the grocery store, where I was to pick up some bread, a bag of sugar, and a bottle of canola oil along with a case of beer.
It was on my way between the pharmacy and the grocery store I saw it and stopped dead in my tracks. A white piece of paper with a computer printed message taped to a power pole.
It read:
FOUND GOAT!
Please call if you have
any information
503-502-4970
Lisa Bennett
A shiver ran down my spine despite the sun’s warmth. I had information all right. Information so disturbing most people would never believe it unless they had witnessed it for themselves. Information so secret I could never reveal it to another living soul. This poor woman, this Lisa Bennett… Well, she would find out soon enough what she had found more than just a goat.
Feeling a bit guilty but also happy it was no longer my problem, I started to whistle as I strolled down the street to complete my errands.
I had come into town that Tuesday afternoon to run a few errands. After parking my pickup next to the post office, I went inside to pick up a package which wouldn’t fit in our mailbox and chatted with the postmistress for a few minutes. Next I made my way to the bank to transfer money from savings to my checking account. The pharmacy was next so I could pick up a prescription for my wife and a bottle of aspirin. Last on my to-do list was the grocery store, where I was to pick up some bread, a bag of sugar, and a bottle of canola oil along with a case of beer.
It was on my way between the pharmacy and the grocery store I saw it and stopped dead in my tracks. A white piece of paper with a computer printed message taped to a power pole.
It read:
FOUND GOAT!
Please call if you have
any information
503-502-4970
Lisa Bennett
A shiver ran down my spine despite the sun’s warmth. I had information all right. Information so disturbing most people would never believe it unless they had witnessed it for themselves. Information so secret I could never reveal it to another living soul. This poor woman, this Lisa Bennett… Well, she would find out soon enough what she had found more than just a goat.
Feeling a bit guilty but also happy it was no longer my problem, I started to whistle as I strolled down the street to complete my errands.
"The Burial Place for Old Dolls" by Allyn G.
'Where am I?' You thought silently as you try to recall the events from the previous night. You remember running through the woods, trying to get away from someone... Or something. You look around the small enclosed area in which you found yourself in. You try to sit up, only to feel a sharp pain in your legs that makes you inhale sharply. You waited for the pain to pass before you even dared to down look at them. After a few minutes, when the pain subsided, you finally had the courage to look down at your legs - they were covered in tiny bite and claw markings. You get to a sitting position despite the pain that you now noticed to be coming from your entire body. Ignoring the painful protests your limbs were giving you, you got to a standing position. 'I'm inside a cave? I guess this is where I managed to hide when trying to get away from whatever I was running from yesterday.'
You begin to look for the way out of the cave, only to notice that there were small ledges along the cave wall, each ledge held a seed of some sort. Some of these seeds were sprouting, others were not. Some seeds were large and some were so small that you thought they were dead ants. After taking another few minutes to analyze one of the seeds and looking between the two directions in which you could follow, you decide to go the way your back had been facing when you first sat up after regaining consciousness.
You walked further and further, unknowingly deeper and deeper into the cave. You stop and take a break after walking for awhile. 'Maybe I just walked really far into this cave to make sure I wasn't being followed any longer?' You think, trying to believe you were going the right way. 'It's almost as if the further I walk, the darker it gets..'
You shake your head and begin walking again, noticing a hint of an odor in the air. You make a face at the repulsive smell while you continue forward. You place your hand against the cave wall, finding the cold, rough texture of the cave against your fingertips calming. Suddenly, you stop. 'What was that?' You questioned mentally as you hear what sounds like classical music. "Who would bother to play music from some sort of symphony in a cave?" You whisper to yourself, allowing your brain to wander off on all the possibilities it could be. You're pulled from your thoughts when you hear what sounded like hollow plastic falling onto the ground, bouncing once - twice - rolling and stopping. You stare into the darkness for a long moment, not daring to call out in fear that you may become another victim.
You keep walking. After what felt like hours, with a smell so repulsive, you come to an opening in the cave. It didn't leave to the outside world - it led to a room of sorts. In this room, there were small bodies - dolls. And with these dolls, there was a small child. Each child looked between the ages of four and seven, mostly girls but also some boys. Each body was in a various state of decomposition while clutching to a doll. Each doll was eyeless and wearing a matching outfit to what the child was wearing. You stared in shocked horror, falling to your knees before someone covers your mouth - everything going black.
----------------
"Another missing child? Are any of these cases even being solved, Merlin?"
"They're... Being investigated. So far there hasn't been a single lead on any of the twenty-eight missing children cases, Sheriff Davidson." Deputy Merlin says. He didn't know what else to say to the Sheriff. Not a single child has been found and the number of children going missing just kept growing. Sheriff Davidson sighs heavily, pinching the bridge of his nose while thinking about something. "We'll find her. I'm sure of it. I don't think your daughter, Roxie, could've run off too far."
"Yeah. You're right. The most troubling thing is that not even her doll has been found." Sheriff Davidson states, clearly stressing over his daughter having gone missing. "Seven years old, freckles, and curly, long, brown hair." He mumbles, staring at the only family photo he has of his wife and daughter. "If I lose her, too, I think I may be done for.."
"She looks just like her mother." Deputy Merlin says solemnly. Just then, he gets a call on his walkie talkie.
"Deputy Merlin, do you copy?"
"Deputy Merlin speaking, copy"
"We've just found the body of a small girl. Age looks to be about seven or eight years old. Curly, long, brown hair and freckles. She's wearing a light pink dress with a doll in a matching outfit. She's been found in a bush along the edge of the woods right outside of Fernbank Park. I need you here to confirm that she was one of the missing children mentioned in one of your cases. Copy."
"Roger that, over." Deputy Merlin looks over at Sheriff Davidson, a frown on his face. "Sounds like your daughter.." He says quietly to the sheriff who stares on in disbelief. 'Tonight is going to be one long night.' Deputy Merlin thinks as he leaves the sheriff to head to the crime scene, hoping beyond hopes that he was wrong - that this child was just one of the other children who fit that description.
Oh how wrong Merlin was.
'Where am I?' You thought silently as you try to recall the events from the previous night. You remember running through the woods, trying to get away from someone... Or something. You look around the small enclosed area in which you found yourself in. You try to sit up, only to feel a sharp pain in your legs that makes you inhale sharply. You waited for the pain to pass before you even dared to down look at them. After a few minutes, when the pain subsided, you finally had the courage to look down at your legs - they were covered in tiny bite and claw markings. You get to a sitting position despite the pain that you now noticed to be coming from your entire body. Ignoring the painful protests your limbs were giving you, you got to a standing position. 'I'm inside a cave? I guess this is where I managed to hide when trying to get away from whatever I was running from yesterday.'
You begin to look for the way out of the cave, only to notice that there were small ledges along the cave wall, each ledge held a seed of some sort. Some of these seeds were sprouting, others were not. Some seeds were large and some were so small that you thought they were dead ants. After taking another few minutes to analyze one of the seeds and looking between the two directions in which you could follow, you decide to go the way your back had been facing when you first sat up after regaining consciousness.
You walked further and further, unknowingly deeper and deeper into the cave. You stop and take a break after walking for awhile. 'Maybe I just walked really far into this cave to make sure I wasn't being followed any longer?' You think, trying to believe you were going the right way. 'It's almost as if the further I walk, the darker it gets..'
You shake your head and begin walking again, noticing a hint of an odor in the air. You make a face at the repulsive smell while you continue forward. You place your hand against the cave wall, finding the cold, rough texture of the cave against your fingertips calming. Suddenly, you stop. 'What was that?' You questioned mentally as you hear what sounds like classical music. "Who would bother to play music from some sort of symphony in a cave?" You whisper to yourself, allowing your brain to wander off on all the possibilities it could be. You're pulled from your thoughts when you hear what sounded like hollow plastic falling onto the ground, bouncing once - twice - rolling and stopping. You stare into the darkness for a long moment, not daring to call out in fear that you may become another victim.
You keep walking. After what felt like hours, with a smell so repulsive, you come to an opening in the cave. It didn't leave to the outside world - it led to a room of sorts. In this room, there were small bodies - dolls. And with these dolls, there was a small child. Each child looked between the ages of four and seven, mostly girls but also some boys. Each body was in a various state of decomposition while clutching to a doll. Each doll was eyeless and wearing a matching outfit to what the child was wearing. You stared in shocked horror, falling to your knees before someone covers your mouth - everything going black.
----------------
"Another missing child? Are any of these cases even being solved, Merlin?"
"They're... Being investigated. So far there hasn't been a single lead on any of the twenty-eight missing children cases, Sheriff Davidson." Deputy Merlin says. He didn't know what else to say to the Sheriff. Not a single child has been found and the number of children going missing just kept growing. Sheriff Davidson sighs heavily, pinching the bridge of his nose while thinking about something. "We'll find her. I'm sure of it. I don't think your daughter, Roxie, could've run off too far."
"Yeah. You're right. The most troubling thing is that not even her doll has been found." Sheriff Davidson states, clearly stressing over his daughter having gone missing. "Seven years old, freckles, and curly, long, brown hair." He mumbles, staring at the only family photo he has of his wife and daughter. "If I lose her, too, I think I may be done for.."
"She looks just like her mother." Deputy Merlin says solemnly. Just then, he gets a call on his walkie talkie.
"Deputy Merlin, do you copy?"
"Deputy Merlin speaking, copy"
"We've just found the body of a small girl. Age looks to be about seven or eight years old. Curly, long, brown hair and freckles. She's wearing a light pink dress with a doll in a matching outfit. She's been found in a bush along the edge of the woods right outside of Fernbank Park. I need you here to confirm that she was one of the missing children mentioned in one of your cases. Copy."
"Roger that, over." Deputy Merlin looks over at Sheriff Davidson, a frown on his face. "Sounds like your daughter.." He says quietly to the sheriff who stares on in disbelief. 'Tonight is going to be one long night.' Deputy Merlin thinks as he leaves the sheriff to head to the crime scene, hoping beyond hopes that he was wrong - that this child was just one of the other children who fit that description.
Oh how wrong Merlin was.
From Gloria H:
’ve had a lot of coffee house drinks...coffee, espresso, frappe but, never one that was creative art with a plant or presented a smile. Even in bartending school, I’ve learned and made lots of concoctions without displaying faces although, one may encounter many faces. Growing up I didn’t have many friends but when I had friends I enjoyed their company. There was a friend I acquired over the years I loved getting together with was Cathy. I believe her heritage was German descent. She was twice my age, a little heavy set, blonde headed. We met on a job where I was on assignment. My position closed and we remained friends. Cathy often worked the late night shift. On nights she wasn’t working, she did her personal stuff and we would go out, act stupid (literally) and have fun.
One night, we decided to go to this coffeehouse called The Highland Coffee House across from Mecklenburg Gardens in Clifton part of Cincinnati. We’d been there before. It was becoming a new favorite place for us to go have coffee, espresso, and talk. I can remember being so happy to hang out with her that night. We met up at her house, drove in her van to the establishment. She and I ordered the usual coffee for her and espresso for myself. Even our favorite waiter was working that night. We stayed til closing at 1 a.m. Every time we went, we closed the place. Our waiter greeted us at the register to pay the tab. We talked, laughed, and he told us his schedule so we'd come on his shift. He walked us to the door and told us to come again before our stepping out the door. The waiter locked the door behind us.
Lots may argue that day and night are normal beings with expectations such as, light and dark. But, night and day can be great keepers, mysterious, deceitful, and good at hide and seek. It’s likely easier to hide in shadows and dark but, light doesn’t reveal everything either. That particular night, the dark and shadows were harboring a secret to be revealed. Was it a pair up with fate or coincidence? I have no answers.
The street lamps and Mecklenburg Gardens signage were lit but, not as bright as the sun. Cathy and I walked a short distance to the van parked at the meters. She unlocked the doors. We got in. I was fetching the buckle to the seatbelt when I looked up and saw a man standing there staring, glaring at me. I was so caught off guard. A complete surprise. Where did he come from? His eyes were of ice and stone. Something I have not been able to get out of my head. I still cannot forget the way he looked at me. I wanted to ask him if he needed help or what he wanted. But, I could not figure out how to roll the window down. Never occurred something wasn’t right. Then, he opened the door on my side and started waving the gun. I felt disoriented and confused. The man said something but, it was like he spoke another language. The gun was not registering as if it were some foreign object I had never seen before. But, I have never seen a gun up close before. Also, it was dark. I didn’t know he had a gun or would use it. I looked at Cathy and she threw him her purse. She tried to turn over the key that was already in the ignition however, he put the gun to my head. He took my arm and pulled me toward him. Then, he demanded my school bag but, I refused. The masked man and I began to argue. He ordered me to give it up. I informed him he was not getting it. My college textbooks were over $500 and paid for by a good samaritan. I would have to drop out of the university since I would not be able to afford them again. The man looked confused as if I had horns growing out of my head. He put his hand on his cocked hips and stared at me.
Meanwhile, Cathy made it across the street, dodging between parked cars. When he realized she was on the other side of the street, he got his gun ready. I screamed her name. He fired shots at her. The man missed but, I was sure he hit her in the face. My spine felt as if it grew hair that seemed to stand on ends from the shiver that raced. I saw her run up the ramp into Mecklenburg's. The darkened assailant jumped back in disbelief. He grabbed my friend’s purse and took off. I was frozen like ice or stone. At first, my feet were cemented to the sidewalk. Whether I moved or not, I waited for him to shoot me. Another man was walking down the sidewalk as the gunman disappeared. I thought it was odd because if I heard gunshots from up the street, I would not continue down that path. Was it a coincidence? Don’t know. Finally, I made my way to Mecklenburg Gardens. Before I knew it, the police swarmed the place. A man fitting the description was apprehended down the street but, I couldn’t be sure it was him. Cathy and I drove back to her place. We decided we would talk later on the phone. I got in my car and drove to my mom’s house since she was going into work soon.
Is this the end of the story? Not even close including all the baggage that came with it. The robber stole that night and every night after and replaced it with anguish, guilt, and more. It seemed fate had a change of heart or plans sending death and the grim reaper in another direction.
’ve had a lot of coffee house drinks...coffee, espresso, frappe but, never one that was creative art with a plant or presented a smile. Even in bartending school, I’ve learned and made lots of concoctions without displaying faces although, one may encounter many faces. Growing up I didn’t have many friends but when I had friends I enjoyed their company. There was a friend I acquired over the years I loved getting together with was Cathy. I believe her heritage was German descent. She was twice my age, a little heavy set, blonde headed. We met on a job where I was on assignment. My position closed and we remained friends. Cathy often worked the late night shift. On nights she wasn’t working, she did her personal stuff and we would go out, act stupid (literally) and have fun.
One night, we decided to go to this coffeehouse called The Highland Coffee House across from Mecklenburg Gardens in Clifton part of Cincinnati. We’d been there before. It was becoming a new favorite place for us to go have coffee, espresso, and talk. I can remember being so happy to hang out with her that night. We met up at her house, drove in her van to the establishment. She and I ordered the usual coffee for her and espresso for myself. Even our favorite waiter was working that night. We stayed til closing at 1 a.m. Every time we went, we closed the place. Our waiter greeted us at the register to pay the tab. We talked, laughed, and he told us his schedule so we'd come on his shift. He walked us to the door and told us to come again before our stepping out the door. The waiter locked the door behind us.
Lots may argue that day and night are normal beings with expectations such as, light and dark. But, night and day can be great keepers, mysterious, deceitful, and good at hide and seek. It’s likely easier to hide in shadows and dark but, light doesn’t reveal everything either. That particular night, the dark and shadows were harboring a secret to be revealed. Was it a pair up with fate or coincidence? I have no answers.
The street lamps and Mecklenburg Gardens signage were lit but, not as bright as the sun. Cathy and I walked a short distance to the van parked at the meters. She unlocked the doors. We got in. I was fetching the buckle to the seatbelt when I looked up and saw a man standing there staring, glaring at me. I was so caught off guard. A complete surprise. Where did he come from? His eyes were of ice and stone. Something I have not been able to get out of my head. I still cannot forget the way he looked at me. I wanted to ask him if he needed help or what he wanted. But, I could not figure out how to roll the window down. Never occurred something wasn’t right. Then, he opened the door on my side and started waving the gun. I felt disoriented and confused. The man said something but, it was like he spoke another language. The gun was not registering as if it were some foreign object I had never seen before. But, I have never seen a gun up close before. Also, it was dark. I didn’t know he had a gun or would use it. I looked at Cathy and she threw him her purse. She tried to turn over the key that was already in the ignition however, he put the gun to my head. He took my arm and pulled me toward him. Then, he demanded my school bag but, I refused. The masked man and I began to argue. He ordered me to give it up. I informed him he was not getting it. My college textbooks were over $500 and paid for by a good samaritan. I would have to drop out of the university since I would not be able to afford them again. The man looked confused as if I had horns growing out of my head. He put his hand on his cocked hips and stared at me.
Meanwhile, Cathy made it across the street, dodging between parked cars. When he realized she was on the other side of the street, he got his gun ready. I screamed her name. He fired shots at her. The man missed but, I was sure he hit her in the face. My spine felt as if it grew hair that seemed to stand on ends from the shiver that raced. I saw her run up the ramp into Mecklenburg's. The darkened assailant jumped back in disbelief. He grabbed my friend’s purse and took off. I was frozen like ice or stone. At first, my feet were cemented to the sidewalk. Whether I moved or not, I waited for him to shoot me. Another man was walking down the sidewalk as the gunman disappeared. I thought it was odd because if I heard gunshots from up the street, I would not continue down that path. Was it a coincidence? Don’t know. Finally, I made my way to Mecklenburg Gardens. Before I knew it, the police swarmed the place. A man fitting the description was apprehended down the street but, I couldn’t be sure it was him. Cathy and I drove back to her place. We decided we would talk later on the phone. I got in my car and drove to my mom’s house since she was going into work soon.
Is this the end of the story? Not even close including all the baggage that came with it. The robber stole that night and every night after and replaced it with anguish, guilt, and more. It seemed fate had a change of heart or plans sending death and the grim reaper in another direction.
From Shawna J:
From the Philippines. Narrator 10 year old grandson of the cook for my friends. JM
MamNanc had already been around a long time. We did not expect her to return when she left for Davao. We had said our goodbyes then. They stopped having me go to school, I didn't Monda I dislike school. MomNida had told me to stop saying I hated school because Christians are not allowed to hate. It was more fun playing and watching cartoons at home, but I dislike being confined to the property. Dad got to go to town on his motor but I was not allowed to go with him anymore, it made no sense. Adults tried to explain it to me but it only affraid dad would get sick. I worried about my pamilya, my mother, older sister and little brother in Manila. Why can't we be together. MamNida had told me tearfully that they could no come home. "It is better that they stay there" but she was sad too. Guess you can understand and still be sad.
MamNanc had already been around a long time. We did not expect her to return when she left for Davao. We had said our goodbyes then. They stopped having me go to school, I didn't Monda I dislike school. MomNida had told me to stop saying I hated school because Christians are not allowed to hate. It was more fun playing and watching cartoons at home, but I dislike being confined to the property. Dad got to go to town on his motor but I was not allowed to go with him anymore, it made no sense. Adults tried to explain it to me but it only affraid dad would get sick. I worried about my pamilya, my mother, older sister and little brother in Manila. Why can't we be together. MamNida had told me tearfully that they could no come home. "It is better that they stay there" but she was sad too. Guess you can understand and still be sad.
From Allyn G:
I felt a shiver of excitement run down my spine as I stared at the piece of paper that had seemingly been stapled to my wooden fence before I had returned home from that day's long and tiring shift. 'This is going to be fun.' I think to myself, a soft, eerie sounding chuckle escaping my lips. 'A race against the clock: will the two mad scientist teenagers really manage to get away with the formula for the nuclear weapon they created that would ultimately destroy the world as we know it? Or will the government military catch them before they even get the chance to flee?' Reaching for my phone from my pocket to ring up my best friend, Jaxon, I stared at the piece of paper, gently tearing it off of the fence before my eyes. "Hello?" he says in an irritable voice. I don't say anything for a long moment, searching for words to say as I watch the sun slowly disappear from sight. "Look, Ace, I don't know what the hell yo-"
I don't let him finish, quickly and quietly speaking into the receiver, "Meet me at the secret opening in one hour. We don't have much time before they find out what we're doing. They left a note saying they're on our trail." I hang up before my friend could ask any more questions, running inside and grabbing everything that would be essential to finishing our little... 'project.' Once everything was rightfully shoved into my backpack, I ran outside to begin my way to our secret opening. It was a place that only the two of us knew of. The sun was completely gone from behind the horizon by the time I reached the place. Only, when I got there, Jaxon was nowhere to be found. Only another notice.
Or so I thought.
This notice was different. This notice had been typed up and then nailed to our climbing tree's ladder. There was a smudge of fresh blood on the back corner. I look around the area a few minutes longer before feeling something drip onto my head. I look up, only to see my best friend's body, hanging limply from a tree branch and a bloodied knife sticking out from his neck. As I turned around to run, I tripped over something. A bear trap. 'At least it had been already set off before.' I think, continuing to run, screaming for help - that my best friend was dead - still clinging to the note in my hand.
It seemed that a place that had once been a happy little area for two teenage boys to hang out and do their science experiments, was now just a place of bloodshed. Their place was no longer a secret. Someone had followed Jaxon there, killed him, and left a note:
Found Goat!
Please call if you have any information:
(503)-502-4970
Lisa Bennett
The only issue was that the only body found by the police, was that belonging to a slaughtered goat. There was no trace of a boy named "Jaxon." There were no records of anyone in that small, farming town being named "Jaxon." There were no memories of the dark haired, light eyed 17 year old boy with plans of leaving this country town to become a scientist. According to the law, Jaxon Elles had never existed. 'But I know differently. I know he existed because he was my best friend. The two of us did all of our science experiments together. We were both going to leave this town together. I know what I saw in the woods that fateful day, nearly ten years ago now. And I will get to the bottom of it. Because if I can't, then I wouldn't be able to call myself "Ace Lockney: The Best Sleuthing Detective".'
I think to myself silently, closing the file containing all the evidence from that day on my desk. 'Even though I managed to get off easily for what the two of us were planning...' I sigh heavily and putting my cigarette out. 'I need to know what this "Lisa Bennett" has to say about this matter...' I grab my coat and hat before walking into the cold, rainy night; back to the place where it all began.
I felt a shiver of excitement run down my spine as I stared at the piece of paper that had seemingly been stapled to my wooden fence before I had returned home from that day's long and tiring shift. 'This is going to be fun.' I think to myself, a soft, eerie sounding chuckle escaping my lips. 'A race against the clock: will the two mad scientist teenagers really manage to get away with the formula for the nuclear weapon they created that would ultimately destroy the world as we know it? Or will the government military catch them before they even get the chance to flee?' Reaching for my phone from my pocket to ring up my best friend, Jaxon, I stared at the piece of paper, gently tearing it off of the fence before my eyes. "Hello?" he says in an irritable voice. I don't say anything for a long moment, searching for words to say as I watch the sun slowly disappear from sight. "Look, Ace, I don't know what the hell yo-"
I don't let him finish, quickly and quietly speaking into the receiver, "Meet me at the secret opening in one hour. We don't have much time before they find out what we're doing. They left a note saying they're on our trail." I hang up before my friend could ask any more questions, running inside and grabbing everything that would be essential to finishing our little... 'project.' Once everything was rightfully shoved into my backpack, I ran outside to begin my way to our secret opening. It was a place that only the two of us knew of. The sun was completely gone from behind the horizon by the time I reached the place. Only, when I got there, Jaxon was nowhere to be found. Only another notice.
Or so I thought.
This notice was different. This notice had been typed up and then nailed to our climbing tree's ladder. There was a smudge of fresh blood on the back corner. I look around the area a few minutes longer before feeling something drip onto my head. I look up, only to see my best friend's body, hanging limply from a tree branch and a bloodied knife sticking out from his neck. As I turned around to run, I tripped over something. A bear trap. 'At least it had been already set off before.' I think, continuing to run, screaming for help - that my best friend was dead - still clinging to the note in my hand.
It seemed that a place that had once been a happy little area for two teenage boys to hang out and do their science experiments, was now just a place of bloodshed. Their place was no longer a secret. Someone had followed Jaxon there, killed him, and left a note:
Found Goat!
Please call if you have any information:
(503)-502-4970
Lisa Bennett
The only issue was that the only body found by the police, was that belonging to a slaughtered goat. There was no trace of a boy named "Jaxon." There were no records of anyone in that small, farming town being named "Jaxon." There were no memories of the dark haired, light eyed 17 year old boy with plans of leaving this country town to become a scientist. According to the law, Jaxon Elles had never existed. 'But I know differently. I know he existed because he was my best friend. The two of us did all of our science experiments together. We were both going to leave this town together. I know what I saw in the woods that fateful day, nearly ten years ago now. And I will get to the bottom of it. Because if I can't, then I wouldn't be able to call myself "Ace Lockney: The Best Sleuthing Detective".'
I think to myself silently, closing the file containing all the evidence from that day on my desk. 'Even though I managed to get off easily for what the two of us were planning...' I sigh heavily and putting my cigarette out. 'I need to know what this "Lisa Bennett" has to say about this matter...' I grab my coat and hat before walking into the cold, rainy night; back to the place where it all began.