#bikurgurl – By Sarah

A Little Greenery

January 10, 2019January 10, 2019 Sarah W

I gaze absently at the raindrops trickling slowly down the window pane. Not really seeing them, but looking beyond. The unfamiliar street scape is making me anxious.

I moved back to the city just last week and each time, it startles me to see buildings instead of wide open spaces. I even added a little greenery on the window sills in a feeble attempt to abate my need for the bush.

A wave of homesickness washes over me, and I once again question, ‘Have I done the right thing?’

I guess only time will tell. That, and a little faith…

100 Word Wednesday – Week 104

Haibun, Poetry by Sarah

Reunited

February 28, 2018February 28, 2018 Sarah W

I lifted my legs; one at a time. They fell to the ground like lead. How much longer could I go on? I had been looking for him for days! Lost and alone in the bush, he was my beacon. My tongue felt like sandpaper and my mouth was so dry, my lips stuck together. If I didn’t find him soon; I was a goner. And then I heard it. “Here boy!” he called. I raced to his side, exhausted but relieved, to be reunited at last.

Exhaustion takes hold
but before it can claim you,
I’ll carry you home.

Prompt: Mindlovemisery’s Menagerie, Heeding Haiku With Chèvrefeuille, February 28th, 2018 – Reunited; and also, Bikurgurl, 100 Word Wednesday – Week 60

Haibun, Poetry by Sarah

Make It Count

December 28, 2017December 28, 2017 Sarah W

some years disappoint
throwing blow after blow, but
an end is in sight

Resilience is a curious thing, never failing to deliver the message: “In life, there are ups and downs”. With the good comes the bad, for otherwise, how could we tell the difference? As 2017 draws to a close, I am filled with relief. It has been a lesson in bouncing back and never giving up. Next year I pledge 2704 positive hours. That’s 365 days times by 7.5hrs out of the 24, I am given each day. Enough time to make it count.

optimism wins
roll the dice, hope for the best
a new year awaits

Prompt: Bikurgirl, 100 Word Wednesday, Week 51; and also, Mindlovemisery’s Menagerie, Heeding Haiku With Chèvrefeuille, December 27th, 2017 – New Year

Poetry by Sarah, Tanka

Uncertain

December 6, 2017December 6, 2017 Sarah W

Undulating road.
Wooden fingers lace, blocking
sunlight. Shadows hide
watchful eyes. Ears catch whispers.
An uncertain path is life.

Prompt: Bikurgurl, 100 Word Wednesday – Week 48; and also, Ramblings Of A Writer, Weekly Tanka Prompt Challenge, Week 74 – eyes and ears

Haibun, Poetry by Sarah

Brief Chasms

October 18, 2017October 18, 2017 Sarah W

Our need for exhilaration – a scare; a thrill; is truly, a human curiosity. We relish in leaving the sanctuary of contentment for moments of heart-stopping, adrenalin-fuelled terror. So much so, we even manufacture the rides. A spinning capsule twirling madly on its hinges; the gut-wrenching lurch of a rollercoaster car; even the jaws of a synthetic Jaws, reminds us that we are but one bolt away from death – the truest terror we as humans face. Once we arrive safely back on the shores, we spin the wheel again.

it’s human nature
to explore briefest chasms
between life and death

Prompt: Bikurgurl, 100 Word Wednesday – Week 41; and also, Mindlovemisery’s Menagerie, Heeding Haiku With Chèvrefeuille – October 18th, 2017

Month Of Mini Writing Challenges 2017, Stories by Sarah

The Castle

September 28, 2017May 23, 2018 Sarah W

There once was a castle in the middle of a field. It loved being the centre of attention. The grass bowed to it in the breeze, and travellers were drawn to it, like a beacon. For many years it was so.

But slowly, a town began to spring up around the castle and the field disappeared. At first, the castle was glad for the company, but in time, the town became a city and the castle was swallowed up by the busy-ness around it. Sometimes, it would still catch a glimpse of travellers’ eyes, but now they hurried past in their vehicles. The castle felt sad that in the midst of such hustle, it could feel so lonely.

Prompt: Daily Post Daily Prompt – disappear, swallow; Bikurgurl, 100 Word Wednesday, Week 38; and also Sammi Cox, A Month Of Mini Writing Challenges, Day 28. Task: Write a story in less than 100 words that opens with, “There once was a castle…”

Stories by Sarah

Due Diligence

September 17, 2017September 17, 2017 Sarah W

Image credit Izaak Standridge

The policemen lined the streets, fully kitted up in riot gear. The sun beat down on the officers, who were diligently waiting; sweating profusely under their heavy protective clothing. Anticipation filled the air and a small crowd of rubberneckers* had gathered.

The motorcade was late.

Two officers, broke formation to see about the delay. Anticipation turned to disbelief as the two investigating officers informed their peers he had never left the house.

Intelligence had been wrong – the attack wasn’t to take place in the car, but in the cat. As he’d patted his beloved pet, the bomb had exploded them both…

* rubbernecker (noun) – an overly inquisitive person
Source: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rubberneck

Prompt: Bikurgurl, 100 Word Wednesday, Week 36

Stories by Sarah

City Cycle

September 7, 2017December 17, 2017 Sarah W

Image credit Zachary Staines

It was bad enough these cyclists hogged the road, riding two, three or even four abreast! Sylvie thought, fuming. Now they’re hogging our car spaces too!

She looked at the eight bicycles taking up two and a half perfectly useable spots; one of which should have been hers! Sylvie glanced through the window of Deja Brew and saw them – muscular thighs clad in Lycra, sporting an array of fluorescent jerseys up top, laughing and sipping on their lattes.

Smiling, she executed her revenge, and began affixing the signs to their bikes:

“City Cycle – free bicycles for the community”

Prompt: Bikurgurl, 100 Word Wednesday – Week 35

Haibun, Poetry by Sarah

Linger

August 31, 2017December 17, 2017 Sarah W

Image credit Don Naman

as the last few strums on the metallic strings reverberate around the stadium, the lead guitarist waits for the burgeoning cheers of the crowd; all appreciative fans

dying notes Linger on and on they echo ’round growing record sales

Prompt: Bikurgurl, 100 Word Wednesday, Week 34; and also, Mindlovemisery’s Menagerie, Heeding Haiku With Chèvrefeuille, August 30th 2017 – growth one-bun*

* Author’s note: This is my first attempt at a “one-line Haibun” or “one-bun”, which is a “Free-style” haibun. It’s a haibun-form created by Jim Kacian. The “one-bun” is a haibun in just one line, title text and haiku combined in just one-line.

Free Verse, Poetry by Sarah

Life On Corners

August 18, 2017August 18, 2017 Sarah W

Image credit Bikurgurl

The square was full
Of people that day.
Air pulsed with music
Of the band as they played.

It was a string quartet,
minus a bow.
Instead in its place,
a young voice flowed.

They felt the music,
Tapping their feet.
Keeping the rhythm,
And feeling the beat.

As people walked past,
They showed their pleasure.
Dropping loose change,
To form the band’s treasure.

Without our buskers,
Our street performers,
What life would there be
Upon each corner?

Prompt: Bikurgurl, 100 Word Wednesday, Week 32

Stories by Sarah

Lost

August 11, 2017December 17, 2017 Sarah W

Image credit by Jane

The crowds were overwhelming. Glaring white floors echoed their multitude of footsteps – not just from the ground level, but also the floors above. I looked up, feeling dizzy as I gazed at the raked ceiling. The pitch of the roof seemed to move and sway around me. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath and tried to focus.

She had to be around here somewhere!

I completed another circuit, trying to see her familiar form. Trouble was, I couldn’t remember what she was wearing that day. Suddenly, I felt a hand on my shoulder.

“I’ve been looking for you everywhere baby girl!”

“Mummy!” I cried, throwing myself into her arms.

She had found me.

Prompt: Bikurgurl, 100 Word Wednesday, Week 31; and also, Daily Post Daily Prompt, glaring

Stories by Sarah

The Cocktail Set

August 3, 2017December 17, 2017 Sarah W

Image credit Jennifer Pallian via Unsplash

My husband bought me the cocktail set for my birthday. It had the lot – glasses, shaker, strainer, jigger, muddler, bar spoon, pourer, spirits, ice and mixers. What fun!

“So how do we make a cocktail?” he asked.

“Depends what kind,” I replied, looking around. “Where are the recipes?”

“Recipes?” he gulped.

“Nevermind, let’s just wing it,” I said adventurously.

Two bottles of gin, a bottle of tequila, and numerous mixers later, we had not only made a mess, but were incredibly drunk!

“What’s this one called?” he hiccoughed.

“Orange you glad we’re out of alcohol,” I laughed.

Prompt: Bikurgurl, 100 Word Wednesday, Week 30

Stories by Sarah

Into The Blue

July 26, 2017December 17, 2017 Sarah W

The delighted screams of children filled the air as I lay lazily on my towel, dozing. I was thoroughly enjoying the warmth of the sunshine dancing over my skin.

My eyes popped open, as my husband returned, playfully shaking his water-soaked self next to me – the cool droplets shocking me out of my reverie.

“Idiot,” I said, swiping a handful of sand his way.

We grinned at each other, bolted towards the water and together, plunged ourselves into the blue.

Sighing, I put the photo down and cursed the snow falling outside. It was still another 14 weeks ’til summer would be here again.

Prompt: Bikurgurl, 100 Word Wednesday – Week 29

Stories by Sarah

Hoodwinked

July 20, 2017December 17, 2017 Sarah W

“Let’s see how the Blue team spent their left over lolly”, said Bargain Hunt host, Tim Wonnacott.

“Well Tim, I went for a ‘blue for blue’ theme and purchased the whole wedding set by renowned porcelain designer Messein. I picked it up for an absolute steal – £250. It’s quite rare and should make at least £500-600,” said antiques expert, Kate Bliss.

“You canny gal, you!” Tim exclaimed. “Let’s cross to our auctioneer, Paul Laidlaw, and see what he makes of your blue bounty.”

“Tim, though an exact replica of Messein, if you look closely at the hallmark, the M is actually an H. Therefore, the collection…worthless.”

Author’s Note: I am a huge Bargain Hunt fan and couldn’t resist a BH inspired post for this prompt. If you’ve never seen the show, you must check it out. Here’s a snippet…or visit http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006nb9z/episodes/player. Although Tim is no longer the host, it’s still a highly entertaining insight into the world of antiques!

Prompt: Bikurgurl, 100 Word Wednesday – Week 28