short story
The Last Pear Tree
"A tree truly does give life," Camilla asserted to herself, as she walked toward the lone pear tree near the edge of their mountain compound. Her sandals crunched on the dry soil, to the beat of the groans from her shrunken stomach. A buzzard soared in a wide circle above her, waiting patiently for dying prey. Camilla shaded her eyes with her hands and looked up, "Vultures and buzzards are the only creatures to thrive, during this world-wide drought."
By Karla Bowen Herman3 years ago in Earth
Scratch
The scratching found me at the strangest times. It was like a broken record player that would occasionally switch on, blaring out a snippet of some forgotten song before falling silent again. Every time I would get comfortable, every time I would forget that grating sound, there it would be, like a discordant note or a hand from the grave.
By Emily Bearer3 years ago in Earth
The Mindful Hunt
The day began with excitement. My eyes opened to predawn darkness as my mind recalled there was a coincidence of sunrise, low tide and a rare day off from stressful work. I slipped out of bed to make a quick, hearty breakfast to take my mind off my stomach and to fortify my hunt. I then dressed for comfort. The only pressure I would feel on this day, on this hunt, would be the gentle pressure of coastal wind. I found my coat and grabbed my hat. I parked in my favorite secluded spot not yet discovered by other hunters. No one has asked me where I hunt or else I would tell. I swear I would.
By Tina Bruce3 years ago in Earth
The Vintage Diva
The foggy predawn air misted through the alley as she trudged amongst huddled shadows, other fishermen, headed to Wharf Street. Sam, short for Samantha, had awakened an hour before sunrise, gathered her gear, and headed for her first day with her Uncle Trey as a crew hand. There would be no pay as a fisherman’s apprentice, except the experience.
By J. S. Wade3 years ago in Earth
Just A Swimmin' In the Ocean
Have you ever seen the sunrise from under the water? It's pretty cool, you know...when I'm awake to see it. The current of the ocean sways and grabs the tendrils of sunlight, pulling them down in rainbowed bands of gold and pink and orange. It looks like mermaid's hair threaded through the first couple feet of water.
By L. M. Williams3 years ago in Earth
The Swim
The Swim Once in the water the four of us Emory, Tim, Josh & I line up about five foot abreast of each other, this will make it easier during the 5 mile swim back to shore to keep communication with each other and the boat, to allow us to watch for signs of trouble from ocean predators, and to watch each other in case of exhaustion.
By Christopher Chance3 years ago in Earth
REINCARNATION
It ended in darkness, but then it started there too. A mermaid’s purse, swaying through the water, along with my other siblings. The funny thing is, I can still remember parts of my old life but not enough to recall it fully. I used to have skin I think, but now I have a kind of scales.
By Elizabeth Butler3 years ago in Earth
The Northern Sink Hole
The Sink Hole People are used to hearing about Sink Holes in the Southern Delta areas, Florida, Alabama, and Louisiana. But have you ever heard of one in Northern New York State? I am talking about the Adirondack Mountains. It is rare for a Sink Hole to happen in this region. Most of the area is rock or mountainous. However, one such Sink Hole did happen.
By Thomas R Dorsett Jr3 years ago in Earth
GAIA
The morning dew collected on her arms as she sat and watched the darkness filter into a sunrise. The time between the fading darkness and the new dawn was where she found her solace. It was the only time she could let herself settle, like soil on the bottom of a riverbank. It was the only time she could sit on a moss-laden rock, gaze out into the world, and think of her children.
By Maithree Wijesekara3 years ago in Earth