The Unicorn Challenge

***

“Sure looks like there’s been a murder here. Look at this building, it’s old, it’s dark, it’s creepy; there must be a thousand rooms in this place. You can’t tell me that there wasn’t at least one murder in at least one of these hotel rooms.”

“You know what Jack? We were supposed to take this vacation together to tour Europe, see some history, and if this building isn’t history, I don’t what is. And the whole idea that there has been a murder here just makes it all the more intriguing. I’ll bet there was even a room where Edgar Allan Poe sat and wrote one of his horror stories. Wouldn’t you like to see a room like that?”

“Mike, are you kidding me? There’s probably ghosts in these rooms! I don’t think I’d want to see a ghost much less stay in the same room with one overnight! But you’re right, we did want to come and experience historical places, and this certainly looks like one, so I’m game if you’re game. But let’s stop down the street first, get some snacks, maybe some fish and chips they’re famous for. Or we could stop in that pub I saw and have a few beers before we meet the ghosts. What do you think?”

***

L’Hôtel Moderne

dVerse Poets Ballata

***

Dancing with unconstraint

Her bright skirt, whirls and dips

Jeweled hands on her hips

The crowds have no complaints

Dancing with unconstraint

The music fills the room

Costume seems to bloom

Children want to acquaint

Dancing with unconstraint

Children surround her form

Joy witnessed and transformed

Talent now seems innate

Dancing with unconstraint.

***

Poetry Form: Ballata

The Writer’s Workshop

***

Number 5:

The first time I went to an ice hockey game I was taken by coworker on a date. The game was Cornell vs. Dartmouth. I was looking forward to the date and excited to see a hockey game. The stands were full of families, with little ones! The first time I saw a player beam another and blood spurted out all over the ice, I lost my appetite. Then I noticed little children cheering the hitter on and their parents too. I decided I was not ever attending another hockey game. And I thought playing lacrosse at gym was bad!😂

***

Writer’s Workshop Prompts for July 25, 2024

Simply Six Minutes

***

A comfy space

Outside the race

Of life and work and all that fuss.

It’s quiet too

Insulated roof

And no jobs to fix the muss.

Ideally we like to sit

Out back by the fire pit

No fires inside and that’s a plus.

Cooking and cleaning

Have a backseat meaning

We like the comfy look, it’s us.

Books and tea, just relaxing

Warm and cozy, nothing taxing

This country home is our life’s plus.

***

Simply 6 Minutes – Welcome to the Challenge: 07/23/2024

Fandango’s Story Starter

This week’s Story Starter teaser is:

The sound of laughter drifted up from the street below, making Gregory feel very alone. He settled back on his sofa, sipping his favorite Earl Grey tea and wondered if the entire world besides him could be happy to gather with strangers and enjoy it.

Gregory was an introvert but he did like to laugh and party once in a while. He wasn’t really fond of alcohol, but could enjoy a nice burgundy, with a meal of course. He was never one to sit and drink wine or any cocktails by himself. That was one reason he was sitting here listening, not joining. Usually people thought you were weird if you chose not to overdo and Gregory thought he would probably never be able to loosen up enough to be accepted in that atmosphere.

Gregory stroked his big yellow Labrador and spoke to him like a friend because Joe, the dog, always listened, never judged, and loved and accepted Gregory just as he was.

***

Fandango’s Story Starter #159