EchoesOfArchi

“I know you hate me right now, but please touch me.” “My cat died this morning. Was that touching enough?”

She spied He lied They both cried Their love died

Well spaced hangers, color-coded, selection is a breeze Each color signals an occasion, work—white, leisure—yellow Cans and jars kept on separate shelves, polished weekly Evenly spaced, all facing forward, dutifully alphabetized Everything in its rightful place, don’t touch, or face ire Stove, doors, windows are all checked twice, reassuring clicks All is perfection in my little palace, dust dares not approach Ready for work, tires full, windshield clear, no hazards behind Sitting in my car, I run through my mental checklist, all fine Now to deal with other drivers, I am perfect, others are witless Horror strikes upon

A furious whirlwind advances to assail this position once again An ominous cloud takes point, visage of an unfeeling specter Debris torn from the ground soars, flies as apparitions of Hell Screaming demons, solid wraiths swooping into a ground assault Wind-shaken branches, freed Autumn leaves transform into loam Torrents of rain sent down the slope to inundate, to wash away Slowed by choking growth around me, the ground’s belly fills Decimated understory will decay, nutrients to feed my glory Angry lightning seeks to strike, craving fire, dismemberment It buffets the hill, charging nutrient-filled water, I drink it in The bolts but a

With heavy hand, I pen this, slow and steady to get it right Laying back and pondering, dreaming of slow-action, delaying again Ponderous advance, a little distraction. Squir… Too fast, gone Passing thoughts, can’t catch up. One eye on dream, it drifted off Imagined finish, failed to start. Maybe I’ll win the next one. Was called for lunch, made it for dessert, ice cream, slow churned Brain froze, almost stopped, barely noticed but for screaming eye Letting myself down, should have gone shopping, dinner on call Took a nap until dusk, watched reruns, didn’t require much thought Took a shower sitting down, drip dried. P

Touches so tender, gazes deep into my soul Hands deep in my pockets, one eye on the door Shy smiles caress beating heart, fingers on cheek Serpent tongue silently rattles, nails close to eyes You express endearment, swear I always come first Found you checked my credit. So, am I good enough? Nights of passion, fulfilled dreams, wake to your touch Wallet not where I left it, phone has been disturbed I see you in my future, us becoming one, sharing love Working late again, forgot to call, one other stayed New hairstyle, new clothes, you look so nice lately Bought by him, you welcome his love, I’m left betrayed.

I seek to capture you, enthrall your eager imagination You are mine for a while. You need me, so turn the page I send an undercurrent, pull you closer, push you away Waves lap warmly against you, then grow and drive you under Moments of laughter, hours of tears. Yours if you dare go on. A passing glance, an endearing smile, a warm message is sent Or a glare of menace, stared down challenge, foreshadowed tension My venue, my choice, I’ll lead with love, numbers exchanged First date, fun dinner at fair. Queasy rides, endearing glances A walk to her door, lingering kiss on the cheek. Again? Yes. Adventurous walk, wildlife stirred, alarmi

Paul had often marveled at his town’s city hall. As a photographer, the mixture of simple brick with marble columns and embedded carvings seemed a perfect fit. Local craftsmen had largely donated their services to get their growing town on the map. After centuries, it still attracted the eye. His job had often taken him far away, so he didn’t have much chance to study the local beauty. Taking the time now, the fine detail enraptured him. He examined one bas-relief in greater depth. A simple image of a horse and carriage passing a large tree. On close inspection, it was exceptional. The wheels appeared to move, and it was easy to i

I'm not asking for money; I'm just thinking it would be really nice to have some. Not enough to swim in. I only need enough to soak my feet in.