Pixabay image by Michael Seibt
Perception
“Cross the bridge.” The crone points her staff to a log spanning a luminous pool.
I squint at the strange collection of creatures impeding my way. I’ve been lost for days in the swamp’s wet greenness, breathing the emerald dew. So many moons that knobby horns sprout from my skull. Vines weave through the fibers of my clothes, and my skin grows iridescent scales in myriad hues of moss. I am hungry despite a bellyful of beetles.
Upon the bridge, a naiad plays her flute, the sound hypnotic though the melody unfurls backward. “Wayward magic,” mutter I, one wary soul who’s encountered these tricksters before. Does this one revel in opposites, mirrored reflections? Which is real, the opposite of whom? Is there any way to know what’s true? My ears droop at the bothersome riddle.
The pipe’s dulcet sound charms a viper, its crescent fangs smiling. Safeguarding or warning? Did the sprite awaken the snake, or does she lull it to sleep? Beneficent or Mischievous? I wrinkle my snout in study. And which of the two covet the poppy? All three could be lethal to me. Beautiful peril, perilous beauty. Or simply a flower?
“How am I to cross?” ask I, my jade whiskers twitching.
The faceless hag shrugs.
choose your poison, child
life implies no guarantees
forsake illusive
dreams of immortality
perception decides the truth
**
I had the privilege in September of choosing October’s mid-month photo image for Colleen’s #Tanka Tuesday. What fun to finally write for this fairytale image. If you enjoy syllabic poetry, visit her site and check out her fun prompts. Thanks, Colleen.
Myths of the Mirror 
This is so wonderful, Diana! I love how you use language (and I pay attention, because we all like to learn from other writers 😀 ) I think you did a fabulous job even if the image was beautiful but challenging. Well done!
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Thanks, Julie. Flash fiction is such a great way to practice brevity and word choice. And it was challenging to capture all the elements into something cohesive! I figured that I’d better try it since I picked the image. 🙂 Happy Sunday, my friend.
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You have a gift for imagery and words, Diana.
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Thank you! I really enjoyed the image and then found it a challenge and a half to write for. Lol. I’m glad you liked it, Teri. Have an awesome day. 🙂
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I’ll show my true colors here and admit that this poem is scary to me, Diana. The wise ‘hag,’ the backwards melody, the question of what is forward or backward, up or down, truth or not truth. And then the question: is the hag’s riddle a riddle also? Read as if the truth lies in the opposite, perhaps life provides the guarantee of mortality, yes, but perhaps dreams bring us to a place we cannot yet perceive.
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Ha! I’m glad it gave you a bit of a scare. It wasn’t meant to put you at ease – that’s for sure. Life is full of perils, isn’t it? So what truly is our choice but to dwell in the present, make loving decisions, and do our very best not to waste our time. Because, eventually, we all cross that bridge. <3. Thanks for stopping by to read, my tender-hearted friend.
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so clever this web, Diane!
where there’s perception
there’s deception 🙂
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Ah, yes. But everything is filtered through our perceptions, isn’t it? Our senses and past experiences, desires and fears. I love this stuff and love to write about it. I’m so glad you enjoyed the story. 🙂
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I love both the image and the imagery you created for it with words!
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Thanks, Raimey. The image was quite challenging and I had to stretch to write for it. 🙂 Good practice, though, and I’m glad you enjoyed it. Happy Writing!
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“perception decides the truth”
This used to be a freeing sentiment for me, one that remains true in some positive regards; yet in the current political climate in the US, it’s also become somewhat of a double-edged sword.
I went to the Boston Book Festival today. Following one panel discussion with middle-ages fiction authors, there was a short Q&A. A boy of about 11 approached the mic and asked, “Where do you come up with your ideas?” I thought the author who replied to him was spot-on: “All around me. I look out my window, I see a hill, and I wonder what could be under it. Fantasy writers, I think, see portals to other worlds everywhere: in closets, under beds, behind bookshelves. I’ll bet we could talk for a few minutes right here in this room, and you’d be able to discover dozens of ways the ordinary objects all around us right now could have magical ideas hiding in them.”
Though this image is fanciful, you do such a wonderful job, Diana, with that “reading-into”: finding the dozen stories hiding wherever your eyes, ears and imagination happen to be at the moment.
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What a lovely comment, Erik. Thank you. I picked the image before I knew how hard it was going to be! Ha ha. I’m glad you enjoyed the story. The Boston Book Festival sounds really fun. I need to get myself to the Portland one next summer. I think we all have story-telling abilities inside us. It’s a human gift that often only needs a pause in our high-speed world to spark the imagination – especially with kids. 🙂 Happy Sunday, my friend. Enjoy a bit of imagining.
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Happy for you to finally get to use that image. Writing just oozes out of you, doesn’t it? You make it seem so effortless!
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Not effortless, Betsy. At times it oozes and other times I have to stick my fingers down my throat and vomit it up! Lol. How’s that for an image? I’m glad you liked this little story. I actually love writing for prompts. 🙂 Happy Weekend!
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“Perception decides the truth.” A powerful ending, Diana. I love how closely you examine the photo you are writing about.
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Thanks, Mary. You caught the theme of the story with ease, my friend. The imagery in the prompt was so prominent that I felt compelled to include it all. I’m glad it worked. 😀
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This is an impressive image! I love your first sentence, we many kinds of poison in this world, generally they are so close to us, and we drink from them every day.
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Great comment, Elizabeth. That line, “choose your poison, child” was my first reaction to the poem and everything else grew from there. 🙂 I’m amazed that you picked up on that. Thanks so much for the visit.
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Beautiful! So druidy (yes I’m making that a word) and mystical. Your way with words really is second to none ❤️
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Awww. Thanks, Jess. It was actually a tough one for me, but it was the prompt I chose for everyone else, so I had to do something. I’m honored that you think I pulled it off. 😀 Have a great weekend!
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You too 🤗
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Hi, Diana! Firstly, thanks for the prompt photo. I loved your story and poem. Both had fascinating descriptions and imagery. Have a great weekend! 😀 xo
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Thanks, Vashti. And I just reviewed Memoir of a Madwoman. Wow to that writing. I don’t think I took a breath for the entire read. Well done!
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Thank you so much for reading and reviewing, Memoir of a Mad Woman. I’m happy you enjoyed my writing. That means a lot coming from you.
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[…] This month we will use a photo prompt chosen by last month’s “Photo- Prompt” Poet of the Week ~ Diana Peach. […]
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Oh good. Can’t wait to see what you wrote, Vashti. Heading over. 🙂
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Wow! Love this, a fantasy haibun. And the image is very inspiring.
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Thanks, Khaya. It was a bit challenging with all those elements, but since I picked the image I had to give it a try. 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed it. Have a great weekend, my friend.
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You definitely succeeded, the poem seem to have come effortlessly. That image is really inspiring, in so much that after mentioning “fantasy haibun” in the previous comment, I plunged into Google to see if there are such poems. While I found fantasy poetry and speculative poetry, I couldn’t find a fantasy haibun exactly. You might have invented another form of poetry! 😀 See, so much good comes out of these prompts.
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I don’t think I invented anything. Ha ha. Just a haibun paired a tanka. The form is so flexible that I can work with it without too much trouble (most of the time). 😀
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😀
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Fantastic combination of imaginative words, Diana and what an amazing picture. The creatures are too creepy.
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Ha! It’s funny how differently people react to the image. You’re not the only one to find it dark or creepy. 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed the story. Have a wonderful weekend, Kamal. 🙂
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Yes absolutely true, Diana each one perceives a story differently. Welcome 😊😊 😊😊 and u too have a great weekend.
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Adorably cute! I loved trying to figure out what kind of creature the narrator was.
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Thanks HRR. Creating that narrator was the best part of writing this because I had no idea what it was (and still don’t know). The story is nothing special, but I think that mystery about the narrator worked as a hook. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Happy Writing!
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It’s a wonderful story. The “hook” adds even more. 🙂
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🙂 It wasn’t intentional. Ha ha. Someday I’ll plan those things.
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That was my reaction as I read as I read as well. In the end, I decided that perhaps we weren’t meant to know, just accept was is.
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*what is
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I don’t know what it is either, Liz. Lol. I just went with it and left the wonder in place. I’m so glad you and HRR enjoyed that aspect. Thank you!
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Diana, your talent leaves me shaking my head in amazement. Beautiful, whimsical, yet profound.
Hugs on the wing!
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Thanks so much, Teagan. It’s a wonderful comment coming from you, the Mistress of Imagination. I’m glad you enjoyed this. It was a challenge for me even though I picked out the image! Lol. Happy Weekend. 🙂
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Diana, the perfect image for you! Love how you combined the story and tanka … both deliciously dark and mysterious! Your sense of atmosphere is intense and conveyed brilliantly! Always know I’m in for a treat with your flash stories and poetry! Happy Writing! 😀
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Thanks for the lovely comment, Annika. You know how to make a writer glow. 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed this. It was a challenging image, which is why I chose it. Silly me. Ha ha. Have a wonderful weekend, my friend. ❤
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Diana, you sure are not one to shy away from a challenge, rather I have a feeling you seek them out! 😀 Thank you, I wil have a great weekend as my son is coming home after his first four weeks ever away at uni! Wishing you a special weekend too! ❤️
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Have a wonderful weekend with your son. 🙂
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Fantastic fantasy, Diana! ❤
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Thanks, Bette. I had a lot of fun writing the “I” character as non-human. I don’t think I’ve done that before with quite as much intention. Have a great day, my friend.<3
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Such a beautiful and lyrical presentation, Diana. And you did choose a great image to accompany it.
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Thanks, Steven. I chose that image a month ago because I thought it would be challenging. And then the story took a long time to come – I was the one challenged. Lol. But it was fun to write in the end. I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
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Oooh, loved the story and the perfect tanka to go with it Diana. ❤
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Thanks, Debby. I’m glad it made sense somehow since I was winging it! Ha ha. I loved the prompt (especially since I picked it) but it was a challenging write. 🙂 Happy Writing!
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You always rise to the challenge Diana~! 🙂 x Happy weekend! 🙂
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I simply love it Diana!❤️
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Thanks for the visit, Solitaire. It’s such a cool picture, isn’t it? I had fun writing a story without humans of any sort. 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed it. ❤
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Beautifully written, Diana, as always. The imagery is brilliant! 🙂
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Thanks so much for the kind comment, Natalie. I had fun with this one though it was challenging to wrap a story around that image. I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
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So bewitching, your words are like an incantation, Diana. That phosphorescent green in the photo reminds me of absinthe.🙂
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It does look like Absinthe – a magical potion. I’m glad you enjoyed this. It was fun to have no humans in the story and write a pov that was a little odd. Thanks for the visit and Happy Writing!
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Terrific combination of image and words 💛
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Thanks, Val. It was a tough image for me, even though I picked it out. Ha ha. I tripped myself up. But I’m so glad you enjoyed it. ❤
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Challenge brings out so much more❣️
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Good to see you back in the swing, Diana. 🙂
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I have a backlog of blogging to do, Kevin. And Nano is right around the corner. It’s fun to be spinning yarns again. Thanks for the visit and comment. Happy Writing!
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I too still have some backlog with my reading… Hoping to catch up to you again soon. 🙂
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I loved the amazing description of the creatures. Brilliantly done!
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Thanks so much for the kind comment. I was being a little loose with the story, but I’m glad it worked. Happy Writing!
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It was very well written and I found it thoroughly engaging. Happy writing to you as well!
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Reblogged this on anita dawes and jaye marie.
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Thanks so much for sharing the quirky tale, Anita and Jaye Marie. I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂 Happy Writing!
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Ah, the melody of your words tap me into another world – extraordinary writing, Diana – my best to you. Eric.
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Thanks, Eric. The melody is supposed to be backwards though. 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed this little flight into magic and nonsense. Have a wonderful balance to your day.
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Your writing is so lyrical, Diana- just beautiful ❤
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Thanks, Jacquie. What a sweet comment. I’m glad you enjoyed this quirky little story. Happy Writing!
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So poignant! Nicely done, Diana.
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Thanks, Staci. It’s a bit odder than I usually write, but it’s what showed up. Have a great day and Happy Writing!
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This is quite extraordinary, Diana. Well done.
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Thanks so much for visiting, Robbie. I figured I’d better write for the prompt since I chose it! Lol. This was a tough one so I’m glad it worked. Happy Writing!
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Fabulous imagery Diana – backward music, faceless hag and all. It makes me slow down and fully embrace the images that arise in my mind as I read. Strangely I found the backwards music a little disturbing and the faceless hag beneficent………..
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Interesting, Pauline. I tried not to make anything particularly good or evil, so I’m glad you got that! This one didn’t come as easily as some do, but it did the trick. I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂 Hope you’re well and enjoying your spring!
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Beautiful imaginary! You created such a vivd world to compliment the picture.
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Thanks, D.L. I struggled with this one a bit, but since I picked out the image, I figured I’d better try something. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Happy Writing!
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🙂
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‘A faceless hag’ – now that gives me the shivers! 😂 There are few things as creepy as a no-face, at least to me, and when no zombies are around. 😄 Sorry, I think I’m in Halloween overdrive at the moment. 😄 Love your tanka and the pic you chose – so much colour in both. 😄💚
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Thanks, Sarah. I was going to call her Death, but changed my mind to leave it open. Yes, no face is creepy indeed. There’s nothing to interpret. I’m so glad you enjoyed this one. 🙂
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this window into your imagination leaves me breathless.. oh how I wish I could imagine such things…
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I think you have an amazing imagination, Violet. In this case, I just tried to not make sense! Lol. I liked writing from the pov of a magical creature – I’d never done that before. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
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I wonder who creates such images that mar the face of beauty around it… “perilous beauty”… well-said Diana. To be honest, I didn’t like the image but the writing that it evoked is fabulous.
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Thanks for the visit, Balroop. I don’t know the artist’s intent, but it was fun to interpret and try to come up with something. A challenging one for me even though I picked it (probably why I picked it.) Happy Writing, my friend.
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“choose your poison”–the perfect solution to life’s riddles. (K)
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Ha ha. I don’t even know if it makes sense, Kerfe. My head was wandering around with this one, having fun, but not trying to be profound. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by to read!
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I thought the picture would take a story, so you did a Haibun with your Tanka to make it a story – smart 🙂 Nice little story and poem.
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Yeah, I stretched the rules on this one, Trent. I couldn’t get around it. Lol. Thanks for taking a peek. Happy Writing!
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Wonderful piece, Diana. Love the smiling fangs. 🙂
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Thanks, Jill. I was trying to go a little slant-wise with this one. I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂 Happy Writing!
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The tale was so perfect for the image. Love your creativity. Very inspiring.
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Thanks, Andrew. I’ll admit I struggled with this one. But since I picked the image, my muse was cracking the whip. I’m glad she did. Happy writing, my friend. 🙂
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When you pick the imnage you have to come through. lol
Happy writing
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You have unparalleled creativity, Diana. I just finished Sunwielder–oh my. How do you think that stuff up? And now there’s music that plays backwards. I love the ending–a bit of truth that applies to so much–perception is reality.
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Yay! I’m glad you enjoyed Sunwielder, Jacqui. It’s my husband’s favorite. I had fun with this little story, adding in quirkiness when it fit. Thanks so much for stopping by. Now back to the cockpit. 🙂
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Delightful image, story, and tanka Diana. You might have awakened my slumbering muse! Thanks. 🙂
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Nice! Kick that muse out of bed, Brad. Do you participate in Colleen’s challenges. You two would make a wonderful blog match since you often write haibun/haiku pairings. I’m glad you enjoyed this image and story. It was kind of hard for me, but always fun. 🙂
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Thanks Diana. I occasionally participate in Colleen’s challenges.
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Oh good. It seems like a natural fit for you. ❤
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Absolutely love this story (and the photo you chose). Dark fairytale vibe. 🖤 Beautifully written, both flash and poem.
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Thanks, Sarah. I loved the image and struggled with writing for it – that’s what I get for going a little overboard with my choice. Lol. Glad you enjoyed it! Happy Writing, my friend.
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I might try this one. It’ll be a challenge but I love a challenge. (In writing, that is.) 😉
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Give it a go, Sarah. It will make you stretch a bit – at least it made ME stretch! Lol. Have fun.
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Beautifully written Diana. I love your chosen image.
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Thanks so much for the visit, Brigid. I loved this image, but actually found it difficult to write for. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Have a beautiful day.
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I love the mystique…
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Thanks, Kevin. I had a month to come up with something and waited until yesterday. Ha ha. I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
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