Walking Through The Flames

“In order to rise
From its own ashes
A phoenix
First
Must
Burn.”
– Octavia Butler, Parable of the Talents

Left Foot

Right Foot

One step

After another

Ever forward

Even though it often felt she was still

Or going backwards

Yet she never repeated

Life was for learning

Sometimes the pain felt unbearable

Yet through the flames

She could see just a glimpse

Of the life she wanted

Step

Step.

In order to rise from its own ashes a phoenix first must burn Quote. - Octavia Butler — In order to rise from its own ashes, a phoenix first must burn Quote. – Octavia Butler

I was going to write a long-winded post here about how whilst going through one of the most difficult times in my life one of my closest and oldest friendships came to an end. Yet, just 12 months on from that I had made a new group of friends to who I am very grateful. However, the post ended up reading like a sob story with me prattling on endlessly, so I have removed it. I am sure everyone has their moment in the flames, and I truly hope (although you might not see it at that moment in time), bigger and better things await you in the future, that one day you will look back on and be thankful for.

Originally written in response to

Writer’s Quote Wednesday Writing Challenge (#WQWWC) – Order
FOWC with Fandango – Prattle.

Take Care.
KL

The Fire

“You are very lucky”, they have said that several times, the doctors, the nurses, the white-coated collection of people who regularly pass through my room.

“Only superficial damage. Nothing permanent.” They say and then they smile. I nod, they tick the chart and they leave. Leaving me alone to dwell on my own superficial life. The cycle has repeated steadily over the last few days since the accident. The worst part to me is the word ‘superficial’. Who came up with that word to be used when my skin looks like it has been dragged backwards through a shredder? I mean for crying out loud, it has the word ‘super’ embedded right in there. So, I am stuck in this bed with my superficial face, dwelling on my superficial life, that had seemed so perfect, on the outside at least, like my skin, when inside my thoughts are consuming me.

It starts with those sleazy facebook psychology questions.

“Would you run into a burning building to save an animal?”… probably not.

“What about your own pet?” Oooh, harder… probably…

“What about a relative?”…yes most definitely.

“What if you got inside that burning building thinking you were saving someone but there turned out to be no-one inside the building apart from yourself? And now you are the one that needs saving? What if the person that then saved you died? Would you feel lucky? Thankful?”

The words swirled their way around my head. Taunting every waking hour. I was sure something had driven me inside that building. I must have seen something… or heard someone… I wouldn’t run into a burning fire for nothing. So, what had lured me there? I had to get out this hospital bed, go back to the building the fire had taken place in, I had to find out.

Originally written in response to Daily Post prompt – Superficial. Couldn’t resist toying around with this prompt, definitely something mysterious about it! I have a few thoughts on how to expand the story but thought the concept was an intriguing start.

KL ❤

#Maydays Prompt – Playing with Fire

“Man may have discovered fire, but women discovered how to play with it.”
― Candace Bushnell, Sex and the City

Haha! A fiery one for today’s #maydays prompt, hopefully this will get you guys all fired up. Figured the theme yet? Of course, FIRE. You may interpret it in any way you want, fire/fire/fireman etc.

Remember you can write a memory, short flash fiction, poetry or whatever may take your fancy and pingback here so that I can pop by and visit you. Don’t forget to TAG your prompt #maydays too.