“Because no retreat from the world can mask what is in your face.” – Gregory Maguire
“What is strange, when the strangest things are born from G_D.” – DS
I thought for a moment that it could be the late hour, the tricks of the night on the eye, the curves of the highway. I thought too much on it at first, and then I thought not on it at all, as the hillside parted, and that which was movement moved.
The space around her appeared barren, the frozen fog closing gaps around her lithe figure, changing not it’s form, yet somehow it changed. That she was the first witch, that I knew, and although there is reason that I should have known it not, yet in that late hour it became a part of me, something in reflection, I would rather it be not.
The years since then, that is something most would address, those many years since I saw, that cold dark spirit. She there in the wood. Still, so still near the highway. She in shadow, not a tale. Not a figment of thought to frighten young children on eves of reckoning. Rather she a witch, a true shadow in the leaves on that winter night. Standing with arms unfolded, inviting. Her song in alien syllables not of this world, but of that which we do not see until we die. But yes, it is the years since then I now address, and I do so carefully, for I think I have seen her once again in the corners of my dreams, and in that I think there is something I should see not.
I could describe that night, in detail, the Ozark mountain highway, the very monochrome world that I drove through. The cold, the moment KFAQ out of Tulsa, went silent, that bend in the road. That place where giants were born from falling angels, after the flood, after Ha Adam. The sifting of red clay and rich dark sediment, where the flood began, and ended. I could tell you all. Still, all would not describe her, standing there at 3:04 A.M. The first witch in darkness. The first witch I have ever seen.
It is written for I cannot say it aloud, that, my darkest thoughts contain G_D. It is in those thoughts that I am judged, for as my name beholds, G_D is my judge. Also, in my thoughts, those darkest thoughts, stands a witch, the first witch. She too implores and judges, and often, as my life moves, I do as I should not, and I look if only briefly into my mirror.
She runs, with her billowing swaths of black cloth moving all around her, she follows chasing, frost and cold about her. and her face I pray, oh her face I pray, I never ever see. – 02.25.2019 – דָנִיֵּאל
Very unusual, but I love it, TBH I wasn’t expecting this kind of prose. You always surprise. ❤ ❤ ❤
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Thank you Heather, hopefully the surprise is not too much. There is far to much fright still to be had. 😉 Happy you liked this.
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And that I am looking forward to with great anticipation. Any hints?
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I have to think on it first, so patience.
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A lack of patience is always my vice. 😉
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Great goose bump material, with some heavy meaning. You have a lot going on upstairs Daniel.
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Thank you very much Scott. Hopefully not to much rattling going on upstairs. 😉
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Your welcome, no slight intended, your heavy machinery is well oiled. 🙂
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Loved every word. Especially this: “It is written for I cannot say it aloud, that, my darkest thoughts contain G_D. It is in those thoughts that I am judged, for as my name beholds, G_D is my judge. Also, in my thoughts, those darkest thoughts, stands a witch, the first witch. She too implores and judges, and often, as my life moves, I do as I should not, and I look if only briefly into my mirror.”
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Thank you Raquel, the last paragraph kept me up a while last night, I wasn’t sure of the right ending, but you have helped me decide perhaps I made the right choice.
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It was, the words were perfect.
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Very eerie, and yes I liked it. 🙂
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Hi Delta, So happy you liked this piece. Thank you.
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Perfectly haunting, I am glad I read this with the sun up. 😉 The accompanying music video was a great fit.
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Thank you Amy for your comment. I am thrilled you liked this piece. The sun helps us all I’m thinking. 😉
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Your welcome Daniel. I enjoy being frightened, makes me appreciate life and sunlight. 🙂
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A great gift to read so many days before Halloween. I enjoy this type of verbiage Daniel. Well done.
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Thank you Stafford, and happy early Halloween, we can never have enough. Thank you also for your kind words on my writing.
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I loved this Daniel. A very visually written haunted story.
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Thank you Jane for reading and commenting. I am happy you enjoyed this post. 🙂
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I truly always do. 🙂
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You likely scared enough bejezus out of me with this post to last till Halloween. I enjoyed it, and am not sure if I should feel guilty about that or not. 😉
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Hi Ryan, Thank you, I think. 😉 Although the point probably wasn’t to scare or to wash you over with guilt. Hopefully the scare is not enough to keep you away.
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Never, I am made of steel. Will see you next post. 🙂
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🙂
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Ozark highways can be interesting, especially at night. I have driven a few myself. Your piece was well crafted. I enjoy your style of writing.
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Thank you for reading and your comment. I appreciate your kind compliment. Ozark highways can be treacherous especially after midnight. 😉
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You are welcome, I have seen some strange sights myself traveling many highways through the years. Including one incident close to what you describe
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A hell of a scary story Daniel. I get the feeling there is more to this, and will be looking forward to a sequel someday. 😉
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Hi Wang, thank you once again for reading and commenting. There might be a sequel someday, or may be something thicker like a book we shall see.
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Another amazing write my friend. I felt myself riding with you, on that cold lonely road. The picture that leads your post goes well with your words.
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Thank you Darrin, I am happy you liked this. The picture was one that gave me chills. 😉
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Such visuals are nightmares made of. I still liked it. 😉
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❤ ed this. All the elements of a good haunt rolled into under 500 words. Another one of your readers beat me to the punch, "but I felt as if I was experiencing it all with you. ❤
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Thank you Lauren for your kind comment. I always appreciate it when you read my work and leave a comment. I try to keep most post under 500 words, Most of the time it works with an occasional one escaping the word count.
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The fewer words and the ability to pack more description into them is a true talent. One of the reasons I enjoy your writing.
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Well done, I felt as if I were reading “Dracula’s guest” adapted to modern times. Your descriptions were short, succulent and chilling.
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Thank you Jerrod, for your comment. I actually hadn’t thought of Dracula’s Guest in years. Thank you for reminding me, I will have to go back and re-read. I thank you for the comparison.
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Not my favorite of your work, still I can see where those who have a bend toward being frightened to death would have great cause to celebrate. 😉
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Ha, that is funny Lynette. Thank you for reading and commenting. Hopefully the next one will be more your cup of tea. 😉
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I will be looking forward to your next writing cup of tea in hand.
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🙂
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Well written Daniel. By the end you had me repeating to myself, “i hope i never see her face.” 🙂
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Thank you Carmel, I loved your comment. Hopefully you never have to see her face. 😉
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Ditto!! 😉
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❤ this!
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Thank you Heidi. Happy you liked this piece.
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Your welcome.
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I liked this, you have a gift for putting the commonly unobserved into description.
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Thank you for a great comment GB. I appreciate very much your reading and your kind compliment.
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Welcome!
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“The space around her appeared barren”. Just one of a few amazing descriptive lines in this scary bit, you have scribed. I felt goosebumps throughout the read and was sorry when it was over. 😉
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Hi Steve, You have very much flattered me with your comment. Perhaps I will extend this piece someday, at least I am thinking about it. 😉
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Hi Daniel you should it would make a great story.
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Fun thrilling read. Thank you.
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Thank you Sid. Happy you found this piece thrilling. I appreciate you reading and your comment.
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Cool writing. The music fit well.
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Thank you Casey, I loved the music as well. Thank you for your comment.
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Would like this more times if I could. Thrillingly spooky, and the realistic touch you have is uncanny.
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Thank you Ethel for reading and commenting. I truly appreciate your compliment, and am happy you enjoyed this piece.
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Reblogged this on GrannyMoon's Morning Feast.
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It’s an eerie journey back to that first witch sighting. You have described it perfectly, worthy of a scene in a movie that can frighten all good people.
Just one question, Daniel, why do you pray never to see her face?
Does she represent your perceived sins?
I reread this a couple of times, but cannot answer that question to myself.
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Hi Resa, Thank you for your comment, and especially for your question. My answer might seem a little strange but anyway here goes. For me the witch, represents the dark side of the continuum of G_D. She is judgment, and so yes in a way you are right she could represent perceived sins. She could just as easily be light and full of compassion, that too is a part of the continuum. But my name means G_D is my judge, so there you have it. 😉
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