Musings on Life, Love, and Linguine-Poetry & Writing
Alice and Zeke live in the attic of a greying weathered abandoned house. They were out hunting one night when they happened upon it in the middle of the woods. Zeke spotted a broken window near the rooftop and decided to explore. Alice followed close behind and that’s when they found the abandoned nest. It was perfect.
On brumous nights, the stale scent of humans seeps through cracks from floors below. They are safe for there is nothing behind the wall except a space where the wind whistles.
Though they are usually nocturnal hunters, today is a special day. It is mating season and they have chosen one another. Nodding and bowing in a ritualistic dance, Zeke mounts Alice with force. It is over in a matter of seconds, and Alice flies to the nest and lays eggs. There are three. The brooding begins.
©2020 Linda Lee Lyberg
dVerse Poets Pub: Prosery Of Houses Walls and Whistling Winds Merril is hosting today and asks us to write a 144 word story using the following line from a poem by Lisel Mueller: “There is nothing behind the wall except a space where the wind whistles”-
from “Drawings By Children” by Lisel Mueller
Linda Lee Lyberg is a wife, mother, artist, published poet and author. She resides in Mesa, AZ with her husband Pete (aka The Big Viking) of 24 years, and her dog, Ricky Bobby. Linda writes various forms of poetry, as well as short stories. You can read more of her works at: charmedchaos.com
and purchase anthologies containing her work here: Amazon Author Page
Oh, I love what you made from this. Such a wonderful tale of those mighty birds finding the perfect spot for brooding. I hope they get a set of excellent owls.
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Yes, me too! Thank you Bjorn.
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SAFE SPACE is so precious. Safe to live, safe to love, safe to share life. Such a beautiful poem ❤
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Thank you Lisa.
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You are welcome.
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Aww–I love that they found their perfect space.
I also like “brumous nights.” 😀
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Thank you Merril.
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You’re welcome!
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A heart-warming owl tale, Linda! I love that they found an abandoned nest, just waiting to be filled. I love ‘brumous nights’ but it’s a shame that ‘the stale scent of humans seeps through cracks from floors below’ – I hope it doesn’t frighten the owlets when they are born.
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Thank you for your lovely thoughts Kim.
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An excellent tale, a perfect use of the prompt line; seamless. I smiled at the names of the owls, more fitting for a cat or a dog, or a pair of pack rats for me; good work–smile.
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Thank you Glenn. You made me smile.
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What fun! Sounds as if Alice and Zeke have found a fine home to raise the triplets!!
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Yes!
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A very beautiful story delved with nature. I enjoyed reading it greatly, Linda. You’re a wonderful writer. ❤
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Thank you Lucy. I will cherish your words.
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So beautiful 🙂
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Thank you.
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Awww, I love this story. Owlets are most precious.
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Yes, they are. Thank you Eugenia.
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My pleasure, Linda!
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This is beautiful and graceful Linda, well written. 🙂
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Thank you kindly Rob.
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Love this especially; “On brumous nights, the stale scent of humans seeps through cracks from floors below.” 😀 Gorgeously rendered. 💝
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I love owls. Wonderful story and thanks for brumous.
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I love them too. Thank you so much!
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Owls in the attic! Who wouldn’t want them for housemates!
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I love how you told this from the owls’ perspective: the humans have nothing to fear (although the hooting of owls often frightens them) but can the same be said of them? I like your description of the mating ritual as well, made me laugh!
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Thank you Ingrid!
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Alice and Zeke are perfect names for them! I’m happy that they found a good cozy place to engage in that ritualistic dance. Life will find a way. Great read!
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Thank you so much.
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I love a happy story.
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Love this natural tale with personification by naming!
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Thank you Lillian.
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I love owls!! Great story and I was evoked by the male mounting her with force and then her flying off to lay her eggs and herbrooding beginning. My mind just went to the various definitions of “brooding”.
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Yes, so do I. Thanks Naru.
So do I. Thank you Mary.
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