One Sweltering Day

Image credit: Ryoji Iwata on Unsplash.

It is a sweltering day.  I had expected to be inundated with calls requesting taxi service, but my phone remains silent.  Why walk in such scorching heat?   While I generally believe that every day unfurls as it must, the need to put food on the table requires action.  Perhaps I will  drive through the city.  Someone is sure to flag me down there. 

Well, here I am on virtually empty streets in a city that houses millions.  Where is everybody?  I am suddenly overcome with a sense of dread.  I spot a couple of locals on the sidewalk and make way over to them.  They wearily track my approach, then turn and run!  What the…?  I park at the curb and tune the radio to the local news.  I feel my heart drop into my stomach, as the day unfurls into a nightmare.

Melissa’s Fandango Flash Fiction Challenge #277

dVerse — Prosery hosted by msjadeli. Lisa prompts us to write prose of no more than 144 words incorporating the line “every day unfurls as it must” from the poem Oolong by Adrienne Su.

Touring Miami

Thousands of people flock to South Florida every winter to escape the cold and enjoy its subtropical climate. Aside from being a traffic-packed, beach-crowded, long-lined mess, Miami offers a wonderful art scene, multi-cultural diversity and ample opportunity for over-the-top consumerism.

Le Corbusier by Xavier Veilhan

To preserve wildlife and the sanity of city dwellers, it is easy to find respite in nature at one of the many parks and preserves dispersed in and around the city.

City Park Meditation Garden
State Park
County Park

Not to mention the very large park just a short drive west. Welcome to Everglades National Park!

River of Grass
Alligator Couple
Dwarf Bald Cypress Forest

Terri’s Sunday Stills: Why State and Local #Parks Are Worthwhile Tourist Attractions

Lens-Artist Challenge #307 – Tourist Attractions Near and Far, hosted by Leanne Cole

Winding Down

Days spent
Running in circles 
How meaningless it all seems
Comprehension surfaces
In the eventide glow

Eugi’s Moonwashed Weekly Prompt – Eventide glow

Weekly Prompts Challenge – Circles by Gerry C and Sue W

A Haibun: Ruddy Turnstone

Walking along a waterfront in a North Carolina fishing village, I came upon several ruddy turnstones skittering atop the breakfront. I was excited to find a new to me bird and surprised to learn these are fairly common.

Pretty little birds
Frolicking along the shore
Happy to meet you

I. J.’s Birds of the Week Invitation LXXII

Shriek Time

The dreaded time is almost near
A dozen shrieks to damage the ear
We’ve begged it to stop
That crazy twelve o’clock
But it seems it can no longer hear

W3 Prompt #115: Wea’ve Written Weekly poet of the week, Celestial, prompts us to write a limerick inspired by the following image:

A chōka: Summer Butterfly

Slow transformation
Metamorphosis complete
It soars on a gentle breeze
Summer butterfly
Viewing the world from above
Relishing first flight
Intoxicating pollen
Draws it dancing on petals
Oblivious of its past

Colleen’s 24 Seasons Syllabic Poetry Challenge, No. 42

Americana

Navy plane flown during Vietnam War
U. S. Coast Guard Helicopter
Early American Automobile
Vintage Texaco Gas Pump
Ladder Truck
Amphibious Car – Amusement
Small Town Town Hall

Terri’s Sunday Stills Monthly Color Challenge: Shades of Red, White, and Blue

Poker Face

Image credit; Julian Drost @ Unsplash
A timorous fellow 
Is that what you see?
How little you know
About little ol’ me
A rebel I was 
and shall always be

No poker face here
Donned my timid facade
Not much threat 
Just a little odd
But up each sleeve 
It is quite true
Aces I hold
Not one, but two

Sadje’s What do you see # 244

Sammi’s Weekend Writing Prompt #371 – Timorous

Seated in Children’s Stories

ImaginOn is home to a wonderful children’s library located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Throughout the year, educational events for children of all ages are scheduled, including spectacular performances at their Children’s Theatre.

Computer Station at ImaginOn

Each summer, ImaginOn hosts a special themed exhibit for children to explore. This summer they are featuring “Storyland: A Trip Through Childhood Favorites.”

The image below is a scene from “Tuesday” by David Wiesner:

Pull up a Seat Photo Challenge 2024 – Week 27 by xingfumama.

Yellow Machines

Yellow sun lightens
upon sandy soft coastline
maintained by machines

Weekly Prompts Colour Challenge – Yellow by Sue W & Gerry C