Here’s how to take part in the Prosery Prompt:
- Write a piece of flash fiction or other prose up of up to or exactly 144 words,
- Including the given line from the poem.
- Post your Prosery piece on your blog and link back to this post.
- Place the link to your actual post (not your blog url) on the Mister Linky page.
- Don’t forget to check the little box to accept use/privacy policy.
- Please visit other blogs and comment on their posts!
This evening I would like you to write a Prose piece which includes the line:
“I’d like, too, to plant the sweet alyssum that smells like honey and peace.” from the poem, “What I would like to grow in my Garden.”
“Total all-encompassing darkness even though the midday sun burns my face!”
Brian paused as he processed those opposing disorienting sensations.
But as he crossed his legs and sat, he could smell the rich microbial communities in his newly tilled garden soil and felt balance return.
The wartime sacrifice of his sight wasn’t going to rob him of living fully. At that moment, he realized perhaps more fully than he’d ever known.
His father had dug a donut-shape and seated Brian on sod in the center with a trowel and 2 pre-selected seed packages.
Brian wanted sturdy sunflowers so their growth could be witnessed by his flesh as cool shadows, yet his fingertips would not bend them.
His other request was for aroma.
His Dad shed silent tears when Brian proclaimed, “I’d like, too, to plant the sweet alyssum that smells like honey and peace.”
144-words
https://dversepoets.com/2022/09/12/prosery-when-it-comes-to-katherine-riegel/
Sillyfrog's Blog 
shows just how important the sense of smell can be. great write.
Thanks! I treasure that sense.
Heart wrenching, evocative and very real. I felt this piece deeply.
Your comment pleases me. Thank-you! ❤
Very moving. There are so many poignant layers/stories to this….strength to overcome barriers, the bond between father and son, sacrifices of war, nature as a healer and HOPE. Wow, you packed it in so beautifully.
Such an excellent comment. I’m pleased and humbled. Thanks so much. ❤
Captures the intense relationship that the war tried to damage..well done..
Much appreciated. Nature, love, and perseverance wins.
A powerful moment in under 200 words. Bravo.
Much appreciated. Flash fiction is my favorite genre.
Very nicely done. Being blind increases the sense of smell. Your story illustrates this very well.
Thank-you. The prompt inspired taking that direction. 🙂
A very creative take on the prompt!
So very moving, and with many layers, Susan. I hope these flowers grow in peace for him. 💙
It was one of those prompts that practically wrote itself. Thanks so much!
You’re very welcome. It’s wonderful when that happens!
This is incredibly hard-hitting and poignant! I love how smoothly the line by Riegel flows here. Here’s hoping the garden brings him peace. Thank you so much for writing to the prompt ❤❤
My heart is warmed by your kind observation! Thank-you!
What a good combination for someone having lost his sight…
Much appreciated!
Thanks! When I enjoy of fragrances I always close my eyes. 😊
I’m glad he didn’t let his loss of sight deprive him of one of his passions. You wrote a story with great heart and worked the prompt line in their seamlessly. I like the tactile/sensory nature of your story.
Your comment made me smile! Our senses keep us grounded, don’t they. 🙂
Yes!