Thursday, October 21, 2010

A Fable fragment #2 Magpie Tales


drew on my sweater and slipped my feet into my sandals. My room was on the top floor of a tall tower. The stairs descended in a narrow spiral. The steps were old and worn from the many feet that descended before me.

Down, down, down I crept. Impossible to hurry. Somewhat dizzying. Think Jimmy Stewart in Vertigo. When I at last reached the foyer, immediately I faced myself. Two doors made of large mirrors stood sentinel. The guardians at the gate.

I ran my hands around the wooden door frame, searching for a knob. Nothing. I pressed my hands and then the full force of my body against the mirrors. Nothing. Unlike Alice, I could not find my way through the glass. No surprise. I had tried to leave at least 10.5 times before and never found the magic words or key to unlock the doors.

I stood back and stared at my self. A thin, gray-haired aging hippie dressed in a patchwork skirt and black turtleneck that had lost its spring. Cloisonne earrings dangled against my cheek, my face looked haggard and pale. The small rose tattoo on my left ankle was barely discernible.

"Let me out, " I whispered to the guardians. I tempted them with the wad of dollar bills I carried in my skirt pocket. I danced. I sang. I told a joke. The mirrors merely reflected back my inadequacy. In frustration I......

Click here to read other Magpie Tales written using the mirror photo as a prompt.

click here to read fragment #1 of my fable

11 comments:

Lynn Cohen said...

;-)
I am enjoying these snippets of your writing talent!!!! MORE, MORE!!!

patti said...

Yes, these are fun!!

Katiejane said...

This is getting good, Suki. You do hold one's interest. What happens next, I want to know?

Good luck with the house shopping. I know now is a good time to buy if you don't already have a house to sell. Follow your heart.

Robin said...

Ooooo..this reads rather like a Roman Polnaski movie.. your descriptive talents are fantastic....I'm a "visual" person - and can clearly see everything you have described!
The SUSPENSE!!!! Eagerly awaiting the next chapter..... I sense our heroine will find a secret way out....

Love,

♥ Robin ♥

p.s. Roman Polanski was on my mind because I just finished watching his latest "Ghost Writer".....it's excellent!

Anonymous said...

Oh, I really like this one. It's very...erm...reflective, if you'll pardon the pun.

layers said...

yours is the 3rd writing or poem I have read about this photo-- all are unique and creative- including yours.

Andrea said...

wonderful to read Suki, I like every word, a bit Kafkaesque, too;) trapped....

kj said...

spooky well written suki. i hope there's a back door.

:)

Annie said...

This is wonderful Suki. I hope you are doing well. Sending love and hugs and I know you will find your home-trust. xoxo

Marion said...

This is really good, Suki, I love the suspense. Can't wait for the next one!

Lynne with an e said...

You do paint an excellent visual picture and know how to spin a yarn! I like the detail of the rose tattoo on her left ankle.