Vibrant colors of the sunset illuminate the sky, as gentle breezes whisper through the meadow. Tall grasses and wildflowers sway, creating a soothing melody as they segue to rustling woodland leaves. A lone lantern flickers in the distance, casting a soft glow as twilight deepens to night.
High above, a barred owl soars through the air, wings outstretched, effortlessly riding the currents. Its keen eyes scan the grasses and wildflowers in the meadow below, searching for any movement.
Then, with a sudden dive, the owl descends, its powerful talons gripping an unsuspecting field mouse. Meadow life falls silent for a moment as the mouse struggles, but the owl’s grip suffocates. As quickly as it begins, it ends; the owl emerges triumphant.
With its prize secured, the owl takes to the sky once again, rising higher and higher. The darkened sky is lit by a waxing crescent moon, as the owl’s hoot becomes a triumphant sound in the landscape.
Nightfall transforms the meadow into a world of shadows and mystery, with the moon and scudding clouds seeming to soften the meadow’s edges. The owl continues to soar, carrying the field mouse to its two owlets waiting in a tree cavity.
My first response to a writing prompt from Written Tales, which asked us to “write a 199-word story, using the five (5) following words. All must be included in the order of your choice: Soar, Whisper, Meadow, Lantern, and Vibrant.”
Author’s Note
The flash fiction pieces this month—aside from this one—will be darker in tone, a nod to the Halloween season. They will all be responses to the same writing prompt as the piece above.
Read a prose poem similar to Life Cycle, titled Nature, Red.
Upcoming…
A previously published poem:
Windy, 11 October 2023
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That was really beautifully told.
Love the visuals the story creates in the mind.