Red Bank Battlefield, National Park, NJ
He watches from this place. Where—he’s not certain, and he drifts and wanders, but never far from this spot. Something happened here, he thinks.
He doesn’t know how long he’s been here, or what was before. He notices others like him here. They nod to each other, sharing a bond. . .of some sort.
What is that sound? Oh yes, that’s called music. He thinks it’s something he used to like. I remember—yes, I used to. . . sing.
He watches as people gather. A woman dressed in black wipes her face. A small boy stands next to her holding a flag.
Something happened here, he thinks again.
And as the leaves blow and whisper in the breeze, he remembers—these memories were left here with the trees. The woman’s eyes open wide as he gently kisses her, and then disappears forever.
This is my prosery piece for my dVerse prompt, using the line “These memories were left here with the trees” from the poem “How to Write a Poem in a Time of War” by Jo Harjo. When I walk in the park, sometimes I think memories whisper from the trees.
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
Wow, Merril. Like a final farewell.
Thank you, Ken.
Yes. I’ve been thinking about ghosts a lot recently.
the repetition in this makes the poem so sad and wistful. Beautiful, Merrill.
Thank you very much!
This is so delicately beautiful, Merril. I’ve just written something inspired by the quote, though not using the exact words. Turns out we were thinking along similar lines.
Thank you very much.
I guess I’m not surprised we were thinking along similar lines. 🙂 I will go look for yours.
Well, we are the same person 🙂
Yes, that’s true. 🙂
🙂
This is wonderful… at first I was thinking about a garden in a mental hospital or maybe a nursing home… something happened to all those people.
Oh–you’re right. Of course, you couldn’t be inside my mind knowing what I had in mind. 🙂
And thank you! 🙂
Oh, the poor lonely ghost. I hope he found release. Perfect flash fiction.
Thanks so much, Sarah! I hope he did, too. 🙂
When you think of how old some trees are, it’s hard not to imagine that history is stored in their roots and branches. Lovely poem, Merril.
Thank you very much, Marie. Trees must carry many memories.
(It’s supposed to be prose, but I’m pleased you found it “poetic.” ) 🙂
Yes, a real Poe feel to this, with a touch of Stephen Crane. I misread your prompt, and charged off looking for some other poem to extract a line from. Yours was a perfect illustration. Come to think of it, mine was not pure fiction either. Hopefully there’s some wiggle room in the prosery parameters; it is not just flash fiction.
Thank you very much–I am honored you think my piece has even a bit of the feel of Poe and Crane.
Yes, I thought the prosery was supposed to be fiction, but apparently, it simply needs to be prose.
This is beautifully delivered
Lovely poem, Merril. You are so talented. The photo is gorgeous, too!
Thank you very much, Jill!
I loving ghost story. I believe I love Toronto always with that and you reflected this eloquently!
Thank you, Vivian.
I’ve never been to Toronto, but I suppose everywhere there are places like this.
Sorry!!! That was me using dictation while very tired after work! Toronto????
I’m so embarrased! And you’re way too polite (smiles).
I loved the ghost story…and like life, it was sweet and sad at the same time.
Thank you very much. OK. Now I understand your comment a bit more–I did wonder. 😉
😂
🙂
very haunting
Thank you.
This of course made me think of 9/11, as it has been on my mind in these past few weeks. The ghosts of places do make themselves felt I think. (K)
Thank you. I thought of 9/11, too.
Wow. What a great write. Brava!
Thank you very much!
I really like your take on this. The idea of a burial ground only covered with trees and leaves is wonderful.
Thank you very much, Dwight.
This was absolutely beautiful. And I love that she felt his goodbye kiss…
Thank you so much, Dale!
(Feel free to join in–the prompt is open all week.)
The repetition of ‘Something happened here’ is very effective, Merril, like an echo through the piece. I especially love the final paragraph, which left me with goose bumps.
Thank you very much, Kim! And thanks for sharing your reaction!
It certainly captures that disconnectedness that a new spirit might feel. Lovely and sad.
Thank you so much. Yes, I imagine it would be confusing. But who knows? 🙂
Such a sweet melancholy in this.
Thank you very much, Carol.
Merril- an incredible story and so well written!
Thank you so much, Linda!
Excellent writing Merril ! Good use of the prompt line. Enjoyed reading this. Mysterious but tender.
Thank you very much, Rob!
Very nice piece.
Thank you very much!
Wonderful story with folds and turns to draw more than words.
Thank you very much!
My pleasure.
I love how this POV develops the mystery in this story and slowly reveals its clues. And the photo is gorgeous. It enhances the mood.
Thank you very much. I appreciate your kind words, and I will read yours soon.
Beautifully written. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you very much!
You’re welcome.