Am I really on my way to Paris? My mind drifts and tumbles like the clouds outside the plane’s window.
I think back—when I met Paul (as he was called then) that first time in the woods. I hadn’t slept much the night before. I couldn’t stop thinking of the bombs and the flames—London burning; my family gone. I wanted the cool peace of the ancient forest that surrounded our training area. I heard his steps and turned quickly. My instructors would have been proud of my instinctual fighting stance.
“I saw you leave,” he said, “I was worried about you.”
I said, “Do you know Yeats? ‘I went out to the hazel wood because a fire was in my head.’”
He smiled, and as I looked into his grey-blue eyes, I knew I was smitten–and I knew it was dangerous.
Back to my Prosery spies, but no Hopper this time. This is for dVerse, where
Kim asks us to use this line from W.B. Yeats’ “Song of Wandering Aengus.”
‘I went out to the hazel wood,
Because a fire was in my head’.
I love this poem, and it is such a well-known line. I first incorporated it directly into the prose, but it just didn’t seem right. So, I hope this is not cheating, but this seemed much better to me. Also, in my head, I always hear this line sung because I knew Judy Collins’ song version before I knew the poem. Kim shares a Christy Moore’s version.
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
Love your opening line! A story of need and fulfillment followed up with mystery.
Well done Merril.
Thank you so much, Dwight!
You are welcome!
I love the way you weaved the line in as a quote… maybe even a password or code of sorts. I’m glad you write about spies.
Thank you so much. You know, I hadn’t even thought of as code. . .hmmm.
It’s so hard to get such poetry squeezed into a prose context, so you kept the poetry. I like this, like the spies, and like how you didn’t denature the lines of Yeats.
Thank you very much. It just seemed right to do it this way. I’m glad you approve. 😀
I have a problem with mixing poetry and prose. Usually they don’t. You got around the problem perfectly.
Thank you!😀
I love that last line and am glad you are continuing with the story of these two.
Thank you very much, Lisa!
You’re welcome, dear.
I soo love the chemistry between these two!! 😍😍 A smile that reaches the eyes will get you… every time 💝
Aww–thank you, Sanaa! I agree! ❤️
I’m so glad you continued with the spy thriller, Merril, and that you shared Judy Collins’ song version – there’s another one by Donovan, too. I love that your character quoted the prompt lines – they could be used as a secret message!
Thank you so much, Kim! I’m going to have to think about codes and secret messages. 😀
Oh, I’ll have to look for the Donovan version.
I feel like I’m in the middle of a story that’s just about to get passionately hot. 🙂
Oh, that’s a good feeling! 😀
Yes indeed!
The mystery, the intrigue, the tension, yes yes yes! Yes please! I love seeing the spies again, their individual dynamic is like a scale weighing of intensity; it always varies but it keeps you on your toes. Such fantastic writing, yet again. These two are dangerous in themselves. 😀
Thank you, Lucy for your wonderful praise! I’m glad you felt the tension. 😘
Yeats blended with the “fire” of Judy Collins’ melody, so perfect for this moody day.
Thank you very much, Marian!
Oh you are so clever! I love how you’ve asked the question within the story, “Do you know Yeats?” to fit in the line so beautifully! Wonderful tale of intrigue, perhaps espionage?
Thank you so much, Lillian. I’m not even certain myself what’s going on. 😀
A terrific meld of intrigue and poetics. The quote is, or seems to be, code wrapped in metaphor, presented as catharsis; a clever rocking of the prompt.
Thank you so much, Glenn! 😀
An excellent addition to your tale. And I love Judy’s take on this song also. (K)
Thank you very much, Kerfe. I really love that song, too.
yates has us all smitten tonight. great piece
Thank you very much!
Marvelous. More, soon, please.
Thank you! 😀
O dear, i didnt think a love story would sprout in your forest
Nice one
Much💗love
Thank you very much!
I love the danger in those gray-blue eyes!
Thank you, Beverly! 😀
What a beautiful piece, Merril. I’m definitely feeling the heat!
Thank you so much, Jill!
I was very excited to see a return of your Prosery spies! The way you’ve incorporated the Yeats line is not cheating at all. It works perfectly!
Thank you so much, Liz. I’m happy to hear you were excited to see my spies return!
Yes, I was! (I’m still holding out hope for a book version some day.)
😀
For no reason at all, it would never have occurred to me to use an assigned prosery line the way that you did, Merril… I love your take, and I will seriously consider incorporating future prosery lines this way in the future.
I really enjoyed this!
-David
Thank you very much, David!
This is a great continuation of your spy story, Merril: dangerous indeed! I hope to read more…
Thank you very much, Ingrid!
Beautifully put together, Merril. Enticing prose, entrancing song, and you knew I would like the so familiar New Forest scene
Thank you very much, Derrick. If I had actually planned this post, I could have asked you for a photo! 😀
I would have been happy to provide one 🙂
😀
More, please! You’ve crafted a most intriguing story. I can feel the tension and chemistry. Good stuff!
Thank you so much!
This is perfect …. the Yeats line perfectly positioned! Cheers.
Thanks so much, Helen!
such a captivating and compelling read … the song hypnotic!
Can’t wait for the next episode
Thank you very much!
Hot. Hot! HOT!! What a hot (sexy) story. Yes I saw RED when I read your story. 😍
Hahahaha. I’m glad you enjoyed it, Pam.😏
🙂 ❤
Quite the dichotomy you have presented within both London and your heart burning.
You make me feel.
Adore Judy. Thank you!
Thank you very much!
Love this “saga” – so sorry I’m late. I saw it, I lost it, I was looking for something else and found it again!
Thank you so much, Dale–and I so appreciate that you took the time to find this, read it, and comment!
My pleasure. I had when that happens. Proof work takes up too much time 😉 I’m so ready to retire!
I bet you are!
😁