Is it realistic to believe I can think like Nighthawk again? The war is over, and I’m a different person now. I stare at my reflection in the river–it’s me, but these clouds are clearly foreign. Such an exotic clutter against the blue cloth of the sky doesn’t happen anywhere else. I’ve tried to forget the beauty, along with the horror.
But the memory of that day insists on surfacing. That day–when the sun shone in the azure sky dotted with cotton balls, and sunflowers reached up for honeyed streams of golden light. We made love and scraped together some scraps for a meager meal. We thought it a feast, washed down with some local wine we had found in the shed. Oh, Paul! If only we had had more days like that. If only that safe house had truly been safe.
I’m continuing with my story of wartime spies for dVerse, where I’m hosting Prosery today. I should mention that anyone can participate in any dVerse prompt, as long as you can post a link in the Linky. This Thursday will be Open Link Night–live.
The lines I’ve selected for today’s prompt:
“But these clouds are clearly foreign, such an exotic clutter
Against the blue cloth of the sky”
–from “Clouds” by Constance Urdang
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
Oh… what a wonderful plot you are weaving. Every time I wonder if they will find each other after the war… for a spy peace has to be turmoil
Thanks so much, Björn. I really have no idea where this story is going. I wonder if they will find each other, too. 😀
Ooh, so much to wonder, so much to like! Things will never be easy for them, and that tension is intense. Even with tangible distance, you can feel the connection between these characters.
Oh! Thank you so much, Lucy! I’m so pleased that you felt that.
The way she remembers every minute detail of their days at the safe house (that wasn’t that safe) shows how much it means to her. I like how she finds herself in the reflection in the water.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment, Lisa. I hadn’t even thought it out quite that much, but you’re right.
You’re very welcome.
Perfect lines to weave into your spy story, Merril! I won’t be taking part tonight as I’m feeling quite unwell, but I look forward to reading what others write 🙂
Thank you so much, Ingrid. I appreciate that you read this–and your kind words–even more, knowing you’re not feeling well. I hope you feel better soon!💙
This is a nice reflection on the past. I hope the tale continues.
Thank you very much, Ken. 😀
I love this series, Merril! I went ahead and joined in the prompt, although I don’t think I did everything right. Or maybe I did. I am procrastinating so much these days 😉
Thank you so much, Marie. I’m so pleased that you decided to join in, and I love your piece! I’m the queen of procrastination, so no judgement from me!😀
lol …
Lovely, Merril! Perfect for your gorgeous photo!
Thank you, Jill! 😀
Simply beautiful! I love the imagery: “against the blue cloth of sky.”
Thank you, Colleen. I wish I could take credit for that. 😀
But you wove your magic around that phrase. Always magical! ❤️
Aww–thank you, Colleen! ❤️
Always a pleasure to read your poetry! 🤩
😘
Oh yes. The details in her memory are so dreamy. Would that they can find each other again. A lovely chapter to this tale!
Thank you very much, Dale! 💙
Pleasure is all mine! 🧡
I love this installment, such vivid intensity in such a compressed space. Brava!
Thank you very much, Liz! I appreciate that!
You’re most welcome, Merril!
An intriguing story of loss and yet hope and fear gives way to the present moment. That is all any of us have … the present moment! Well done Merril
You are right, Dwight. Thank you for your thoughtful comment.
You are welcome!
😀
Enjoying your characters in this series! Some beautiful description of the “azure sky dotted with cotton balls.” 💓
Thanks so much, Tricia! 💙
Rolling along nicely
Thank you, Derrick. 😀
Perfectly used prompt for this intriguing tale!
Thanks so much, Susan!
Nice one. She’s lookibg back and it’s all ckear as day
Happy you dropped by to read mine
Much❤love
Thanks so much, Gillena! 💙
Favorite images: ” the azure sky dotted with cotton balls, and sunflowers reached up for honeyed streams of golden light.”
Thank you very much, Marian!
I want much more of this story ~ much more.
Aww–thank you so much, Helen!
This is such beautiful imagery. Just wow!
Thank you!
This gave me goosebumps and it is definitely the kind of book I would read. Loved this Merril ☺️
Thank you so much, Christine! That’s lovely.
(I couldn’t leave a comment on your prosery piece.)
Yes I heard from others too. It’s been fixed now, thank goodness ☺️👍
Good news! I went back to comment. 😀
I feel almost guilty reading this series for free, Merril, because it’s worth purchasing in book form.
❤
David
That’s very kind. Thank you, David! 💙
Really admire the way you include the quote in your story (love a good spy story too).
Thank you so much!
the images are so vivid and the unraveling was strong yet full of emotions. an awesome spy story, Merril!
Thank you so much! 💙
You did that so well! I didn’t notice the inserted lines at all!
Thank you very much! 😀