History, I think, is light trapped in a black hole. It is a moon wrapped in brown paper. Perhaps our love was also like that; something I did not see clearly then. Though how could I, or anyone, see beyond the occupation? Peace was a mirage, as was feeling comfortable. Still, we chased it. We were hiking an unmarked trail with hidden turns, pursued by beasts more horrible than any found in a fairy tale because they were human. And were you one of them? You were a shapeshifter with many names. Oh, I was a shapeshifter, too–perhaps we all were. I tell myself at night that I was working for good.
What do you tell yourself, Paul?
They said you’re dead, but I sense you out there. In my haunted dreams, I feel your presence—somewhere. Watch for me. I’m coming.
A continuation of my non-linear spy series for dVerse, Prosery using the line: “It is a moon wrapped in brown paper” from Carol Ann Duffy’s poem, Valentine.
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
I love the mystery and where it will take us… the way you used the sentence given as the metaphor for things kept hidden when being a spy is really good.
Thank you so much, Björn, and thank you for the line!
Oh yes! Brilliant response and continuation of your wonderful story. I love how you have managed to keep this going so beautifully.
Thank you very much, my friend! 💙
More than my pleasure! 🧡
Reblogged this on The Wombwell Rainbow.
Thank you so much, Paul!
Yes, I imagine that they must have questioned their identity. Who were they really?
I think any spy must do that. As for them, I really don’t know. 😀
I wonder about them. I shall probably get to the point where I worry about them…
Ahh–well then I’ll probably pick up on it and have a better idea. 😏
You’ll just tell their story. I don’t think they’ll let you mess about with it 🙂
Oh–good point!
I really love this. And I love that it’s non-linear. That should give you a lot of freedom in putting it all together if you ever decide to do that … and I hope you do 🙂
Thanks so much, Marie. I don’t know if I ever will, but thank you for the vote of confidence! 😊
I’m adding my vote to yours, Marie!
Thank you! 😊
You’re welcome!
👍🙂
A stunning piece, that starts with wonderful, deep pjilosophy that slowly starts to haunt, with deeper mystery…..I will have to look at this story, but it survives so powerfully on its own merits..
That is such a lovely compliment! Thank you so much, Ain!
Suspense wrapped up to open later. Poor Paul.
Thank you–but I’m not so sure we should pity Paul.
Oh! Oh dear.
😀
I positively don’t pity Paul. I think there’s something fishy about him. Just saying. Can’t wait to see what happens next.
Thank you very much. I’m pleased you’re enjoying it. I can’t quite decide about Paul. I’ll have to wait and see, too. 😏
Paul is a slippery guy to get hold of, I think. He seems to want to evade a definition. Great for the storyline, I think, but as for Paul, I will not take my car to him to get fixed or trust him with the family secrets.
Wow! So well done!
Thank you so much!
You’re very welcome! 🙂
You had me at the opening! 😀 This is exquisitely woven, Merril! 💝💝
Thank you very much, Sanaa! 🥰
a captivating write, you drew me in … a masterful mystery!
Thank you so much, Kate!
my pleasure Merril!
So dark and mysterious…I love how this line inspired people in such varied ways!
Thank you. Yes, I agree.
Another prosery installment, hurray!
😊
A great description of lost light! Life is so unsettling at times. Well done!
Thank you so much, Dwight.
You are welcome!
I enjoyed looking more into the character’s thought process here. The part about who did what during the occupation reminds me of an excellent movie I saw not long ago, called, “The Last Vermeer.” I bet you would like that movie.
Thank you so much, Lisa. I’m pleased this made you think about that. I actually do have the movie in my queue, but we’ve seen it as a stage play (once live and once streamed). I know it’s based on a true story.
You’re welcome, Merril. I had read that. Neat you’ve seen live performances.
What a great voice your narrator has. (K)
That’s a wonderful comment. Thank you, Kerfe!
Lyrical and real. This is haunting.
Thank you so much! 😊
I do not believe for one moment that Paul is dead, Merril! They will be reunited 😊
Thank you, Ingrid–but what will happen if they are??? 🤨
I suppose that’s for you to figure out 😅
🤣
That Winslow Homer lived just five minutes from here once. But I hear he’s dead, too, now.
Well, thanks for letting me know. 😏
Excellent description, Merril Well done!
Thank you very much, Jill!
So well crafted mysterious creepiness
Thank you so much, Derrick.
Damn straight, she’s coming! Go get him!
-David
David! Thank you.
I have you wanting an action tale and others wanting a romance! 🤣
I thought a daring,romantic escape from advancing criminals is the more preferred sort of thing..? 🙂 Loved this, by the way ❤
Great Prosery piece! Shapeshifter one of my all time favorite words!
Thank you, Helen. And so pleased I used one of your favorite words, too!
Such a clever use of the line Merril and you know I love the spies!
Thank you so much, Linda! 😊
“History, I think, is light trapped in a black hole.” – Intriguing! I like this idea and opening line.
Thank you so much! I’m not sure that I believe it, but she does. 😊
I enjoy these non linear proserys.
The mind travels all over the place. Thank you, Merril!
Thank you, Resa!
What a stunning piece, Merril. After reading the last one, I backtracked to read this one too. You’ve really set up a fabulous story. ❤
Thank you so much, Colleen! 💙
I think I was pleased with that one, too.
I look forward to more linked prosery. ❤
💙💙