All the Haunted Mays
I’m coming.
Despite my brave words, I don’t feel like a hawk. I’m a hummingbird flying backwards into the past. Remember that one perfect May Day when we forgot the war, the occupation, and our unending nightmare world? We shared a baguette that was almost edible and a semi-drinkable bottle of wine, as we pretended the safe house was ours. I wasn’t Nighthawk then either. We were simply Julia and Paul in love–or so I wanted to believe.
I can’t change the past, but I must discover the truth to live in the present. I will find you. I must find you and talk to you face-to-face. For how can I be sure? I shall see again the world on the first of May, or I’ll perish in the attempt. I refuse to be haunted by ghosts any longer. I choose the living.
This is another installment of my non-linear spy tale. Here is a link to the previous one. I’m hosting Prosery on dVerse today. The prompt line to be included within a prose piece is
“For how can I be sure
I shall see again
The world on the first of May”
From “May Day” by Sara Teasdale
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
An amazing vignette here….I want to know more!
Thank you very much, Lillian. That’s a good thing!😊
I agree with this comment!
Thank you! 😊
I think this is exactly how those lines should be used. You really captured the life of living and emerging from a world of smoke and mirrors.
Thank you so much, Björn! I think we had a similar tone in our stories.
Intriguing, Merril!!!
Thanks, Luanne. 😏
Really liked the detail and mood here…the first bit reminded me of a film, called Jules and Jim I think, not sure. A really good read with a message…
Thank you so much, Ain. I’m so pleased it made you think of a film, and a Truffaut film at that! I haven’t seen Jules and Jim in decades and don’t really remember it. Thank you for the kind words.
Very intriguing, Merril! You have really whetted our curiosity. 😊
Thanks so much, Punam. I’m glad you want to know more. I have no idea what will happen. 🤣
Ain’t that the best part! 😉 You are so welcome. 😊
😊
Nice one.
Happy you dropped by to read mine
Much💛love
Thank you, Gillena. 💙
This is wonderful. I want to keep reading ☺️
Thank you so much, Christine! That makes me happy! 😊
☺️ My pleasure
A great story Merril, leaving us wanting to know more!
Thank you so much, Dwight!
I’m always happy to see a new prosery!
Thank you! 😊
You’re welcome!
This was a journey to reawakened resolve. Wonderful!
Thank you so much, Susan! I’m pleased you think so!😊
Beautiful hummingbird analogy. Thoughtful piece, Merril.
Thank you very much, K.
You’re very welcome.
‘ I refuse to be haunted by ghosts any longer. I choose the living.’ ~ a determined ending here for future usage!
Thank you so much, Carol!
there is a palpable sadness and the desire to break the shell of grief in the end. hummingbirds flying backward is such a strong image. it lingers.
Thank you so much! 💙
So gripping, Merril! I love this vignette.
Thank you very much, Sarah!
It occurs to me that in each of these fragments, you explore the same theme, of love and loss, and each time you deepen it. It’s enough in itself, no need for a ‘plot’.
Thank you so much for that, Jane. I’ve been trying not to actually repeat, so I’m pleased you find it a deepening of the themes. 💙
It just struck me with this one, how many different scenes you’ve conjured up, but Julia is always in the same place, with the same fears. Not repetitive at all!
Oh well, that’s a good thing!
I don’t ever really think about it except for when there’s a prosery prompt. 😊
And your thoughts always go to Julia and her predicament 🙂
Well, that’s the story, such as it is. 😏
It’s like a French novel. The only extra element you need is for someone to die surprisingly at the end, then it’s finished 🙂
I’m probably not all that familiar with French novels, but maybe this is more like a French movie–lots of talking. 😏
Ha yes! You’re right 🙂
🤣 🤣
The prompt nicely incorporated into your serialisation
Thank you, Derrick.
I enjoyed the weaving of past, present, and future … plus I could feel what is and what was but with an uncertain to be.
Thank you very much, Frank. I’m pleased you could feel all that!😊
Each piece a world unto itself. And yet the connections flow so well. (K)
Thank you so much. I’m so pleased you think so!
I do love the snippets of this tale which you tantalise us with, Merril!
Thank you very much, Ingrid! They are snippets, but I’m pleased you find them tantalizing. 😊
Wow!!! I love this Merril! I adore this non-linear spy tale.
Great idea, and it fills my head. Thank you!
Thank you, Resa! 😊
This is so beautiful Merril. Also the painting by Homer is perfection. 💙🌸
Thank you so much, Rene. 💙
I was happy to find that painting. 😊
The combination is perfect but your writing is always enchanting, enthralling, beyond beautiful!
I really think this would make an awesome TV show, Merril. Fo’ real!
❤
David
Thanks so much, David! I’m so pleased you think so. 😊💙
Merril, your prosery reads like a piece from a spy novel. The ending paragraph is intriguing. ❤
Thank you very much, Colleen. I’m pleased you think so.
It’s sort of the middle of a novel in my head. 😀
But that can lead to some fascinating places. ❤
Well, hopefully. 😏