Still Haunted
On the plane, I dream I’m Nighthawk again during the numberless days of war—and after–when there seemed to be no sunshine, only fog. It could have been any day, but on this day without a date, on a back street—dusky ghosts seemed to linger. They flit in the twilight shadows, mouths open in silent screams. Since they no longer have voices, the wind whispers for them, “Why didn’t you do more?” I have no answer. People I knew and people I didn’t, six million and more killed. Arms reach for me—
I wake with a pounding heart. But the dream is my reality. I will always be Nighthawk with ghosts who haunt me. You haunt me, too, Paul, even though I don’t know if you’re alive or dead.
Another episode in my ongoing series. For dVerse’s Prosery. Lisa asks us to use these lines:
On this day without a date,
On a back street, dusky
–Charles Simic, from My Friend Someone
NOTE: Photos on my earlier post today, “Spring Is,” my Monday Morning Musings, disappeared from the post and then reappeared. I have no explanation. Perhaps, WP is haunted, too.
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
This part really pulled me in: “They flit in the twilight shadows, mouths open in silent screams. Since they no longer have voices, the wind whispers for them,” What a haunting chapter in your story, Merril. I like her name, Nighthawk. I wonder how many Nighthawks have dreams like these 😦
Thank you so much, Lisa. I appreciate your thoughtful comment. I wonder, too. So many Nighthawks. 😔
You’re very welcome.
The atmosphere is dark and shadowy, like the dream and the remorse. Another good episode!
Thank you very much!
A new prosery, hurray!
🙂
Dark and haunting, fantastic suspense created 🙌
Thank you so much! 😊
I hope somehow she can find some light. I am sad for her.
Aww–thank you, Claudia. I’m so pleased you empathize with her. 💙
I’m feeling for her, I think she has had a lot of sadnesses (see what you have done, you’ve got me considering her as a real person. That is the mark of a good storyteller which you are).
Well, thank you again! You made my day!
Twilight shadows… Nice…
Thank you.
WP is definitely haunted.
Keep them coming! I look forward to them every Prosery. (K)
That is so kind. Thank you, Kerfe!
You did a really good job with this one. It is so sad that you story has much more truth than fiction.
Thank you very much for your perceptive comment, Dwight!
You are welcome.
A melancholic piece, beautifully composed.
Thank you so much, Jay!
I imagine it would be impossible not to be haunted by such ghosts, Merril!
I think you’re right, Ingrid. 😔
This episode is a fitting tribute
Thank you, Derrick.
I love that you chose the Nighthawks image, Merril! I used to use it with my creative writing students. I also love that you are continuing with your spy story; it would be lovely if you made a book out of the episodes. You captured the wartime atmosphere in the part that reads: ‘there seemed to be no sunshine, only fog’ and those dusky ghosts that seemed to linger. I hope she finds out whether Paul is alive or dead.
Thank you so much, Kim. It’s such an evocative painting, isn’t it? I’ve used it a few times.
I’m pleased you think it would make a good book. I don’t think I could do it without a great deal of work. I’m not even sure if it would work . . .
But it would be so cool if you did…
Hahaha. We shall see. 🙂
😉
Excellent dream escape.
Thanks for dropping by my blog.
Much💖love
Thank you, Gillena. 🙂
Very striking, both an echo and a homage to the late poet, and I cannot help but feel like the shared painting is beautifully and eerily connected in just the right way to the words.
Thank you so much for your lovely, perceptive comment. I think it’s more coincidence than intended homage, but that’s how things go sometimes. I’m pleased you think so about the painting.
Those coincidences, aired like this in the open, are a true delight to see, so thank you, twice! 🙂
😊
The ghosts and haunting made me shudder. War and mass casualties would absolutely make time stand still. Best use of this prompt.
Thank you so much, Susan.
You are most welcome!
People I knew and people I didn’t,
six million and more killed.
Arms reach for me
The ravages of war seem to have that hold on us for a long while. War does not seem to end any day in the immediate. It is made to sustain itself. It is economically paying for the arms merchants. What a shame, what a tragedy!
Hank
Yes indeed. Thank you, Hank.
There is writing magic in this Prosery piece!!!
Thank you so much, Helen! 💙
Fabulous, dark, moody chapter to Nighthawk’s story. Love this.
Thank you very much, Dale! I’m so pleased you do!
Very much so!
🙂
Merril, this is scary. A good write of a bad case of PTSD, I hope your poet is getting mental therapy.
I am glad that you were able to resurrect your “Spring” Monday write, it is really good. A lot of work went into it. It reminds me of our Cinco Ranch subdivision here at Katy. Our walking trails have 13.5 miles (50K live here, mostly single households) of trails in the flood plain water detention, all green areas. Except our black large birds are ducks with white on their wings, also others including white cranes. Oh yes, lots of turtles. Lots of dog walking.
..
Thank you for your appreciative words, Jim. I suspect my protagonist is on her own, but I have no idea how this will end. 😉
Thank you for reading my “Musings.” I post them every Monday morning. Your walking trails sound lovely.
Amazing, Merril. I love this…
❤
David
Aww–thank you so much, David! 💙
Bravo! You gave me chills. It really pulled me in there with you. Thanks, Merril. ❤
Thank you very much, Rachel!
Wow! I love the atmosphere of this piece. Although she’s only having a dream, she is still haunted when she wakes. Well done, Merril!!
Thank you so much, Marie. That’s such a perceptive comment. I really appreciate it!
My pleasure!
Definitely haunting, as the reality should be.
Your Prosery series is fabulous, Merril!
Thank you so much! I’m pleased you enjoy it. 😊
😊😊