A mid-week tanka for your reading pleasure (hopefully!).
a red rose
behind the shrubs
unseen
she belittles her own
existence
haikuKATHA Issue 30 April 2024
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Hello! I loved the photo shared by Dale for Rochelle’s Friday Fictioneers and couldnt resist posting another story. Hope you like! Click here to read the other stories inspired by the photo.
Of Endings
Words 100
“Nani!” Shiuli came running, “You are missing all the excitement.” She dragged her granny to the balcony. A crowd had gathered below.
“Oh! Where’s the pipal?”
“Remember that sound during the storm? It was the pipal toppling over.”
Granny gave a sigh. “I will miss that tree.”
“Look at the damage Nani! Lata Auntie’s balcony is smashed. Three cars crushed and the tree is hanging on the electric cables. The pole too is nearly uprooted. Now, there will be no electricity or internet.” Shiuli moaned.
Granny gave another sigh. “When it’s my time, I hope I can slip away quietly.
***
Thank you for reading my second submission to this prompt. Have a great weekend. And if you have time (and the inclination) why don’t you drop in here for Some Sugar & Spice. For those already reading, the next chapter is up but no promises on stress relief! 😀
Hello! Welcome to another edition of Rochelle’s Friday Fictioneers a story in 100 words inspired by the lovely photo provided this week by Dale. Click here to read the other stories inspired by the photo.
Reflections
Words 100
“Wh…at?”
“Let’s end this.” Sahas’ voice was flat.
“Why? You were so happy on our 25th anniversary…”
“After Tara’s marriage, I felt it was my last obligation.”
“Did I do something wrong? I will be better. I swear.”
He shook his head. “I want out.”
“Is there someone else?”
“Does it matter?”
“What will everyone say?” Sheeta pleaded.
“Tara’s fine.”
“What about the others!” She screamed.
He shrugged.
Two decades later, Sheeta sent a text to Sahas.
Dinner? My treat.
What’s the occasion? Another promotion?
A thank you for releasing me from a prison I didn’t know I was in.
***
Thank you for reading. Have a great weekend. And if you have time (and the inclination) why don’t you drop in here for Some Sugar & Spice. For those already reading, the next chapter is up. 🙂
Hello! Hope you are having a grand week. For my mid-week posting, i am pleased to present two of my published senryu, which though similar to haiku differs in that a seasonal reference or kigo is not there and deals more with human relationships etc. Here we go:
college reunion—
peals of laughter
i had forgotten
Mohua Maulik, haikuKATHA Issue 36 October 2024
carpet of leaves…
how the mighty go back
to their roots
Mohua Maulik, haikuKATHA Issue 38 December 2024
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For those who are reading Some Sugar & Spice, the next chapter is up.
Hello and welcome to another edition of Rochelle’s weekly challenge of Friday Fictioneers – a story in 100 words. This week the photo is kindly provided by Sandra Crook. If you would like to join the challenge or read the other stories inspired by this photo, click here. Off we go!
Be the Light
Words 100
Be the Light
Words 100
She woke with a feeling of being trapped.
A heart attack?
Whom could she call at this hour of the night?
An ambulance?
But somebody would be needed for the paperwork.
How had she been reduced to this?
Once surrounded by a full family, today, there was no one.
“Dear God, is there not a single person who is mine? Am I that bad?”
A blinding light enfolded her even as a voice boomed.
Even in this life you didn’t learn what I sent you here for – no one belongs to you. You belong to none. You belong to Light.
***
Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts. Looking forward to visiting your blog. Have a lovely weekend.
For those who are reading Some Sugar & Spice, the next two chapters are up.
Posting a haibun published in Failed Haiku Issue 109 2025. Do share your thoughts and many thanks for visiting.
Prarabdha*
First day of college. A packed classroom of whispers and rustles. The door opens and two scrawny boys shuffle in.
Forty years later, one of them is a renowned surgeon while the other boy has long succumbed to a brain tumor.
white lotus
planting the seeds
of a new prayer
Mohua Maulik
*Note: Prarabdha is that part of the past karma which is responsible for the present body. It cannot be avoided or changed.
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For those who are reading Some Sugar & Spice, the next chapter is up.
Have a super week ahead.
Another weekend and time for Rochelle’s Friday Fictioneers – a story in 100 words based on a photo prompt, kindly provided this week by Roger Bultot. If you too would like to join the challenge or read the other stories inspired by this photo, click here.
Fireworks
Words 100
Nita breathed in the sea air. “A long drive to show off your new car!”
“It’s been weeks since we met. Even the car’s a month old. Do you even care?” Rohit huffed.
“Sorry, this month was crazy.”
“Mine’s next month.” He tucked a strand behind her ear. “Should we…do you think…will you marry me?” he was on his knees, holding out a ring. “I know it’s not much of a proposal. I thought of fireworks but they cause pollution…”
“That clinches it!” she held out her hand. “As a child, I was forced to work in a firecracker factory.”
***
Thank you for visiting. Hope you have a great weekend.
For those who are reading Some Sugar & Spice, the next chapter is up.
Hello everyone, hope you are having a great week. Today after days of sweltering heat, the clouds decided cut us some slack – phew! Below is a tanka of mine for your kind perusal. Do share your thoughts and comments.
If you would like to read more in this genre, please click here
For those who are reading Some Sugar & Spice, the next chapter is up.
Hello everyone! We meet again for another edition of Friday Fictioneers – a story in 100 words hosted by Rochelle. The photo this week is kindly provided by David Stewart. If you would like to read the other stories inspired by this photo, click here
A World of her Own
Words 100
They banged the door, rang the bell but to no avail. She stayed locked in her tower.
How did she manage?
Food and other necessities were just a phone call away. When they came, she would drop the basket down. Once in a while, she would tiptoe out at night to take care of the garbage.
What about money?
She paid for them with her stories and articles. Internet data was affordable enough for her drama fix.
But why?
She didn’t want anything to do with people.
People who threw acid on her or the others who averted their eyes.
***
Thank you for visiting and i will be along in a bit. Have a super weekend.
For those who are reading Some Sugar & Spice, the next chapter is up.
This is my first time posting a senryu. According to the Haiku Society of America, haiku is the “essence of a movement keenly perceived in which nature is linked to human nature”. Senryu, by contrast, is “primarily concerned with human nature; often humorous or satiric”. Although, sometimes the line is blurred, at least for me. So apologies in advance for misnaming either.
Thanks for visiting. If you would like to read more in this genre, please click here. Have a great week ahead.
For those who are reading Some Sugar & Spice, the next chapter is up.
Stories and more 