Today Pegman took us to Yellowstone. Besides Prismatic Pond, the mud pots were my favorite part of this national park, so I chose them for my story. Thanks for setting the stage, K. Rawson! (Translation of the names: Vulkan – Volcano, Fiolett – Violet, Jordskyelv – Earthquake.)
“Nei,” Vulkan forbade the use of even a cupful of clay from the mud pot at his feet.
“Please.” Fiolett knew if she had time, and now perhaps secrecy, she could create someone who would love her for all time.
“Nei,” Jordskyelv thundered, for he wanted her himself.
A month later, more than a cupful lay on Fiolett’s cabin floor.
The clay felt cool between her palms.
Days passed. Arms, gentle enough to cradle her appeared. Legs, sturdy and strong, soon lay beside them.
Shoulders, hips, a broad back, and finally, a head.
On this, Fiolett molded a face with features balanced between kindness and power.
She kissed her creation and slid him inside the kiln.
For ten interminable days, the fire burned.
On the eleventh, she opened the door.
Fire had done its work.
But so had Jordskyelv for the beautiful head of Fiolett’s man was completely broken and torn.
This reads like all great myth. I await her revenge in a future tale–Jordkskyelv deserves it. I ached for her as she crafted her love. Such a great (and perfect) photo for this tale.
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Thanks, Karen. A revenge story would be grand, wouldn’t it? Just before I posted this, I noticed it looks like a little man is inside the broken bubble. Can you see him? Sorry about your ill-fated trip! I hope you had fun anyway, Lish
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Yes I see the face! My trip was grand. It just came with bonus surprises to make it more interesting 🙂
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Sometimes those bonus surprises make the trip.
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Lovely and stark. I enjoyed the language in this piece.
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Thanks, Josh.
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I love this, Lish! That nasty Jordskyelv will get his comeuppance, I am sure…
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Thanks, Dale. Jordskyelv will get his due!
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Good!
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This is great. It reminded me of Irish mythology.
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Thank you, lisarey. The translated words are Norwegian. Enjoy your day. Alicia
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Thanks. You too. 🙂
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So creative and imaginative.
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Thanks, Dahlia.
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Dear Lish,
This reads a little like Pygmalion gone wrong. But everything right about the write. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank, you, Rochelle! It reminded my husband of Golem.
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Such lovely, tender words as she crafts her companion – it worked so well, her description of all she wanted in a man, all she would never get from the jealous Jordskyelv. It’s a sad end, but part of me thinks she won’t let it end there, that she will keep trying or avenge her lost love. Lovely story Lish
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Thanks, Lynn. Perhaps the next Pegman will help Fiolett get revenge.
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Ha! Fingers crossed for her 🙂
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It’s always the same when you try a bit of DIY, isn’t it?
A lovely mythical piece! It seems no matter which mythology, the jealousy and pettiness of the gods knows no bounds.
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Ha! You’re so very right. Thanks for making me laugh. Seems like gods are generally selfish and mean. Right?
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Wow, Lish! The emptiness in this prose fills the story. That sense of broken creation, of rejection, really speak to me.
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I’m so glad this touched something in you, Kelvin. After reading some of your latest posts, I hope they did it in a good way. Thanks, Lish
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Of course it did. The best way. Sorry to concern you of late with some of my posts – To say I wasn’t going through it would be an understatement but I am resilient and I am starting to feel the worst is past. Thank you for your concern and kind words, Lish. Bless you.
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Yeah! I’m glad you’re seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. I know “they” say time heals, sometimes it just takes longer.
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Beautiful and heart rending at the same time. A story to linger and think about.
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What a lovely thing to say! Thank you.
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