Today, on Cinco de Mayo, Pegman took us to Tulum, Mexico where I discovered a lagune. While wading, I met Carmen who told me her story. Thanks, Karen, for posting another good idea for a 150-word tall tale.
Two-hundred years have passed since Carmen was nominated “Keeper-of-Souls.”
Oh, how she rues the day,
for now, time moves so slowly she can divide seconds into quarter segments
then each of those into thirds.
The Not-Dead don’t realize that
the Truly-Dead are an unruly bunch.
All day, Abuela Maria fights with Tío Ricardo.
Gato Isabella continually tries to re-kill Tortuga Mateo.
The Gemelos, Poco and Pica, are weary of their conjoined hips
and often draw knives from the shadows.
Solace comes on Día de Muertos when every soul is required to spend the day with the living.
Carmen doesn’t care if they visit people they loved or people they despised
as long as every abuela, gato, tio, twin, and tortuga disappear.
Then, very quietly, she removes her dress,
pours a glass of chilled wine and
slips into the soothing waters of her secret cave
and screams until her throat goes dry.
Oh what a marvelous world you’ve crafted, and what a cast of characters. Loved every word!
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Thank you, Karen. I tried hard to go on the light side this week. Lish
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The lighter side of dark? I love that you ended up in those caves as I did. They’re so pretty.
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I noticed that. Don’t they seem incredibly soothing? I can even hear the water gently slapping the sides, leaving an echo. The lighter side in that I didn’t kill anyone ~ they were already dead!!! Ha!
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This is great. We’ve been watching Coco a lot recently. This fits right in.
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My husband and I just watched Coco. What a wonderful movie. My sister and bro-in-law have property in Mexico and go down often for the Day-of-the-Dead celebrations. Thanks for reading, Josh.
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Wow, what an imaginative story! And so beautifully written! One of your best, Alicia. Kudos.
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Thank you so much, Penny. I had a great deal of fun writing Carmen’s story. I’m glad you liked it.
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Dear Lish,
What a clever tale you’ve woven to our delight. That’s quite way to spend eternity. ¡Muy bién, mi amiga!
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Muchas Gracias, dolce dama!
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Such an imaginative tale, a joy to read and funny. Well done.
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Thanks. It was fun to write too.
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Wow, I never thought I could sympathize with a soul keeper. But, oh, how I understand that need for a tall glass of wine.
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Hey! Nice to see you here. Thanks for dropping by and commenting. I appreciate that immensely.
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It’s nice ya be here!
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Wonderfully crafted piece.
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Thanks so much for stopping by. This was super fun to write.
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