Every month we select four words, which are written below. Writers and poets are then invited to write a 50 word story or poem that incorporates these four words. Submissions are published on this page and in time they will feature in their own book. Good luck!
This challenge is thanks to Kamla Daya in New Zealand whose own writing group does this very exercise. We thought it was such a good idea we'd share it with you.
This challenge is thanks to Kamla Daya in New Zealand whose own writing group does this very exercise. We thought it was such a good idea we'd share it with you.
January 11, 2023
furtive
verdigris
decennial
aurora borealis
Duplicity
by Pauline Cleary
She had always wanted to see the aurora borealis, watch the shades of verdigris dancing across the sky.
"It’s so long since we went away," she sighed. "Holidays are not to be taken each decennial."
He furtively slipped the bank statement into his wallet.
"We can’t afford it," he said.
Unique Beauty
A northern flicker
she cannot boast in colors of verdigris.
She cannot boast in decennial experiences.
She cannot boast in beauty like aurora borealis.
No need to feel insignificant.
No need to feel furtive.
No need to feel unloved.
Your secret beauty is found within your heart.
Karen Mills
Aurora Borealis
by Laura Sanders
His friends had exited his winter cabin early. He glanced , with furtive expression, and noticed the verdigris on the copper oil-burner lamp. It only just illuminated the room. A decennial ago his ex-wife had polished it, for it to shine. Outside, Hans suddenly shouted, "Aurora borealis. It's brill!"
Now you die...
By Alan Grant
He looked furtive, sweat forming on his brow.
“Where are you from?” No response.
“We've met before. Two decennials ago, you sold my wife's items from the dig. Amulets covered in verdigris, colours from the aurora borealis. They killed her. Cursed by devils. Now you die.”
He cried.
Until the body's found...
Every decennial,
I release my brand of evil,
dressed - somewhat - like the rest of you
I will wear verdigris, to enjoy the view.
As you gaze upon the aurora borealis
my furtive movements, you will miss
until the body’s found, the next day,
where I’m - safely - miles away.
John FR Munro
The North Pole
By Tim Saunders
Trudging to my North Pole base the frostbite worsened. I started hallucinating about the verdigris on the copper bowl... I doubted it would be decennial.... As I pondered, the aurora borealis above was magnificent. My mind re-calibrated and I knew I had to be furtive if I was to survive...
Aurora Borealis
The sky is low,
the clouds floating furtive, slow.
The stars are like pearls.
It seems that the whole sky is covered
with verdigris.
You will reach out,
touch your hand.
The beauty all around!
for decennials, always.
The green reflection of the snow,
from the aurora borealis.
Viktoriia Peterson
furtive
verdigris
decennial
aurora borealis
Duplicity
by Pauline Cleary
She had always wanted to see the aurora borealis, watch the shades of verdigris dancing across the sky.
"It’s so long since we went away," she sighed. "Holidays are not to be taken each decennial."
He furtively slipped the bank statement into his wallet.
"We can’t afford it," he said.
Unique Beauty
A northern flicker
she cannot boast in colors of verdigris.
She cannot boast in decennial experiences.
She cannot boast in beauty like aurora borealis.
No need to feel insignificant.
No need to feel furtive.
No need to feel unloved.
Your secret beauty is found within your heart.
Karen Mills
Aurora Borealis
by Laura Sanders
His friends had exited his winter cabin early. He glanced , with furtive expression, and noticed the verdigris on the copper oil-burner lamp. It only just illuminated the room. A decennial ago his ex-wife had polished it, for it to shine. Outside, Hans suddenly shouted, "Aurora borealis. It's brill!"
Now you die...
By Alan Grant
He looked furtive, sweat forming on his brow.
“Where are you from?” No response.
“We've met before. Two decennials ago, you sold my wife's items from the dig. Amulets covered in verdigris, colours from the aurora borealis. They killed her. Cursed by devils. Now you die.”
He cried.
Until the body's found...
Every decennial,
I release my brand of evil,
dressed - somewhat - like the rest of you
I will wear verdigris, to enjoy the view.
As you gaze upon the aurora borealis
my furtive movements, you will miss
until the body’s found, the next day,
where I’m - safely - miles away.
John FR Munro
The North Pole
By Tim Saunders
Trudging to my North Pole base the frostbite worsened. I started hallucinating about the verdigris on the copper bowl... I doubted it would be decennial.... As I pondered, the aurora borealis above was magnificent. My mind re-calibrated and I knew I had to be furtive if I was to survive...
Aurora Borealis
The sky is low,
the clouds floating furtive, slow.
The stars are like pearls.
It seems that the whole sky is covered
with verdigris.
You will reach out,
touch your hand.
The beauty all around!
for decennials, always.
The green reflection of the snow,
from the aurora borealis.
Viktoriia Peterson
