PHOTO PROMPT © Sandra Crook
The full moon and late winter made her heart beat fast as she looked up from the pit. She had been with her husband for the long darkness and cold, and while she reigned with him as Queen, the honor always grew tiresome, even loathsome by now.
Soon she would see mother again and like the rest of the world bask in the warmth of each rising dawn when Spring brought new life to the wicked and wise alike.
She made the usual preparations and bade her husband farewell for another season and then two. Persephone began her ascent home.
It’s Wednesday and time once again to participate in Rochelle Wisoff-Fields 21 March 2025 edition of Friday Fictioneers. The idea is to use the image above as the prompt for crafting a poem or short story of no more than 100 words. My word count is exactly 100.
When I looked at Sandra’s photo, I got the sense of a very early morning, a full moon, and crisp cold air. Looking up at light made me think of hope, and since tomorrow is the beginning of spring and the mythic tale of Persephone is one of my favorites, I decided to run with it.
To read other missives inspired by the prompt, visit inlinkz.
Cover art for my book “Our Legacy, The Stars: A Tom Corbett Adventure.”
My book Our Legacy, The Stars: A Tom Corbett Adventure is now available in Kindle and paperback formats on Amazon.
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Dear James,
A pleasant tale. I’m going to have to bone up on my mythology.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks, Rochelle. The myth of Persephone marrying Pluto, Lord of the Underworld, and the compromise eventually reached between him and her mother Demeter is, according to legend, why we have the seasons. It’s fun to think about.
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I love how you tied in the idea of Persephone to your story about the changes the season is set to bring.
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Thanks, Violet.
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A lovely write, James. Like Rochelle, I need to read up on my mythology – honestly, it shouldn’t be that hard, my niece wrote a wonderful graphic novel all about Greek gods and then some!
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So, you have an expert available. 😉 Thanks, Dale.
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That I do!! 🙂
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You’ve made me curious about Persephone. I used to be quite familiar with all those folks, but this one is eluding me. There’s a nice, haunting feel about your story today.
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Thanks, Linda. Here you go: https://www.theoi.com/Khthonios/Persephone.html
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A poetic tale that conjures up the chill and barrenness of winter and the warmth of Spring but with that evenness that each season has its place. Nice!
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Thanks, Clare.
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A charming story that’s very well written I love mythology!
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Thank you.
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I liked the twist at the end and had to re-read it with the knowledge. Very nicely done, James.
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Thanks, Lisa.
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You’re welcome, James.
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I’m sure I studied this sort of stuff at school when I was about 12, a very evocative take. Loved it. But will definitely have to read up on my mythology too!!
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My story seems to have had that effect on its readers. Thanks.
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Very nice tie-in the the Goddess of Spring, James. Well done story.
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Thanks, Nancy.
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Ooh! Nice take. There are so many interesting spring myths. Our ancestors were very creative.
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Indeed. Thanks.
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Such a pleasant tale…
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Thanks, Dawn.
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