Wednesday, April 6, 2011

E for EXCITING ... ANOTHER A-Z CHALLENGE

Thanks again everyone for your wonderful comments yesterday. So far this challenge is amazing. I have learned so much from other writers and I am pushing myself to be creative and different with each post. I just hope I don't run out of ideas before the end. I have to admit E was a challenge. I hope you all enjoy today's post.

Palm trees sway from the ocean breezes, their fingers beckoning to a mysterious stranger. Crystals of sand skitter across the dunes as the call of seabirds echo beyond the crashing waves. 

A kaleidoscope of colors streak the vast blue sky as wispy clouds lock together in a celestial dance. 
Moment by moment, the sun sinks low into the horizon as the distant waters inhale the blazing sphere with its final swallow. 
Dusty colors blend into one as each breath of the wind blows them out to sea. For once brief second the earth sighs, foreseeing the inevitable.
As if composed by the heavens, pinpricks of light pop to a silent orchestra as a crescent moon unites in a glorious crescendo piercing the black velvet sky.  
How could a word sum up this miracle? Oh, yes it can be done, although it has been lost in our hapless speech for decades. It is a word as alluring as the evening sky.
I must confide it is EVENTIDE.



31 comments:

Gina Ciocca said...

You had me at palm trees swaying in the ocean breeze.

Thanks for participating in my contest! Be sure to check back next week when all those Italians will be properly identified :)

Rachael Harrie said...

Hey Michael, very poetic! I loved reading this, and what a great idea for the Challenge to do flash fiction with a twist :)

Hugs,

Rach

Katie O'Sullivan said...

Excellent post - glad I stopped by to say hi!

Barbara said...

Great post! I really enjoyed reading this! Nice to meet you through the A-Z challenge :) Your posts sound so positive so far, I hope to learn more about you! See you around!

Brenda Drake said...

E is for EXCELLENT! Wonderful job on this post, Michael. I especially liked this line:

A kaleidoscope of colors streak the vast blue sky as wispy clouds lock together in a celestial dance.

You're writing is enticing (another E word - teehee)! :D

Summer Ross said...

I like this has a lyrical value to it and Eventide- I hadn't guessed. I might use that in one of my fairy poems!

Robyn Campbell said...

Michael, I was drawn into Eventide from the very start. There is a sweet, sweet rhythm to this. It made me feel like I was there. You made me feel like I was there. The twist is wonderful. I say, "Bravo again." :-)

Jeana said...

You've painted a beautiful picture with your words! Gorgeous images!

Áine Tierney said...

This is so atmospheric. Just linked in from Liz's blog. Best of luck with the A-Z

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

I still have no idea what an eventide is unless it's something to do with the palm trees.

Pearson Report said...

Fantastically built prose - excellent singular word ending.

Very smooth, very even, very real. I have just enjoyed the eventide of my day, as I enjoy my first cup of coffee.

I have found my way over to your blog via The Golden Eagle and the A-Z Challenge.

Like you, I find it has pushed me to reach beyond my own boundaries by taking a peek into the "writing worlds" of others.

Smiles from Jenny!

Susan Oloier said...

Great use of personification! Not that I have a favorite of yours (because they're all so wonderful), but this one really grabbed me. I'm off to read it again.

Unknown said...

Sign me up, I want to go there!

Roland D. Yeomans said...

"as the distant waters inhale the blazing sphere with its final swallow."

I was there in the moment. Great job, Roland

FilmMattic said...

Personally, I can't think of an "E" that is better than "exciting." Nice post and cool image!

Donea Lee said...

I picked the same favorite sentence as Brenda, I see. "A kaleidoscope of colors streak the vast blue sky as wispy clouds lock together in a celestial dance." Just gorgeous! Sunset is my favorite moment in the day ~ :)

Heather said...

Your piece brings up such beautiful imagery! I love it!

Anonymous said...

Lovely!

Wendy Tyler Ryan said...

wonderful, fantastical post, Michael. Woo Hoo!

Unknown said...

What a beautiful scene. Thanks for sharing.

Denise Covey said...

Eventide. Swoon. I especially loved: As if composed by the heavens, pinpricks of light pop to a silent orchestra as a crescent moon unites in a glorious crescendo piercing the black velvet sky.

Pure velvet.

Denise<3

As if composed by the heavens, pinpricks of light pop to a silent orchestra as a crescent moon unites in a glorious crescendo piercing the black velvet sky.

jkraus8464 said...

Breathtaking. You have a poet's soul. Wonderful wonderful imagery and painting with words. I love it.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Very nice, Michael.
Coming up with ideas for my posts was easy - all author promo topics. However, I forgot that I'd still actually have to write something really good AND short and on a daily basis!
Needless to say, I need to get busy writing soon...

Mary@GigglesandGuns said...

Awesome illustration.

MaryV

Nicki Elson said...

Oh sure, set it on the beach and then make it sound so appealing. ;) That was gorgeous as usual. You really are spoiling us.

Marie Anne said...

Love it! What a picture you painted, and a beautiful word that summed it all up.

Popping in by way of the A-Z Challenge. I’m blogging at:
Write, Wrong or Indifferent
Marie Anne’s Missives
In the Garden With Sow-n-Sow
Every Day Crochet

Danette said...

Lovely post Michael!

dolorah said...

A lovely, calming moment after a busy day. Thanks for sharing it.

........dhole

Jonathon Arntson said...

Looks like we share a Lake. Nice to meet you neighbor!

Charmaine Clancy said...

Your writing is filled with imagery. Loved it. :)

Wagging Tales - Blog for Writers

S.A. Larsenッ said...

Ooh, I love Eventide. I almost used it as a title for my book. lol

Great stuff, Michael!