Bob became a father figure to me. He shared his positive attitude with everyone he met, had group lunches at his home, and always had a compliment waiting. He left us at the age of 95. I miss him deeply.
Bob became a father figure to me. He shared his positive attitude with everyone he met, had group lunches at his home, and always had a compliment waiting. He left us at the age of 95. I miss him deeply.
Join the Army they said
You’ll become a MAN
Little did “they” know
I became like a drop of water
In a pool of soldiers
Giving up identities
Losing our roots
Creating an everlasting bond
Running together
Thinking as one
We shipped out as a unit
To the jungles of Vietnam
Heavy survival packs
Weighted down with ammo
We followed orders
Though we didn’t believe
We ate little
We slept little
We had no baths
Why are we here
Go take the mountain
We moved as droplets
Seeing when the water falls
It doesn’t run clear. It runs RED
Mac’s Story – Part Two
I survived the mountain
And others after that
My comrades fell
Running red
I had the chance to love
Producing a beautiful son
Unaccepted by his grandfather
We were sent away
My survival was for him
Our own country turned on us
The caring lady Nan was not deterred
She loved us both
Shunning the scoffers
We opened our lives
Helping other veterans
Looking for no thanks
A vacation to Niagara Falls
One winter season
Went terribly wrong
Red lights shining on water
Sent my mind spinning
To horrible killing fields
I barely survived
I’m sorry. I hate waterfalls
Written in response to Charli Mills April 11, 2022, prompt at Carrot Ranch Literary: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story using the phrase, water falls. Where is the water coming from? How does it shape a story? Who does it involve? Go where the prompt leads!
Scott asked Michael, “Have you had any dealings with the new psych Doc at the VA Clinic?”
“I haven’t, but I’ve heard things. What’s your take?”
“I swear the guy is a robot. Talks in an irritating monotone, shows zero emotion, and it’s hard to connect with him. He sure doesn’t get PTSD.”
“That’s tough. Dr. John is next door at the antique shop, and Mac, Thad, or I are often here if you need a human touch.”
“I’m stuck with the Doc to get my prescriptions, but knowing I can talk to you guys is helpful. Thanks. “
Written in response to Charli Mills March 7, 2022, prompt at Carrot Ranch Literary: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about a robotic writer. Is it an analogy or a battery-operated i-writer? Is it possible? What will happen if robots write? Go where the prompt leads!
The topic of the day at the No Thanks was the farm accident that took the life of Old Ted, a well-liked regular.
“What’s his wife gonna do?”
“There’s a couple hired hands.”
Mac listened to more comments then said, “You fellas could help out. Anybody can feed chickens, clean stalls, and mow the grass.”
The three young vets looked at each other. Scott answered. “Why not? Better than sittin’ here.”
Mac kept his smile to himself, remembering the reality of farm chores. “I’ll take you out tomorrow and introduce you.”
“You think we’ll need boots?” Scott asked, clueless.
Written in response to Charli Mills February 28, 2022, prompt at Carrot Ranch Literary: In 99 words (no more, no less), write about the farm life. Where is the farm and who are the farmers? What are they farming and why? How is the farm life? Go where the prompt leads!
Michael sat in the living room, the cat and dog laying close by. Tessa was away, babysitting. Silence was no longer his enemy. He had come to enjoy having private time to think and pray. “Father, I’d rather be a married man with my own legs instead of metal ones, but I probably wouldn’t have left the service if that were the case. So, thank you. I feel I am right where I belong at this stage of my life. Married to my best friend, a step-dad and grandfather, still singing and happy to be of help to others.”
Note; Due to the new format at Carrot Ranch Literary, this is the end of Michael’s Circle, the serial I have been writing for the past two years. He has come full circle attaining his long desire to be married to his soul mate.
Written in response to Charli Mills February 21, 2022, prompt at Carrot Ranch Literary: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story using the phrase, “I’d rather be…” You fill in what comes next. What would a character(s) rather be doing and why? How can you use the phrase as a literary device? Go where the prompt leads!
At the wedding, Doctor Stelzenmuller said, “Tessa, do you know Michael refused to try the prosthetic legs until he learned about your divorce. Then he acted like a ’49er on his way to the gold rush, racing to become proficient so he could get back home.”
Tessa laughed, embarrassed by the truth. “I’ve heard it was your hounding that made him accept them.”
“My efforts were a small factor. Please come along next time I invite him to D.C. Let my soldiers see that they can accomplish normalcy.”
“I’d love to. It would help me understand his achievements better.”
Note: Doctor Claire Stelzenmuller was Michael’s physical therapist while healing at Walter Reed Hospital. Her patients called her Clarice Alphabet because she didn’t accept no for an answer.
Written in response to Charli Mills January 31, 2022, prompt at Carrot Ranch Literary: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about “the ’49ers.”
Sue Spitulnik 