Lyrical Poetry – Rise Above

Rise above the mundane

Can you explain

What sets you apart

And fires your heart

To call you home

To rise up high

As you fly

And soar

On wings you never

Unfurled before

Launching from a destined place

If you face

The climb

The scraped knees

And begging pleas

But if you make the journey

Oh the view

But only you can achieve

So you can see

What you were meant to be

*

Did you ever think you were mundane

Or was there always

The feeling you couldn’t explain

Or express

But you couldn’t suppress

And you could not ignore

This constant calling

For more

Than you had for

What you could sense

Just out of your reach

And no one could say

Or teach

You different from the

Yearning inside

But you would hide

It away and

Refrain

Pretend you were plain

How you longed for the pretend

To end

So you could go

From darkness to light

And be allowed

To burn bright

For that was your path

Though others might laugh

It was your truth

Your right

Born of fire and blood

To be an endless light

Lyric Warm-Up Writing – No Captain Will Save Our Souls

It’s been a while but I think I’m finally starting to get on the other side of this wretched illness. And so today, finally I am inspired to do some a new lyric prompted writing. I do hope you enjoy this story. I think perhaps one day I’d like to write more of it.

No Captain Will Save Our Souls

It was said that a son born of man and mermaid would command the seas and bring back great bounty each voyage. And so many a sailor searched the seas for the beauty beneath the waves.

A mermaid brought from the sea against her will would grow legs if kept from her home for three nights, a mermaid kept from the sea for three turns of the moon would never be able to sink beneath the waves again. And so, mermaids were captured and kept from their homes, they became as mortal women but with a desperate longing for the seas and the family they could never return to.

A son born to a sailor was celebrated. A daughter more often returned to the seas of her mother. She was no mermaid herself and the sea claimed her life.

The mermaids changed. Whereas once they might have fallen in love with a sailor and willingly given their tails for legs, now they would cheerfully drown any sailor who came into their waters.

The hatred in the hearts of the mermaids was passed down and with the aid of their siren sisters, they lured many ships into storms, against jagged rocks, or simply called sailors to jump from the decks.

Time passed and man forgot the stories, but the merfolk never forgot and they never forgave. For each mermaid stolen to land against her will, they would kill a thousand men. For each daughter drowned by a heartless man, they would kill another thousand. They would not be happy until all men had been punished for the wrongs that had been done.

**

Katilea took great pleasure in her task and always had but it changed and became something more when tragedy struck. While it was uncommon for a mermaid to be stolen now from the waters, men could still take their lives. Her sister had been killed by fishermen. They had pulled her body in their nets and then made it into exhibit charging people to come and see the mermaid. From the water, Katilea had watched as the dead body of her sister was poked and prodded by these people for the price of a coin. Some people had been horrified, others they had laughed.

And then on the fourth day, the body had been dumped back into the sea. In life or death, after three nights, a stolen mermaid’s tail would turn to legs. They could make no more money off her so they dumped her.

Katilea had taken the body back to her family. Her anger at the men grown to something dangerous.

“I swear it Kaliewai, each man will be punished. Each of those who laughed at you, who screamed at the sight of you, who made a mockery of your life, they shall be punished. I swear it on the stone of Amana, they will be punished for what has been done to you.”

She rose back to the surface near to the town of the men when her sister was at peace. Fishermen’s boats lined the wooden docks, waiting for the tide to change so they could put out. Katilea did not know which boat had first captured her sister, but they all had a part in her humiliation and so, they would all pay.

They would find the fish gone from where they once caught them. Storms would come for them. And Katilea would lure wicked souls into the depths and cheerfully drown them. They would get what was coming to them. Each and every soul would suffer.

It was what they deserved.

**

“Come, Eren. You have not smiled in a week.”

“And why should I smile, we found and destroyed something wondrous.”

“Are you still going on about that trick? It was just a woman, she probably just washed into our nets.” Berk clipped Eren on the shoulder and pushed him toward the boat. “No time for daydreams now. We sail on the tide.”

“Yes, Uncle,” Eren replied. He obediently followed his uncle onto the boat and began to work on the nets ready for them to released when they were out to sea.

He did not stop thinking about the body of the beautiful woman. He was sure the stories of his grandmother when he had been a boy had spoken of mermaids growing legs if kept on land. He was certain this woman had been a magical creature from the depths and something to be honoured. Instead, against his wishes, his uncle had made her a sideshow, making himself extra coins to show her off.

Eren sighed and leant against the starboard railing of the boat, looking out across the waves where they would soon travel. He glimpsed something in the water, something sitting out of the water. He could have sworn he saw a head, shoulders, a beautiful face but then she vanished beneath the waves.

“They are real,” Eren murmured.

“What was that?”

“Nothing, Uncle.” Eren knew better than to suggest to his uncle that he had seen a mermaid, even though he was certain he had. Perhaps they had come for the body of the beautiful woman when he had returned her to the water. He could not let her stay on land and he had returned her to the sea before his uncle could have her thrown in a nameless grave.

Eren hoped her family had come for her. He had never seen anyone more beautiful in his life. She could be put to rest with her family and mourned properly.

It was what she deserved.

Lyric Warm-Up Writing Day 17 – You don’t see me.

I’m running on a lack of good and restful sleep at the moment so today’s warm up is decidedly shorter than yesterday. And I’m not surprised that Jaidee decided this quote was for her, enjoy!

You don’t see Me

In the centre of the flame, she danced. It was a real flame but bigger than she stood and the heat of it burned nothing around it. Not even her.

She spun, she leapt high and crouched down. The flame followed her, it flickered as she twirled. It was truly magical to watch her dance. And then with a thump of the drums, and her foot, the song ended and the flame went out.

The room was plunged into darkness but not silence, as applause erupted from all. Eyes searched for her in the sudden darkness. Lamps were lit again but the stage was empty.

The infamous bard had vanished in the darkness.

Kelsen was on his feet instantly, alert to any danger. It would be just like Jaidee to get herself into trouble so easily.

“Damn woman attracts it,” Kelsen muttered as he effortlessly navigated the crowd so he could get into the back rooms of the tavern.

Jaidee was being helped to a table in the kitchens by two of the staff. She was pale and barely able to stand up, let alone walk or dance again.”

“For the love of the Ancients, what have you done to yourself, woman?”

“There are many women in here, Kelsen. Perhaps if you used a name one would know to respond.” There was a hint of reprimand in Jaidee’s tone, but only a hint. She was too weak to even tell Kelsen off adequately which only furthered his worry.

“Jaidee, this is not the time. What have you done?”

“I danced.”

“I have seen you dance many times, it never causes this to happen.” Kelsen extracted the bard from her helpers and swung her up into his arms.

“You almost sound worried.”

“Almost? And here I thought I was clear, foolish woman. You should not have done the flame dance for these people.” The dance was also known as the Dance of the Dragon Queens and it was forbidden in their realm.

“Who said I did it for them?” Jaidee replied.

“What do you mean?”

Silence greeted Kelsen’s question, Jaidee had fainted. He let out a frustrated sigh, almost glaring at her. But he held her gently as he carried her from the tavern and when they were out of sight of any curious eyes, he ported them back to her forest home.

He lay her down on her bed and looked down at her. She risked too much and for no purpose. Those people did not even realise the great gift they had witnessed. Why had it weakened her so much? Why was her power so depleted?

When she woke, she would explain, even if he had to extract it from her. Thankfully, his means of convincing her to be truthful with him would be pleasurable for them both.

Peggy Restored – Moving Forward

Fan Fiction set after Captain America – Civil War and After Peggy Restored

 

 

“You kissed my niece?”

Peggy stood with her arms crossed over her chest, and though she stood far shorter than Steve she seemed to dwarf him in her anger.

“I…I panicked. I didn’t know what else to do.” Steve was a fairly pale man but all colour fled from his face as he stood before Peggy. He wasn’t sure he had ever seen her more furious. Not even that time she had shot at him and his shield.

“So you decided the best thing to do was to kiss my niece?”

“I didn’t want to blow my cover. Your cover. It was a dumb choice, I didn’t mean to make you jealous, Peg.”

“Jealous? Jealous! Steven Grant Rogers, this is not about me not liking you kissing another woman. This has everything to do with you giving hope to a girl who has been half in love with the concept of you since she was four years old.”

Steve opened his mouth and closed it again. It was clear he hadn’t thought of that. Peggy moved her hands to her hips and was about to open her mouth again but there was a movement in the doorway that drew her attention.

“That. That…you’re…but…what…”

“Hello, James.” Peggy’s ire melted away as she moved to embrace her old friend.

Bucky’s confusion was heightened because this was not the first time he had seen her this year. He had snuck in to see her when his memory was returning, and he had been so distraught to find hers failing.

“Peggy. But…” He shook his head. “I shouldn’t be surprised but…

“But you are surprised. It seems we three are very hard to kill. In my case, Tony and Vision would not accept my passing. But given the method, well, it has been a very well-guarded secret what happened.”

“Tony?” Bucky shot Steve a look that spoke volumes.

“He won’t betray her. Neither will Vision.”

“Are you sure?”

Peggy nodded, “They will not betray me. Tony is doing what he must for more than the obvious reasons, though I cannot excuse what happened on your last encounter, or a number of other things that have transpired.”

“I’ll reach out, Peg. See if I can’t make peace. For your sake as much as anything,” Steve offered and watched as Peggy’s attitude towards him softened.

“Thank you, Steve.” Peggy moved back to Steve and he took her into his arms.

Bucky getting a goofy grin as Peggy pulled Steve down to kiss her.

The three moved to the couch to talk. They discussed how the rescue mission had gone, Peggy had been at the lead of it, as much as Steve had tried to argue against it. Then Steve explained about Bucky’s plan in Wakanda with the aid of T’Challa.

“I might have an idea that could help, James.” Peggy never called him Bucky like the rest, or rarely, and Bucky never seemed to mind. “I think it might help, a twofer as they say.”

Peggy got a smile on her face that both men still recognised.

“Peggy?”

“Let me talk to her first, just in case the answer is no but given how it might help both sides, I have faith. I wouldn’t want to get your hopes up, though.”

Bucky nodded and smiled. He had no idea what she was talking about.

It seemed strange to have the three of them together again after so many years. To look at them you would think only a few years had passed but by their eyes, you could see the truth of all that had happened since the last time they had been together.

It had been two nights before the tragic train fight. They had been working alongside the resistance and had spent the afternoon getting a dozen children to a waiting plane that had winged them to freedom. The three friends had withdrawn from the rest of the commandos to enjoy a bottle of bourbon. Steve and Bucky could barely get tipsy any longer but there was comfort in taking the drink, Peggy had barely touched the bottle. She had not really liked the taste then.

Still, they were happy to drink together in the blacked-out room, taking a breather from the intensity of war. Steve and Peggy were known to be sweethearts and Bucky had spent much of the evening teasing. Steve had looked downright murderous when Bucky had asked Peggy to dance. Peggy had smacked Bucky up the back of his head and then kissed Steve. There had been so much laughter that night. The next time Peggy had been alone with Steve there had been no laughter, no teasing. Bucky’s death had changed Steve, but it did bring him and Peggy even closer together.

Now they all had second chances. With complications. They were outlaws. A modern day Robin Hood with his Marion and his Merry Men. Bucky had his complications from his time as the Winter Soldier. And Peggy had her own complications from the Infinity Stones that had restored her.

But they were together and on the same side once more.

“You two should spend the night and leave for Wakanda in the morning. I should be able to follow within a day.” Peggy leant her head against Steve’s shoulder.

“Peg, I have to ask. Will you tell Sharon the truth?”

“Not yet. It puts her in too much danger. When this fall out from the accords has come to a resolution and order has been restored, then I will tell her. Though it pains me to keep it from her.”

“And what about Tony?” Bucky asked. He was sitting sideways on his chair letting his arm drape down the side, out of sight. “Are you sure Tony can be trusted to keep your secret safe?”

“Though neither of you were around to see Tony and I, there is a strong bond that is very different from what I had with Howard. I was Tony’s Godmother and he can be trusted with this. Even if he is lost in hatred and grief. He can be trusted.”

Peggy was worried about Tony. His PTDS seemed to have worsened and she worried how bad it would become now he knew about his parents. She would have to hope he could forgive her for her part in the deception, they simply believed it was better that he did not know. It was above his clearance and could do him no good. She could only hope that he would keep her faith but she was concerned, no matter what she said to Steve and Bucky.

Of Vision, she had no concerns. He was where he had to be. And the part of him that was Edwin would never betray her.

The two men were appeased by her assurances and soon all were ready to retire for the night. Bucky hugged Peggy, his one good arm around her so tight it felt as strong as his other arm. He saluted Steve and then wandered off to find a guest room to claim as his own.

Steve followed Peggy to her bedroom. Though there was still plenty to talk about, neither were keen to talk. They chose instead to be in each other’s arms with nothing of the world to distract them from each other.

They both knew all too well how precious these moments were.

 

Lyric Warm-Up Writing Day 13 -You ain’t got the right.

So after a week away on holidays at the beach, I’m back. And straight back into the writing. Kelly Clarkson has always inspired a few characters, and it seems that hasn’t changed. So take a step back into the days of prohibition and pearls, and enjoy.

You ain’t got the right

The lights dimmed as John Baron’s best girl took to the stage again. The beauty Eva Delacroix wore green that night and there was something different about her. All the regulars saw it as her small hand wrapped around the microphone. Her shoulders were pulled back and her head was up. None of the shy wilting flower who always stood singing to the carpet just beyond the edge of the club’s stage.

This speakeasy belonged to a small player in the business, having just come from London, who was getting bigger by the day. His business methods were brutal, and that reflected in other aspects of his life.

Eva was the latest in a line of woman that John Baron had picked to be girlfriend, lover, mistress. Often there were more than one.

John had not noticed the change in the singer. He was too busy plotting against a competitor, one Charlie Cassano.

What he did not know, was that Charlie had been plotting too. Not for the same reasons.

Eva began to sing, her voice sultry as she crooned. Tonight there was more power in her voice than there had ever been before.  Tonight she performed like never before.

A final performance deserved that.

You ain’t got the right to tell me

When and where to go, no right to tell me

Acting like you own me lately

Yeah, baby, you don’t know a thing about me

 

John did not hear any of the words of the song, and he would have scoffed at the words himself, as many of them might have had they been paying attention to the lyrics and not just the singer.

Eva finished her song and looked out into the crowd. She knew where John would be, she could not make out if he watched or not, it was of no consequence.

Eva felt a flutter in her stomach as she curtseyed for the applause. It was not stage fright, though she got that every night, tonight it was something different. Tonight was different.

She smoothed the borrowed dress down as she straightened and again and gave a little wave to the audience. She left the stage and walked down out the back but instead of heading for John’s office she simply walked out the back door to the car that was waiting.

“Evening, ma’am.” The man tipped his hat and opened the back door and Eva climbed in.

She was immediately enveloped in a hug as a small figure launched at her. “It went smoothly?”

“I doubt he shall know I am missing for some time,” Eva replied. “Thank you, Georgie.”

“It is our pleasure, doll.” Georgie grinned at it was so warm and sincere. She leant over as the man who had opened the door got in the car. She tapped him on the shoulder and he turned back to look at her with an amused look.

“Yes, miss?”

“Home, Dixon. And make it snappy.”

“Right away, your highness.”

Eva had met Georgie while she was shopping for a new hat. The girl had noticed faded bruises on her arm, the shape of fingertips that had squeezed flesh too hard. Georgie had not liked it and had not let Eva leave the shop without knowing everything. The girl’s kindness had been welcome to a country girl in the big city who had been taken advantage of for her beauty and talent since she had come to find her fame.

Georgie, it turned out, danced for one of John’s worst enemies, Charlie Cassano. And Charlie was only too happy to help Georgie out with her rescue plan for two reasons. The first, Charlie would do anything to spoil John’s day, and second, Charlie had a code about women and children and he would not leave Eva to be abused.

As the car started and pulled out of the alleyway, Eva looked back at the building. With any luck she would not step foot in the place again, nor would she ever have to lay eyes on John Baron again. Most likely she would return home with her tail between her legs and admit that her parents had been right about her dreams. She did not wish to stay and cause more trouble for Charlie when he had helped save her.

“You’re going to love it with us,” Georgie said, drawing Eva’s attention back to her.

“I do not think I will be staying once I have worked off my debt to your boss. And I will never be able to thank you for aiding me. It was so fortuitous meeting you.”

“Els would say that all things happen as they are meant to, I was meant to be there that day,” Georgie had Eva’s hand in her own now. “And for it, you are meant to be coming home with me tonight. And you don’t have any debt to work off to Charlie. I’d box his ears if he forced you to work.”

“He would not have to force me. I will earn my keep and earn my bus ticket home,” Eva nodded. She had already thought about this on the sleepless nights since Georgie had come to her with her plan. She would earn her way back home. If events led to her staying then so be it, but she would be prepared to get her way home and she had the skills to earn her way. Though she would prefer not to sing and from what Eva had heard, Charlie had a singer that few compared to. Eva could dance, and she could work the floor like she had done before John had picked her.

“Charlie will be okay with that, and you’re so pretty I bet you’ll be second only to Els. But you won’t resent her for being top dog, no one ever does. You’ll understand when you meet her, she’s something special and she’s basically my best friend. That’s her dress you’re wearing. I knew it would look great on her. She often wears green, she says an old friend loved green and loved the green on her. They were almost like sisters. I think she’s dead but Els doesn’t talk about her past much.”

Eva smiled as the bubbly girl kept talking. It was endearing. Eva did not have a lot to say or any comment to make about this Els. And she definitely had no plans to try and become Charlie’s top girl. Not at all. Eva was quite happy to just be part of the background for a while. To be unnoticed by all.

But the fates do not care for what we think should happen. They have their own plans.

And as Eva was escorted toward Charlie Cassano’s office and laid eyes on the man standing with the woman in an almost matching green dress, she suddenly wished for nothing more than to be noticed.

Her very soul called out for this man to turn and look at her and see her.

But the fates do not care for what we think should happen. Eva was escorted into Charlie’s office and the man never looked her way.