Dark Past – Flash Fiction

Posted byChristine BoltonPosted inBlog, Flash FictionTags:, , ,

Dark Past

Her honey-colored hair reminded him of the late afternoon sun when he had first seen her.  She was standing at the lakeshore looking across, as if searching for something or someone.  He had often caught glimpses of her in the long shadows, always looking out at the water.  She was a visitor, not a local, he was sure of that.  He found himself timing his schedule to coincide with her afternoon walks just so he could see her again. His interest in her was almost becoming an obsession.

Attracted to the mystery surrounding her he felt those old familiar urges stirring in his body.  Resurfacing from that dark, cold place he had vacated long ago.  It frightened him.  He could still hear his therapist’s voice in his head, “Remember Robert, for beauty is nothing but the beginning of terror, for the other person     

Copyright © 2023 Christine Bolton - Poetry for Healing
All Rights Reserved

Mish is hosting Prosery Monday at D'Verse Poets.  Her prompt tonight is:

The line I have chosen for you to include in your prose is from the poem, “The First Elegy”, Duinos Elegies by Rainer Maria Rilke. You can find the entire poem here.

"For beauty is nothing but the beginning of terror.”

Prosery is a piece of flash fiction consisting of no more than 144 words total excluding the title.  The piece should include the prompt line from Mish's chosen poem

Published by Christine Bolton

I have been writing poetry since I was a child and it has helped in the good times and bad times. I am always looking within to find the answers to life's problems and to write thought-provoking poetry and prose. Thanks for checking it out. Christine

25 thoughts on “Dark Past – Flash Fiction”

  1. Oh, Christine, you followed a dark tilt on this one. They say an addict is never cured, only in recovery… I pray he resists those old urges!

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  4. The prompt line was perfect for venturing into the dark, Christine, and I love the way you moved from the sublime to the scary, without spelling it out.

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    1. Hi Kim , I thought I had answered this lovely comment of yours. But I might’ve missed it. So sorry and thank you. ☺️💕

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  5. Ooooo! I hope she leaves town before it’s too late. I have a feeling he won’t be able to resist. I like the way you continued the prompt line.

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  9. Your prose skillfully explores the complexities of human emotions and the entanglement of past and present, making it a compelling and evocative piece. Captivating work! 🌄🌊🖋️

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