Ligo Haibun Challenge

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Hi Friends,

The Ligo Haibun Challenge is back. Our last challenge was held on the 29th of April. We sincerely apologize for the delay in getting back to you.

We have two choices for you this week. You may choose either one of those mentioned below.

Bells

or

Strike while the iron is hot – Chaucer

Here are the rules:

  • The haiku/collection of haiku related to the text to close. The haiku should be as authentic as possible, with therefore no syllable count, no capitals or full stop, all ideally making 220 word max.
  • Wear the Ligo badge to the right with pride on your blog! And pin the Circle of Appreciation to your blog if you haibun is selected as an honourable mention!
  • Prizes are given on special occasions

After you are done, do add your haibun to the link collection below.

The special mentions for the Ligo Haibun challenge held on 29th April are:

Sarah Ann Hall: A writer’s struggle and anticipation brought out so well in a few words. All of us can empathize with this haibun.

Peripatetic Eric: The writer brings each scene alive as you travel with the character. The haiku are brilliant.

KZ: Obstinacy is a gift, especially if you are all geared to achieve the impossible. An inspiring haibun that will lift your spirits.

Aesop Clerk: Aesop Clerk presents his knowledge and unique thoughts on foolery. The narrative concludes with an interesting haiku.

ligo-challenge_logo

Unrest (Part 3) – Friday Fictioneers

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Copyright - Sarah Ann Hall

Copyright – Sarah Ann Hall

This short story was written for Rochelle’s Friday Fictioneers. It is a continuation of my previous two stories. You can find Part 1 and Part 2 here.

The doctor waited in the bushes to meet Sal. Nobody knew Sal’s full name. He knew all the happenings in both the enemy camps.

“Did you give those fake pills to Mary?” Sal asked.

“Yes.” said Tony.

“We learnt that Mary’s husband wants to go back to her. He is too valuable a soldier to lose.” said Sal. He outlined their plan for a few more minutes before walking away.

Tony stood there, looking at him. He had betrayed the government and turned to the rebels for the safety of his family. But, he could not be untrue to his profession. He had given Mary the required pills to cure infection.

Mary looked at those tablets. She had made a quick decision while hurrying from Tony’s bunker. She had thrown away the pills given by him. Her heart condition, which she had kept from everybody else, was getting worse. She could not imagine the plight of her children left to the enemy’s mercy.

With both her children dead, it was her turn now. She chewed the sweet pill.

Unrest (Part 2) – Picture it & Write

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ermilia_pic&write

Friends, This story is a continuation of my previous story with the same title. This was written for Ermilia’s Picture it & Write.

Mary fell down as she limped ahead. But, she gathered herself and walked to the doctor’s bunker. The doctor opened his eyes to the sound of footsteps and touched the gun beneath his pillow. He identified Mary’s voice when she called out to him.

“Why have you come here?” he asked her, looking around.

“My son is very ill, Tony. You have got to help me.”

Tony disappeared into the bunker after he listened to the symptoms. He examined some tablets in the dim torch light.

“He is to take one tablet thrice a day.” He thrust the tablets into her hand. “I will drop in as soon as possible. Now hurry.”

Mary’s legs hurt as she tried to move fast. She heaved a sigh of relief as she reached her bunker.

Her son, Rod, felt the tablets. They were soft and spongy. He chewed one as Mary fetched the water.

“It tastes so good. I don’t need water.” he mumbled.

After two minutes, Rod fell down, dead.

Unrest (Part 1) – Alastair’s Photo Fiction

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alastair photo fiction

Mary walked stealthily, her legs throbbing with pain. Yet, this was the right time. She had to reach for the doctor before dawn.  Her children were sleeping in the underground bunker, her youngest still very sick. They had taken to underground bunkers from the time when civil unrest plunged their country into chaos. Her husband was with the opposing ideologists. She heard that he had married someone else now and was living a life of opulence. But, she refused to deviate from her support of the overthrown government.

Mary clutched her heart as a bullet flew, narrowly missing her. It was probably her husband or one of the rebels, she thought wretchedly. She looked at the sky, fearfully. The dawn was breaking through. She hurried to the doctor’s bunker, limping.

This was written for Alastair’s Photo Fiction.

Friday Fictioneers – In the Bar

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icon-grill-ted-strutz

“They have given me a week’s notice.” said Ronnie.

“For what?” asked Mike.

“To find a new job.” said Ronnie. “I fell asleep during the teleconference yesterday. They found out that I have been sleeping for the whole week.”

“Of course, they would notice. Why don’t you give up drinking altogether, man?” asked Mike.

There was a buzz near the bar. The bartender, after vigorously shaking the cocktail, spilled a considerable portion on the customer. There were curses all around.

Ronnie quickly walked over to him. “They lose their taste with shaking. This is how you do it.” He mixed the ingredients in perfect portions and stirred them gently. “Done in 30 seconds. There!”

Customers murmured appreciatively, while throwing tips at him. Ronnie looked up, embarrassed, to see Mike showing him the victory sign.

Thanks to Rochelle for hosting Friday Fictioneers and Ted for the photo.

Fantasy Animal

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Pegasus-Unicorn-fantasy-animal

A poet watches from afar

as a woman in white flowing gown

transforms into a graceful Pegasus

taking to the sky with abandon,

hair entangled in spongy clouds

taking them with her

birds calling to this fantasy animal

who swoops down into a glowing lake

drinking honeyed water

and standing still

for a chat with the golden unicorn

in the midst of the lake

Picture it & Write – Plastic Loops

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baby-and-fruit-loops

 

“Anita” called Tony

“Tony! You are early today”

“Yep. Where is the baby?”

“He was in the dining room, playing with those plastic fruit loops you got yesterday.” said Anita

“What! The loops are not meant for… wanted to test them in my lab.. Why did you take them out of the bag?” screamed Tony, running to the dining room.

The baby was nowhere to be seen.

“I put the fruit loops in the bowl” said a bewildered Anita “Where is the baby?”

“He is gone.” said Tony, his face ashen.

Written for Ermilia’s Picture it & Write.