“The River of Life,” #DoubleEnnead & #Flashfiction

Posted on by Colleen M. Chesebro

This 99-word story prompt from Carrot Ranch will be posted and presented to Sue Vincent on February 17. If you want to be included in this special collection, respond through the form HERE.

The January 28, 2021, Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about life as a river of consciousness. Think about the possibilities of the prompt. Go where the prompt leads!

Respond by February 11, 2021.

dawn reflections shimmer
a blood-red birthing
the new journey meanders in small ripples
searching for a known truth
testing the waters
a small stream traverses
the land, growth is key
consciousness actuates a forward passage
as water rushes fast,
over stones ahead
From the sun's dying light
the darkness succumbs
to the passage of time, the river still flows
in the celebration 
of a life well lived

©2021 Colleen M. Chesebro

The Double Ennead comprises five lines with a syllable count of 6/5/11/6/5, (33 SYLLABLES per stanza) 3 STANZAS EACH = 99 SYLLABLES, NO MORE, NO LESS!

The old gods had stood sentinel over the Grand River for as far back as I could remember. The water that cut through the forest of towering trees emptied into the icy depths of Lake Michigan downstream.

In winter, ice froze her glassy surface. In summer, the quiet drone of insects filled the air as they danced on her waves. Teeming with fish, the crystal waters surged with the pulse of life, never ending in an eternal circle of life and death.

For me, this ancient river had no beginning and no end, only the steadfast current of living.

©2021 Colleen M. Chesebro

32 thoughts on ““The River of Life,” #DoubleEnnead & #Flashfiction”

  1. Wonderful Collen. Your river pictures look like my creek!!
    though the sun sets the other way 😉

    I’ve just posted my piece for the CR special.

    Liked by 2 people

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  6. That is so beautiful, Colleen. A deep reflection on life and the passage of time. I really love your first verse with the blood-red birthing and the ripples testing the waters, searching for truth. But it is all beautiful and so thoughtful.

    Liked by 1 person

      1. Okay. That makes sense. I looked up Cyrillic as I wasn’t sure what it meant and the meaning was no clearer. Now it is. Thank you. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

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