Shot! :: Pick Me Up

What treasures will you find if you delve deep, deep into your family’s storeroom? Or stalk around your family’s attic? Surely dust will fly around like haze, blocking your sight ahead. Surely the different smells will rise like the result of a failed chemical experiment, warning you that something ugly might be lurking around. Being the brave person you are, you still continue to explore with the hope of finding something unique to keep.

There on the floor was an opened photo album, probably from half a century ago filled with interesting old pictures with fascinating stories behind them. There on a rotting shelf was a rather heavy metal box, and as you opened the lid you saw a handful of trading cards probably belonged to your father. And there beside a large mirror was a chest, inside it a huge collection of clothing. Despite the dust, you tried something on and it fits you just perfectly!

But what will you keep? What will you take back? There’s just too much your little body could take. Even if you were able to take all, nothing would be left to explore another day. As you pondered about, you hear something. It scared you at first, but you realised that the voice was speaking directly to your heart.

Pick me up! Pick me up!

You turned around towards where the voice was coming from, and saw a guitar. You remember this guitar. You remember it so well, that your heart skipped a beat as you glanced over its filthy body and strings. It was your guitar, a guitar that had been your company in the past. You never seemed to realise that it has been forgotten, and was left here in the dark. What kind of memories have you made with this guitar? You picked it up, smiled, and decided to take it back to reconcile with its melodies. Perhaps it will help you remember.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: In our life, many things come our way. Sometimes they are kept close with us always, and at times some are locked away to be forgotten. And some may have been thrown away, never to be retrieved again. This doesn’t apply to items or stuffs we have, but also our memories. If you delve deep into your heart, what kind of treasured memories will you find?

I didn’t really like the ending of this, but I don’t know what change to make. Oh well, hope you enjoyed it. The picture is taken by one of friends Rafi, and his other works can be browsed at the following link: [ http://www.flickr.com/photos/muraw/ ]. Thank you Rafi for letting me use this picture, and I hope I can borrow more later. Haha, until next time, take care readers!

Poetic :: Puzzle Dearest

To my dearest Puzzle,
who is ever so mysterious,
and ever so inviting,
I present to you a bouquet of warmth,
and a series of gratitude.

To my dearest Puzzle,
whose presence is a morning glory,
whose smile seems an eternity,
whose convictions are steel,
whose words are alluring and funny;
I ponder,
in what light
does your eyes cast upon me?

Then came times when there was doubt,
came times when there was confusion,
but you always came at the precise moment,
and melted my heart,
making me think,
making me feel,
making me wonder,
for you are a mysterious Puzzle,
whom I'd like to call
my companion,
my beloved,
my dearest.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: A special dedication. It's been a while since I wrote something, especially poems. Trying my best to achieve the best. Thank you for reading! Take care... ^^

Singular Sizzle :: Urban Legend (#1)

Rumour has it that an urban legend lurks around the peaceful Pinnacle Town. It is said that it would all begin when someone receives an unknown number, and decides to call it. Of course, I never knew about this urban legend until it occurred to me one fine day.

That evening could have been the busiest moment of my life. A dance was going to be held on Saturday at the school’s main hall, and I had volunteered to help set the place up. Let me remind you, I am not a very hardworking person. The real reason behind me wanting to help up was just so I could be with Diana that evening and eventually ask her out to the dance.

I never imagined working to get a place ready was hectic. Huge banners needed to be hung up, fancy decorations needed to be placed in order, while the tables and chairs had to be carried from the classrooms to the hall. Many had shown up to lend a hand, so the place was quite full with movements and chatters. As I was bringing some chairs inside the hall, my eyes darted around in search for Diana. She was one of the head committees for the event, so she was supposed to be there to make sure everything runs smoothly. Since there were quite a number of people inside the hall, I did not manage to find her.

Disappointed, I slumped the chairs I was carrying into a corner with a huge sigh. As I lazily set the chairs apart, a tap on the shoulder made me turn around. “What’s with the long face Danny?” a girl’s voice greeted me. It was Diana! My heart skipped a beat. Was this fate? I had almost given up on meeting her today and planned to continue my volunteer work half-heartedly. With her suddenly approaching me like that, I got energetic and hardworking again.

“Wow, aren’t you a hardworking guy?” Diana said with a chuckle. Diana had just transferred to my school recently, and she turned out to be the person sitting in front of me in class. So far she has been a very friendly person to everyone. Her short dark hair and those sparkling blue eyes were what made me attracted to her. I began to leave my chair arranging work aside and began to chat with her for a while.

“I’ll see you around then. Work hard!” she waved goodbye when a teacher had called her up to the office. I waved back, grinning as I watched her disappear among the crowded hall. My heart fluttered with content and happiness. This feeling did not last though, since I had forgotten my main purpose of wanting to meet her today. I did not meet her again that day as I continued my work slowly with a frown.

Evening grew late, so the volunteers were allowed to go home. I looked out one more time for Diana before I decided to go back home with frustration. It was a pretty long walk between my house and the school. I usually take up only 15 minutes to get home, but since my pace was rather slow that day the sun was already beginning to set when I reached my house. A cold wind swept by as I opened the gate.

“Mom and dad should be home already,” I murmured as I slid in the key to the door. As I was about to enter the house, I noticed that something was in my uniform’s pocket. Curious, I rummaged my hand inside it. To my surprise, I fished out a piece of paper that was folded neatly. What could it possibly be?

After greeting my parents, I rushed towards my room and started to unfold the paper. Nothing was written on it except for an unknown phone number. I thought this was weird, since I could not remember anyone that could have placed the note inside my pocket without me noticing. At that moment, optimism hit me. Could it be that Diana had given her number to me silently? To be honest, I was not really paying any attention to her actions when we were chatting earlier as I was totally mesmerized by her beauty. I could not even remember what we had talked about.

Without any second thoughts, I dialled the number. My heart raced faster when there was ringing, and I was determined to ask her to the dance this time. When someone picked up, I held my breath. “Hello?” I stammered. There was no reply. “Hello? Who is this?” I said again, but I could only hear silence at the other end. It was rather scary not hearing anything at all, not even breathing. Then, the other end hung up. That’s when things start to get creepier.

As I was heading down for dinner feeling confused over the matter, I could not help getting the hunch that someone was following me from behind. When I turned around, I could only see an empty staircase. During dinner, the lights in the kitchen seemed to flicker crazily for one moment and remained entirely calm the next. My parents took no serious concern over the matter, saying that the house was old and that my dad needed to call the electrician tomorrow. When I headed back to my room after that, I again felt that someone was following me from behind and this time I seem to hear an irregular breathing. Without checking this time, I quickly dashed to my room and locked the door.

For some reason, it was a really silent night. As I was lying there on my bed, I could only hear the sound of the clock and the sound of my heartbeat. It was beating in an irregular manner now. Nothing weird was happening at that moment, but I was still feeling very scared of what had just happened. I thought that the night was still early. When my eyes glanced at the clock, I was very surprised to see that it was almost midnight.

Then, it happened. Just when the clock struck midnight, all the lights went out. I gave a soft yelp of surprise and froze. As I was adjusting to the darkness, I noticed that the lights at my neighbour’s house were also out. There must be a power outage within the area. Finally after I few seconds, my eyes could see the surrounding much more clearly. Then I noticed something weird was moving around on my side.

I held my breath and took a look. It was something black, and it looked like a hand. A hand was creeping itself up on my right arm! I turned my face around, with my heart almost bursting inside. What was that thing? My question was answered when a cold and shrill voice was whispered into my right ear. It goes; “You called me? You called me right? You called?”

I was so scared and surprised that my voice was stuck in my throat. That thing was from the number that I called earlier. That must be it. It must have come because I called it. I never once turned around to see who or what was whispering in my ears. The thing kept whispering and rubbing my arm for a while, when it all stopped when the lights went on again.

I breathed really hard. My eyes were hurt by the sudden blindness. I turned to my side. Nothing was there. Was it still there? Will it come back? I could never know for sure, but one thing is for certain. I could not sleep the rest of the night.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: It's been a while! A piece written on behalf of Kikuri's request. Getting some urge on understanding more urban legends out there. If you have avy good ones, do tell me okay? Take care now!^^

Singular Sizzle:: Dreams

Can I make a request to the Dream-maker tonight? The lights were out. The stars were not glowing, and the moon was not its usual self. No music were coming from the mysterious garden below, no whispers were coming from the unseen above. Then I shall ask for a dream, for humans must have dreams. For dreams is what builds us into a better person. Can I?

O’ Dream-maker, can you give me a dream? I want to be a hero that saves this world from whatever is conquering it. Provide me with a weapon and a shield, and then put me where it is most dangerous. Do not yet end my dream so quickly, for a hero must not see his end when a different end is still far away. I shall dice and slice all evil, and taste sweet victory as a new dawn arises. I will be a person with pride and strength the next day. Can you?

But wait, I see a boy smiling in his slumber. What is this, Dream-maker? It seems the boy had a more interesting dream. Give me that one instead. I want to be a gentleman that craves for the love of his heart. We are separated by rigorous mountains and vicious seas and extreme thoughts. Make it look almost impossible for us to be together. But make me then, the one to traverse such harsh troubles with a body strengthened by love. By the time I meet her I shall grasp her in my arms, and bring her away to a place where separation only comes when I must return to where I belong. I will be a person filled with love and determination the next day. Can you?

I must get going, but what are these sobs I’m hearing? Dream-maker, a teenage girl is crying with a smile and with her eyes closed. Perhaps it is something good from you. Give me that one instead. I want to be a young maiden in a small room, living with parents who work hard for me. Hunger is my friend by day, and cold is my blanket by night. Fill me with hope, for I am doing my best to change what can be changed. When the turning points finally come, I shall shed tears of joy and hug those who have shared them with me. I shall shed tears of joy and embrace those who have helped me thus far. I have succeeded! I have succeeded! May my shouts does not wake me. But if I do, then I will be a person filled with patience and hard work the next day. Can you?

Silly me, the hours are etching. I must have my dream now. Yet, I am distracted by a man’s laughter. Have I not make up my mind still? I think this is fun, Dream-maker. Give me that one instead. I want to be a man, whose life is dedicated to his arts and to his wife. The stories I write shall amuse the passing citizens. The poems I construct shall quiver even the hearts of kings. My name will rise from one region to another, and let there not be jealousy but inspiration. As dusk drew nearer, make me meet my wife standing by our door. A kiss will be given. A tale shall be told. We would laugh at each other; listening to things we call living. Let it end with us going to bed, only to find myself up with reality. I will be a person filled with dedication and responsibilities the next day. Can you?

I guess that shall be it? No, I think it is not just yet. O’ Dream-maker, you are showing me a woman who is talking in her sleep. I hear her tone, and noticed that it is a tone of contentment. This must be the peak. Give me that one instead. I want to be a mother of two with another one almost coming. Paint a scene of a clean house where I could see the husband sitting on his favourite chair with the children surrounding. “Papa is going to tell you a story, a story about a happy family.” They would listen. I would listen. And I think he is telling a story based on a true event, a story about us. “I think, this is a happy family for me.” Please do not make the dream so clear, for I wish to explore its meaning on my own. Just make me retain that feeling, that I will be a person filled with happiness and satisfaction the next day. Can you?

My nights are left with just a quarter, can I still dream? There is a last something I must recognize, Dream-maker. This person of an elderly state is dreaming with a face of wrinkles and peace. The breathing is slow, yet it sounds alive. Give me that one instead. I want to be an old person, pondering by itself upon the tiny sandy beach which connects with the wide bustling ocean. The stars are bright and the moon is beaming. Make the tunes of nature available; for I shall want to stay there just a little while longer. Make the adventures of humans tail me; for I shall want to see what road have I taken along the way. No, there will be no space for regrets. What done is done, and I’ve done my best. As the last siren from the jetty makes its call, I’m at completion to head on to another adventure. I always know I am not alone; there are things that will follow me then. When the siren ends, let the dream ends as well. I will be a person filled with harmony the next day. Can you?

That is all I think in my request to you, Dream-maker. Let me lay down my head, and I will let you weave your magic. I shall have my sleep and I shall have my dream. I wish away from nightmares and I wish away from night bugs. Without moving an inch, I am drifting away towards my dream...
Cock-a-doodle-doo!

What? The cock has already given the signal. I did not get my dream, for dawn had come. Then what am I today?

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Indulge in my assignment for the subject EDC1206 (Introduction to Literature)! I've sent this as a short story, but madam said it's better as a poem. Haha, anyway...I'm quite satisfied with this piece. Hope the issue in this story can be understood. Enjoy and take care readers! ^^

Dwane VS The Enigma: #9

The person that had knocked over Mr Oliver stumbled towards the carpeted floor of the dining hall. It was a figure of a small boy, and Dwane realised it was the same kid that had bumped into him earlier that day. The boy was now rubbing his head in a rough manner and cried, "Ouch, that's the third time today." As he did this, he remained seated on the floor and stared at all the guests in he dining hall that was looking at him intently. The boy blushed.

"What are you doing running around for Joshua?" an angry voice of Mr Oliver cackled from the doorway. Joshua gulped at this, making an apolegetic glance at the cartaker of the hotel. "You should've known better not to run or skip or skid inside this hotel," Mr Oliver's lecture continues as he picked up Joshua from his back collar, like a stray kittten. Joshua tried to break free, but to no avail. "It was good enough of me for letting you stay here boy."

Dwane did not approve of this action of Mr Oliver. He stood up and said politely, "Mr Oliver, I think he has learned his lesson. Maybe you shold let him go, he looks like he's being strangled." Sara also gave a warm look at Mr Oliver and nodded in agreement with what Dwane had said. Staring at his guests, Mr Oliver let go of Joshua. As soon as his foot was on the ground, he quickly made a dash away from the angry old man. Mr Oliver huffed. "Well, where are your manners Joshua? Introduce yourself to our guests," he urged the boy.

Joshua stood still in front of everyone in that hall before giving a bow. "My name is Joshua," he exclaimed in a cheery voice. "I used to live here in this island, and I really like it here. So, I help out once in a while here in the hotel. I am in your care everyone." As he faced forward again, he received a lot of warm smile from the guests and he blushed again.

When everything was in order, someone came into the dining hall with his hand holding his back. It was Ray! "There you are," Dwane exclaimed. "What happened to you?" Ray gave an irritated look. "A kid knocked me down at the stairs, and I think I hurt my back," he answered. The hall then was filled with laughter. Josha blushed even more.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: It's still early, but I think the story is going somewhere. May guidance come in its best form. Thank you for reading. Take care!

Shot! (special):: Then, They Went Far

The cool breeze of air swept past my cheek, sending shivers down my body. The clouds showed signs that it was about to rain, yet I still remained where I was. Trying to keep warm, I shoved both of my hands into my pockets. I glanced around at my surrounding. One hour had passed since I stood there.

From a distance, I could hear the growls of thunders. From afar, I could catch a few glimpse of flashing lightning. As I continued standing there, drizzles of light rain had fallen on my body. It was chilly. I wanted to find shelter, but my body won’t respond as if time had stopped. Did time really stop? No. Five minutes had passed.

Help, I have probably gone insane! But was there still anyone there among the rain, which could hear my voice? Was there still anyone there, who could pull me back to where I am supposed to be? The rain grew heavier, like piercing ice. Yet despite the pain, despite the agony; nothing changed. I continued to remain there. Seconds passed by.

Deep within my thoughts, I knew. Time really flew by quickly, and it shall never turn back. It was then I realised, they went far away from my grasp. They shall never see me cry as I stood there under the pouring rain. Time goes on.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: People continue to meet with the risk of being apart. Time shall tell when I will meet them again face to face. Perhaps at that moment; we’ve reached the peak. Goodbye Anisah. Goodbye Hajar. Goodbye Hana. Goodbye Odi. Goodbye Amirah. Goodbye Dzaf. Goodbye Zatil. Goodbye Bee. Goodbye Lala. Goodbye Fafa. Goodbye Hani. Goodbye Tasha. Goodbye Sya. Goodbye Dayah. Goodbye Moon. Goodbye Farah.

Zero Degrees: Thirteen

"T...Test of Hearts?" stammered Dill. Blaine who was behind gave a chuckle, went near large tree and sat down. He looked at Dill intently. "Didn't I tell you," he said with a smile. "The path splits here, and one must make a choice in which path to choose. You will choose the easiest path if you have a strong 'determination' in your heart." As Blaine finished explaining this, he stretched his arms and laid his back on the tree. Dill did not understand any of Blaine's actions. "If we have to choose, then why are you relaxing there? Shouldn't we focus or something?"

The elderly pixie twirled itself across Dill's face, looking intently at Blaine who began to sit down comfortably on a large root. Blaine yawned and drew a smile on his face. "Listen Dill. I've been to forests such as these countless of times," he said cheerfuly. "This time, I'll leave all the decision up to you. Perhaps I can also see how strong is your heart's determination." Dill listened to this with mixed feelings. He didn't know what Blaine meant by saying that, and he was certaily feeling some sort of heavy burden weighing on his back. What if my choice is not right? What if I pull both of us into more trouble?

"Dill!" Blaine's voice snapped Dill from his thoughts. "I'll go along with you no matter what the path is," he said with a grin. The elderly pixie who had been watching this whole time tapped it's tiny hands on Dill's shoulder, and said, "Your friend trusts in you young man. Make your choice calmly, and show your determination." Hearing this, Dill began to relax. He then turned his sights upon the many forked roads that lay ahead.

"Right," he whispered to himself. "Here goes." Dill began to close his eyes slowly. He began to recall that in the past, an old man had taught him that determination comes from the heart. The Test of Hearts. Breathe in, breathe out. I am determined to head to Rhodean Town. I am determined to find more of the Script. I am determined, to follow my mother's will even if it will cost me my life! Despite having his eyes closed, Dill could see a faint light in front of him. It was on the left, very far off to the left. "It's there!" he exclaimed as he opened his eyes, and pointed towards the direction where he saw the light. A dirt road was there, stretching deeper into the forest.

Blaine began to get up, and laughed heartily. "Thus our adventures will continue on that road," he said. Dill looked at him and gave a smile of satisfaction.

*************************************************

It had almost been an hour since Blaine and Dill left the fairies at their place. All of the fairies were singing excitedly, when all of a sudden a huge green armour emerged from the forest's entrance. The place was silent again, an the elderly pixie moved towards the frosted body. "My, my," the elderly pixie said. "You still can move under such conditions. What...drives you?" The armour shook and shouted, "BLAINNNEEE!"