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Forever With Unopened Eye For dVerse

Written for Melissa from Mom With a Blog, who welcomes us to Monday Prosery at dVerse.

Melissa says: I am taking lines from Poe’s “Sleeper”, which may
be read in its entirety here. Your lines are as follows:

I pray to God that she may lie
Forever with unopened eye

If you’re new, here is how to join us:

  • Write a piece of Prosery of up to or exactly 144 words, including the given
    lines in the order in which they have been given. You may add or change punctuation, but you may not add or delete words.
  • Enter your name and a link directly to your post into Mr. Linky.
    Remember to check the box to accept use/privacy policy.
  • Read other writers’ work as they enter their links into Mr. Linky.
    Check back as more will be added.
  • Please link back to dVerse from your post.
  • Have a wonderful time!🎉

** Mr. Linky will remain open until 3 pm EST on Monday, June 10, 2024.


Black was the night, satin white the moonlight, and psychedelic, like the color
of dreams, is how Graciela thought of the dim glare of the lamp through the trees.
In Heaven-like utopia walking on jellied legs, she staggered ungracefully out of
the unfamiliar forest.

Bewildered and tired she followed the light and arrived at the park where her
wobbly legs led her to a bench.

“I pray to God that she may lie forever–with unopened eye,” she slurred out loud.
“need t’ sleep,” she implored, panting, “but light’s too bright.”

Her body, slow as a sloth settled on the bench. Gnarly fingers untied the scarf from
her jeans straps while tears streamed down her cheeks.

Benumbed she tied the scarf around her wet eyes as gurgling noises emitted from
her throat, and laboriously stretched her body on the bench and fell asleep.

photo of a woman sleeping near fluffy clouds
Photo by Ron Lach on Pexels.com

A modified excerpt written in 2018 and exposed today June 5th, 2024 for dVerse
Poets Pub’s Prosery: 144 words. © selma. Thanks, Melissa.

Thanks everyone for reading.

mad hatter cosplay on bench in autumn
Photo by Pedro Dias on Pexels.com
Selma Martin
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This Post Has 30 Comments

    1. Selma Martin

      Thanks for saying Dawn.

      After reading others’ posts I’m afraid mine doesn’t have the horror factor.
      Though knowing what I know of the story, it’s horrifying.
      Thanks for the encouragement.

  1. robbiesinspiration

    HI Selma, I don’t know whether to feel sorry for this woman or not. Nicely done.

    1. Selma Martin

      Feel sorry for her, Robbie. She just escaped from her kidnappers wearing an oversized shirt from one of the guys. Had big chest pockets she filled with berries. But there was more in there. And now she’s tripping. Thanks for reading.

    1. Selma Martin

      Glad you feel that way, dear Sadje. 144 words doesn’t give room for more details. Thanks. For reading.

      1. Sadje

        That is indeed true but you did it so well.

  2. Melissa Lemay

    It sounds like Graciela isn’t having the best night.😱

    1. Selma Martin

      Graciela isn’t having a good episode. She’s my “Mary Sue” in my unpublished novel attempt. It might never see the light of day. Thanks. It’s my first time following your prompt on dVerse. Xoxo

    1. Selma Martin

      I’m glad you found it so, dear K. Happy you read.

    1. Selma Martin

      Yes she has. Thanks for pointing it out. I appreciate you reading.

  3. pvcann

    For me there’s a subtle sinister tone, Bjorn has already noted the drugging, but now she’s vulnerable, tired, distressed, a strong tension, such a great read Selma.

    1. Selma Martin

      Oh my, P. Thanks for seeing between the lines like that. Yes, poor woman, distressing. Thanks for this lovely comment. Have a great week.

      1. pvcann

        My pleasure Selma – you too!

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