Austin Briggs's Blog, page 56
July 10, 2012
A Promise to Love and Protect
The front door exploded. Splinters pelted drywall, some striking a surprised woman. A giant hissing, scale-covered gorgon entered. A man yanked a mirror off the wall. The living snakes dancing on the monster’s head writhed at its reflection and then turned to stone. The man dropped his makeshift weapon and cared for his bleeding wife.
A Promise to Love and Protect is a post from: Aztec Books
Spinning Wheels
The cell landed beside me, the unsent text still alight and visible in the darkness. Be there soon. In the distance I hear the sound of children crying, but my car blocks my view. Wheels spinning, the mangled wreck sits like a turtle on its back.
I promised not to text and drive. I lied.
Spinning Wheels is a post from: Aztec Books
The Games He Plays
“Little boy blue, let me blow your horn.” A wicked smiled slashed his face.
“But I don’t have a horn,” the boy in blue responded.
“Sure, you do. Let me show you.” His laugh was maniacal.
He showed the boy his horn. He showed him how to play.
Then he went on his evil way.
The Games He Plays is a post from: Aztec Books
July 8, 2012
Sunsets
The sun sets across the ocean horizon. Waves tear away the beach with white frothy decay. The sands against my feet are like memories – they impact and fall away with each passing moment.
Death’s promise is revealed in aging. I can’t run forever, but I must. To see one more sun rise I must.
Sunsets is a post from: Aztec Books
Last Promise
“Promise me you’ll enjoy yourself.
Promise me you’ll see other women.
Promise me you’ll have a child.”
“Yes ma,” the young man said, “I promise.”
Looking at her face, he watched her drift into her final sleep. She was so pale against the hospital sheets. She’ll make a beautiful Angel.
Last Promise is a post from: Aztec Books
Canvas To Paint
“Cut, cut, Cuddy,” the little girls taunt. Cuddy sits alone with her razor, choosing a spot. With a flick of her wrist, she proceeds, unabated.
The girls gather round, pointing, squealing; “Cut, cut, Cuddy, make room for more.”
Ashamed and scared of what truths will show, Cuddy guts the canvas, starting on a new dream.
Canvas To Paint is a post from: Aztec Books
Reluctant Vacation
Wendy gripped her passport, unsure. Picturing Andy pleading, she approached the boarding attendant. “Hawaii, Flight 373.”
Money she couldn’t spare; a price she had to pay. Choosing his life.
“I’ll only do the treatment if you go, Mom.” Her boy had told her when he heard about the horrors ahead. “I’ll live if you do.”
Reluctant Vacation is a post from: Aztec Books
Anything for Love
What a woman will do for a bad boy knows no bounds.
Corseted by desire yet lashed by fear, I sank to my knees, my worthiness weighed by the leather-clad crowd.
“Pretend it’s just us,” Reno whispered, jeans lowered. “One last test.”
My lips parted. He thrust; and thus my initiation commenced.
I was his.
Anything for Love is a post from: Aztec Books
All For You
The man in the frock signed the cross.
I despise you. You smell sour, like a filthy rabbit hutch.
Faces encircled her. Father glowed, mother stared ahead, her sisters daunted.
She rubbed her swollen belly, felt handcuffed to her destiny.
He grinned yellow fangs.
Maria answered the questions.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife.”
All For You is a post from: Aztec Books
Leaving
He found no warmth nor safety lying with his wife and child. The soft breath of their sleep offered no calm nor solace.
All he felt was terror.
His demon entered the room. That smile altogether too wide for its face. Its eyes like seeing blood for the first time.
This was his end.
Adrian Carey.
Leaving is a post from: Aztec Books
