It's Prosery we're challenged at dVerse today, our writing to include the lines from Yeats " I went out to the hazel wood because a fire was in my head." My story is fiction, thank heaven. Submitted to dVerse, February 15, 2021.
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THE SANCTUM
Safe in my sanctum in the woods was my hazelwood tree. It’s where I hid when my father came home in one of his alcohol-fueled moods. Too many times I’d felt the cut of his belt for some imagined infraction, too many times I was slapped senseless for trying to defend my mother, too many times I went to the hazelwood because a fire was in my head and I was only a small boy with no where to turn, and only the hazelwood knew the depth of my despair. They’re gone now… he first, thankfully, and she put to rest today. I return to my sanctum in the hazel wood, free at last of the fire in my head, and renew my resolve to give my own son a home filled with love and assurance, a safe place to be.
Lovely, the renewed energy already put into action by resolution
ReplyDeleteHappy Monday
Much💗love
A tale too often told, with only the names and faces changed. Sad piece Bev, moving.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the peaceful ending, Bev.
ReplyDeleteYours,
David
Everyone needs a sanctum, Bev, especially when our parents can’t always provide one and, as children, trees are wonderful places to keep us safe, whilst also being mysterious and having a hint of a different kind of danger. Perhaps one kind of danger holds off the one we know too well. I love that you wrote from the perspective of man who was once a very scared small boy – and pulled it off so well!
ReplyDeleteSuch a powerful presentation as the hazel wood as a place of sanctuary. Sadly this is the reality for many children. At least some of them manage to grow up and not repeat the mistakes of history.
ReplyDeleteI found this overwhelming, chills and a ton of emotion flowing through me, Bev.
ReplyDeleteWhen the world is so harsh, it's good to have a "sanctum". Now he's offering the very sanctum his parents failed to give. A wonderful story and I do love happy endings.
ReplyDeleteA story that has played out too many times. You've incorporated Yeats' words seamlessly. The trees are a refuge for many in times of trouble.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad he is resolved to doing that for his son...
ReplyDeleteThis is so moving, Bev! I believe everyone needs a sanctum in order to keep their sanity, their soul preserved.
ReplyDeleteSo sad--but at least he did have a place to go when things got too bad. I'm glad he's resolved to break the cycle of abuse.
ReplyDeleteSuch a wonderful turn of events from beginning to end. I love your story and the ending is so hopeful!
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