Photo prompt by Jeff Arnold To Sleep Among the Poppies By T. Delaplain Dot kicked her heels under the tumbled mattress, a splash of red among the silky detritus of her trade. His used trash tainted the pile of garments that had to be rinsed and worn again in a few hours. Counting the emerald... Continue Reading →
Balancing Acts
Photo by Fatima Fakier Deria Balancing Acts By T. Delaplain “You can have it all”, they said. The career, the kids, an American flag and a pink flamingo on the picket fenced lawn; a full measure of domestic bliss. I was in the center ring with all the balls in the air, apron strings tied,... Continue Reading →
When The Mask Slips, Friday Fictioneers
Photo credit: Ted Strutz When The Mask Slips By T. Delaplain The acrid whiff of Polaroids couldn’t mask the remembered scents of cotton candy and caramel apples. The first time had been on Halloween. Had it been the innocence of her pink tights or the silky feel of her crinoline skirt? Terrifying betrayal; a father... Continue Reading →
Home is Where the Heart Lands
Photo credit @Rochelle Wisoff-Fields Home is Where the Heart Lands By T. Delaplain Mind if I take a look at that leg of yours, Mary?” “It ain’t nothing Doc. Remember, I was a nurse at County before the whiskey.” The crusted gray strips of fabric, fell in a stinking green spiral. “You’ve got gangrene?” “Sure do,... Continue Reading →
The Wisdom to Ride
Photo credit to Douglas Mac Illroy The Wisdom to Ride by T. Delaplain “Dumb asses, sit on top of a tornado for 8 seconds and wonder why they is always broke. Broken wallets, broken bones, broken dreams.” “Yup, I reckoned you’re right Daddy but he’s here to pick me up anyway.” The sight of the... Continue Reading →
Nothing Quite As Sweet
Photo Credit @ Fatima Falkier Deria Nothing Quite As Sweet By T. Delaplain She worried a dried fleck of white from the lilac tulle; nothing quite as sweet as wedding frosting or bridesmaid’s couture. Still wet from the kisses and caresses hidden beneath yards of satin and tulle she ached for their reunion. How long... Continue Reading →
Always a Widow
I’ve been lost in Baja, Mexico, enjoying the sun and sand, sometimes wasting paper writing tall tales, sometimes cooking for strays at MyBajaKitchen.com. La Señora took a liking to Sarah’s photo and insisted on living another 100 words. Here’s her web of intrigue. La Señora came to me at a run down clam shack; feet... Continue Reading →
Held In Memory
Photo credit @Al Forbes Held In Memory by T. Delaplain I slide into the backseat, lie on my back and imagine the moonlight. I'm assaulted with longing so intense that it can only be desire. The taste of your breath lingers still. I run my hand over the discolored upholstery. I can almost smell the... Continue Reading →
The Way to My Heart
Photo by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields The Way to My Heart “Shut the damn door and take off those muddy boots,” I shouted over the kitchen chaos with an authority that had not been earned. The second batch of blackened biscuits lay crumbled next to my Momma’s recipe box and the bitter winter turnip stew was boiling... Continue Reading →
Reflection of Sin
Photo credit @Roger Bultot Reflection of Sin My home world and all of my transgressions reflected in mockery through its enormous eye. It snapped its mandible in anticipation. I scrambled backwards trying to find my footing as my flesh tore against the gravel. It was true that I had fallen far from grace: the son... Continue Reading →
Tracey Delaplain, MD 
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