Clay Held

Quatern: I will be standing in the dark

Clay — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 20:49:18 +0000

(Inspired by Robert Lee Brewer’s post at http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/poetic-asides/poetic-forms/types-of-poetry-forms-quatern. Check it out!)

I will be standing in the dark, by Clay Held

I will be standing in the dark.

Those are the rules that I live by.

When the day lays its head to rest,

And night crawls from under covers,

While all sleep warm inside their beds

I will be standing in the dark.

Against the dreaming oak outside

Beyond the window’s yellow light

With the world underneath my feet

And the stars blanketing my mind

I will be standing in the dark.

My only partner, the black cat

Who slinks in shadows like a wraith–

He hunts the vermin in the field

And sleeps beneath ink-blot night, and

I will be standing in the dark.

Ode to a Philly Cheesesteak

Clay — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 03:14:10 +0000

Oh stomach, numb from hunger, sour and sore

I craved in my heart a Philly cheesesteak

Craven with wanting I swept through the door

Then off to my car, ready to partake

I sped quickly home, sandwich in my hand

I ate unrestrained while going down the road

I gobbled the peppers, inhaled the cheese

And while dinner sated my hunger’s command

The yellow peppers story does forebode

I know soon they will bring me to my knees

Imagine Now – November 17th, 2011

Clay — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 12:00:49 +0000

Imagine Now, the Witch of Rosemary. She lumbers through the Halls of the Unloved, casting spells of shame on all she spies. She hides behind a great red mask with a smiling gash carved into it, and her jaw clicks when she speaks.

She has cursed you with speaking to her master, the temperamental Goblin Wizard.

Unable to break free, you must speak.

What do you say?

Imagine Now – November 16th, 2011

Clay — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 12:00:27 +0000

Imagine Now, the Hall of Cowards. You have stumbled in my accident, and find yourself befuddled by mountains of treasure, yet all who dwell within keep far away, against the wall, afraid to step forward for fear of finding a knife in their back. You feel their gaze, thick and soaked in fear, and a wave of apprehension washes over you.

What do you do?

Note to my Amnesiac Self.

Clay — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 12:00:45 +0000

Prompt: Write a note to yourself that you’d want found in your wallet if you were ever to have total amnesia. 200 words

* * *

Congratulations! Everything you ever hated about who you were is gone. Not having all that baggage really puts you ahead of everybody else walking around. I’m jealous.

You should probably eat. If somebody is around ask them politely to get you a cheeseburger. If they are on the phone wait quietly until they are done. Make sure to ask for bacon on it.

It’s unclear when you might wake up, so if it’s dark outside, stay where you are until the sun comes up, and be sure to listen for any sudden noises. Loud noises could mean trouble. Or the mailman. Also you have four cats and they are probably hungry, and you can’t share your cheeseburger with them. You’ll find a tub of cat food in the pantry.

You should be in your own house. You will need to confirm this. Look around for pictures of you with your wife. Also the black and white cat hates you, so don’t be surprised if she runs from you or growls when you’re near.

You decided a long time ago that you wanted a beard, and you’ve had one for several years. This needs to stay this way.

* * *

Prompt from Jorge Evans, Managing Editor of RockSaw Press.

English is a crazy language

Clay — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 02:38:01 +0000

Saw this online tonight (thanks @tripleecho!). Found it funny.

Imagine Now – October 14th, 2011

Clay — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 11:00:41 +0000

Imagine Now, the Silent Harlequin. She walks the hall of the Harlequinade, slashing the portraits of the Old Kings. If you ask her why, she will not answer. She will only stare dully and continue down the hall. Yet, if you bump a painting, she will descend from the shadows overhead and slash at you.

How do you leave this place?

Imagine Now – October 13, 2011

Clay — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 11:00:30 +0000

Imagine now, the Duchess of Clocks. She lives in a room covered with timepieces, and she spends her time counting the time. On her birthday, though, she gives herself a special treat–she counts the time she spent counting the time. What she fails to see is half the clocks are broken.

Do you cherish time as she does? Is it worth it?

Imagine Now – October 11, 2011

Clay — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 11:00:52 +0000

Imagine Now, the last wild river. You meet a guide, and she offers to show your safe passage upon the water. Along the way you look up and she has vanished, leaving you adrift. You float along the river until nightfall, when you come upon shore, and find a chest full of riches. Your guide reappears and offers you safe passage home for half the treasure.

Do you take her offer?

Imagine Now – October 10, 2011

Clay — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 11:00:31 +0000

Imagine now, the Screaming Cave. None know how deep it goes, only that from somewhere far down comes a vicious, haggard yell. Some say it’s an animal. Others, a genius, mad at the world and deep in the throws of hermitism, or even the Door to Hell.

What do you think is down there?