I lay down, confused, paralyzed, and enveloped in a veil of total darkness and quietude. Frantically, I attempt to rouse my body, seeking evidence of authority over my own flesh. But nothing. I can’t do anything. It’s as though invisible arms keep me stuck in position, dooming me to a lonely and rigid existence. I … Continue reading The Dark Room
Creak, says the door, despite my attempt to open it smoothly. Sweat floods my cheeks and a sense of heaviness forms in my gut, but I do my best to press it down, for I cannot afford to let the fear win. I would pay the ultimate price for such a mistake. Get moving or … Continue reading The Darkest of Creatures
Imagine. Somewhere in the distance, you catch the gleam of an ornate chest, a treasure just for you. How wonderful. And, you begin to walk, faster and faster — soon you find yourself running towards it. There is a path linking the great boon and you. Beautiful greenery surrounds the path, and smiling people try and make … Continue reading The Path of The Mindless
Our world is ablaze, and where flames reign nothing but ashes will remain. Surprisingly, we are still alive — my brother and I. Protected by the sturdy confines of our house. And yet I know not what good it does. Because it will not be long until we become fodder for the greedy bonfire as well. Screams … Continue reading Bonfire: In the deepest of voids resides the most radiant of lights
“Wake up,” yells the young man as he frantically tries to rouse his brother. Pulling and pushing and blowing air into the mouth — doing anything and everything he can think of. All he gets in response to his effort is silence. Frightful and heart-wrenching nothingness. The pool of blood expands with each passing moment, and so … Continue reading Carnage
Lonely souls traverse the ruined city. Lost in the shadows of what used to be. So many souls, yet such desolation. For they must first find themselves if they are to find others. Be they peasant or king, what does it matter now? They all walk the same path without prejudice. Need perhaps catastrophe be … Continue reading Ruins
I bathe in the luster of a thousand blooming sunflowers — sinking deep into nature’s tender embrace. In the sky shines the gazing sun, gently caressing my skin. And. The droplets of sweat trailing down my body are tears of joy. From being alive at this very moment and experiencing such warmth and tranquility. This is Paradise. … Continue reading Paradise
Somewhere on earth during a brief moment in the passage of time, there was a modest town inhabited by modest people. There really was nothing special about that place. It was a town among towns. Thus. They lived their lives in peace and were expecting things to remain that way. Forever and a day. However, … Continue reading The Day Of Flames
“The stars are pretty tonight… don’t you think?” I try to speak, but my mouth won’t open. Instead, I shake my head. “What’s that, you see no stars?” With disfigured stumps, I point to the scorched mess where my eyes once were. “Oh, right. You have no eyes.” A few minutes pass, and I start … Continue reading The Boy with a Demon’s Eye
I pinch my arm in disbelief. Carnage. Slaughter. Evil. I try the feel of each word on my tongue, but none is adequate to describe… “this”. I find myself surrounded by bits and pieces of human flesh and bones. The once green forest floor now painted red. The gore is scattered here and there, but … Continue reading The Last Step
Benjamin Bratz 