The Ladies of Horror
Picture-Prompt Writing Challenge!

(A Haibun)
by Terrie Leigh Relf

During the before times, we knew our ancestors buried their loved ones in the sea. We didn’t understand this, but acknowledged their choice, if not their wisdom. For what seemed like forever, we would cast our loved ones on a sacred pyre with fragrant herbs and spices, scatter their ashes on the wind. 

    how sand shifts
    beneath our feet
    a moment of silence

Perhaps it was after the flood times, when our village divers began to discover ceramic vessels with intricate patterns, bringing them to shore. Our Elders gathered, reached out to touch these vessels, knowing what waited within.

    released at last
    the spirits of our ancestors
    and so we are reborn

Fiction © Copyright Terrie Leigh Relf
Image courtesy of Pixabay.com 

More from author Terrie Leigh Relf:

The Sisterhood of the Blood Moon

For thousands of Earth years, the Transgalactic Consortium has had a quiet interest in this planet and its inhabitants, the Haurans. While the Sisterhood of the Blood Moon works together with the Consortium and Haurans to maintain balance in the universe, the Blood Moon is fast approaching. The power of this moon reveals untold secrets . . . including a sacred covenant with the Mora Spiders. There is an ancient pact that needs to be honored—but at what cost and for whose purpose? The world may come to an end. But will there be a chance for a new beginning?

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