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We have all heard of mystical occurrences. These are incomprehensible happenings that always seem to befall upon someone else. For that reason you may tend to embrace these episodes with a “tongue in cheek” attitude. I cannot cite odds, but I would not rule out chances of a happening seeking you out, in your lifetime. Magic Slate Attics intrigue me; like progress in reverse. When I enter an attic, life becomes converse. Years ago, I helped an eccentric Aunt, Remove many boxes; with others to supplant. Among items stored, where the roof slants low, Was a black-board, and chalk that would glow. I held the chalk, it felt vibrant to touch. It was only a notion, it didn’t amount to much. Reaching for its box, with symbols of blue, I scraped the slate, and broke the chalk in two. Falling backward, I couldn’t believe my ears; A faint scream arose, causing clandestine fears. That attic was warm, yet chills caressed my skin. Emerging from the box, a form ghastly thin. Hovered before me, like a wisp of smoke; I could not believe, it had to be a joke. Petrified... I was rooted, ttoo afraid to move. That specter toyed with me, I did not approve. Shaking hands betrayed me, I reached for the slate. I wanted to leave, but it was too late. The mark on the board I rubbed it with my sleeve. Came a rasping sound, I refused to believe. I printed C-A-T, the first thought to my mind; A cat-like purring, sounded from behind. An apparition appeared in feeble light. Into view came a panther, as black as night. Slowly it crouched, golden eyes glared steady, Something fearful happened and I wasn’t ready. It charged and leapt, I couldn’t contemplate, I crouched in fear, brushing C-A-T from the slate. Lying on my back, sweat beading my face, Searching for the creature, I saw nary a trace. Then came creaking on stairs, I hid the board. To be caught meddling, I could not afford. In the open doorway, at the end of the room, Stood my Auntie, peering into the gloom. “Is there trouble Nephew?” She inquired of me. “I heard strange noises, I came up to see.” “No, Auntie. . . I stumbled and fell, I lifted too much, I’m OK, everything is well.” I noticed then, what she cradled in her arm. A cat with glowing eyes, snuggled from harm. Auntie approached, it uttered a hiss. Then lashed out at me, with a deliberate miss. “Nero, I taught you better than that” “Sure,” I thought, “but he is not an ordinary cat.” I sensed his thoughts, we had met before. His low growl, avowed we would meet once more. He dropped to the floor, and scurried below, I brushed myself, hoping emotions did not show. “Please be careful Nephew, don’t get hurt, and. . . there is a spot like chalk dust on your shirt.” Auntie turned, moving toward glow of light, She gave no hint, that something wasn't right. She Lingered at the stairway, then disappeared below, Saying nothing more to me, but... did she already know? (To be continued. . . maybe) YarnSpinner Copyright 2014

Treasured Island "For as this appalling ocean surrounds the verdant land, so in the soul of man there lies one insular Tahiti, full of peace and joy, but encompassed by all of the horrors of the half-lived life." ----- Herman Melville from: Moby Dick The rocky cliffs rise above the sea, like a great wall holding back the watery main. Nations vie to control small bits of earth still, the appalling ocean surrounds the verdant land, and erodes the soil 'til nothing's left but reef, like one who is stripped of all the frivolous trappings foolishly acquired in time, and then in the soul of man there lies one insular Tahiti, a secret place which first must be found then explored and once known, treasured above all else. It is the prize esteemed the elusive isle… full of peace and joy The journey there will be filled with choices. To risk the rifts can be its own reward, stay anchored in fear and you will be encompassed by all of the horrors of the half-lived life. --------------------- Judi Van Gorder A Glosa