Member's Writing Competition Page

Writing Prompt :  Quote – Wallace Stevens, Domination of Black

I’d been pedalling so hard, I was out of breath; but I was up the hill. The road was surrounded by bushland and summer sunbeams were blinking through moving grey clouds. I felt unsure of my surroundings.

I settled though, smoothed my hair, adjusted my badge, and wheeled my pushbike to the driveway of the house, approaching the man and woman.

“Hello.” I introduced myself.
“I’m a girl guide and I’m here for ‘Cents for Service’ to raise money for our guide group.” I explained, pointing to my gleaming badge.

“ Ten cents for a job I can help you with.” I added.

They both stared at me.

“Or less” I said, with a smile.

The man spoke, while the woman smiled back.

“I’m Bob, you can help me with these leaves.”

He handed me a giant rake. The rake was heavy; I managed only a few leaves each attempt.

Soon a strong wind started and blew the leaves around.  At the same time, I was startled by a loud squawking call from within the bush. Then suddenly large drops of rain began to fall.

The strange squawk sounded again as if carried in the wind.

At that point, I met Jan, ushering me and her husband into the house.  

I stepped inside, staring. Everything was beautiful and luxurious; a large window overlooked a magnificent garden.  

It struck me then this was the house, which would stop me while cycling on the road below.

I was drawn by the magnificent garden with a fountain, lush greenery, birdsong, tall trees, bushes with large, veined leaves, bright flowers; and as a brilliant peacock swept royal blue feathers through the growth I’d feel I’d fallen into a dream.

Now, I felt nervous; I was with rich people.

But Jan was talking to me and serving a plate of prettily iced cakes.
“ A glass of lemonade; you can sit down.”  She said, kindly.

“OH, thank you.’’ I stammered.

As I sat the squawking call sound started.

“Do you know what that noise is?” I asked politely.

“It’s the peacock” Bob said.

“The peacock!” I exclaimed.

“I think he’s calling because he misses our son. Like we do.” Bob responded.
“He loves the garden and birds.”

Hesitantly, I asked, “Where is he?”

“He serves in the army and now he’s got himself caught up in this awful Vietnam war.”
Bob seemed upset.
Jan was quiet.
I wasn’t sure what to say.

“He must be very brave.” I said quietly.

The peacock started to call again several times.

“The peacock agrees.” I said, smiling.

They looked at me;  Bob gave a little laugh.

The rain had eased.

“Here you are,” Jan said, and handed me a one dollar note.

I protested; I hadn’t done anything.

Then, suddenly, she hugged me.

“Thank you very much.” I said.  

I rode around the back of the hillside,
In warm breezes, tossing scents,
Bush, trees, damp earth.
I heard the peacock cry,
Echo,
in the eerie humid air.