The d’Verse Poetry Prompt: • Write a piece of flash fiction or other prose up of up to or exactly 144 words, including the given line from the poem. The line to include into the prosery is by Charles Simic, from My Friend Someone
On this day without a date,
On a back street, dusky
Charles Simic
I wrote 140 words for this week’s d’Verse prosery prompt.
On a Back Street, Dusky

Fanshawe steps out from the inn and shivers. He wraps his cloak tighter. On this day, without a date. On a back street, dusky dark, the tread of his feet echo hollow on the cobbles. There’s not far to go to his lodgings, but he feels uneasy. His eyes dart left and right. The inn sign creaks behind him in the wind. A candle in a window flickers and his shadow looms large, dancing on a wall. ‘I’m a soldier returned from recent battles. I can defend myself from any thief!’ He put his hand on the hilt of his sword. ‘Only an idiot would attack me.’ In a dark window, a pale visage within the glass is watching him. His hairs stand on end. He sees a ghost. ‘Ha! That’s what having a drop of ale does for you!’ Lesley Scoble, May 2023
11 responses to “On a Back Street, dusky: a prosery”
Sounds like fear is his worst enemy. Also seems like he might have shell shock? Poor guy! Good spin on those lines, Lesley.
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He’s back in London after a long sea journey back from the Dutch Wars. He’s scared witless by mice too 😂
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Eek!
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haha
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Very effective writing
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Thank you, Sadje! 🙏😊
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You’re most welcome
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Spine tingling and the graphic is very cool!
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Oooooo, thank you, Nancy 😊🙏💙
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A thrilling suspense, Lesley. You really know how to set the scene. I am eagerly anticipating the sequel.
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Wow, thanks, Tanmay 😊
Next issue out soon 😁💗
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