I really loved this. As you wrote, it could be read as a personal narrative inside a fictional setting. But it could also be read as entirely a memory of trying to remember. Both the seen details like the braid of the bread and the unseen/barely seen horse.
Well Sally, you really did it this time, didn't you? It was haunting in its beauty. There was a yearning, and a need within the words themselves that transcends feeling. I just love this. It was as if a Druid Priestess was walking through a path the night of the Solstice, reaching out for the Fae hiding in the woods of yore. Beautifully done!
S.E., a quick note to wish you a very Merry Christ-as-Life Christmas. Thank you for your contributions to the writing community of Substack. I look forward to enjoying your posts throughout the year 2024. Thanks for being you! -Stephen Phinney
"And it occurred to me, then, that perhaps the horse had not shied away from me so much as I had lost the ears to hear it. The white horse of invitation, of unanswered questions, of winter mysteries…the white horse of solstice. Of long nights. Of death before dawn. The horse whose voice all children know, and some grown-ups strain to remember."
I loved this: Wonderful writing that takes me back through time tunnels to childhood, making me wonder whether the sounds of winter I heard then are indeed still audible, just not to me.
And why would we possibly not want more of this, pray tell? Anyone? Such a personal narration of listening and seeing, thankfully with the help of the now dog!
Unfiction: I love it! What a beautiful, haunting but in that wistful way of memory and long ago, and almost catching hold of it. Yes, more please. Such an invitation this piece brings ... for those of us who write, and who might like to wander one night in the terrain of their imagining -- as themselves.
I've never heard of "unfiction" before, but I'm so fascinated by this form of writing. It seems like a good way to do creative journaling too, by placing yourself in a fictional setting and working through emotions you have about something... Also this is just generally very beautiful and haunting. Would love to see more like this!
Oh bother! I somehow missed seeing this at the Solstice. Thankfully your poll message led me here, and I suppose that this twilight part of the year, the witching week or however you decide to describe it, is probably almost as appropriate as that odd limbo time of the shortest day.
…but how on Earth am I meant to choose between this and your Christmas gift story?¿ Tsk! ;-)
I really loved this. As you wrote, it could be read as a personal narrative inside a fictional setting. But it could also be read as entirely a memory of trying to remember. Both the seen details like the braid of the bread and the unseen/barely seen horse.
Call me Oliver Twist: More, please.
A lovely Solstice-spun tale. And I do know how those stories end, in that dark chasm between the worlds of humans and fae...
Oh, this was nice. I loved the reference to the other horses. Gotta look up the Archangel's. :)
Beautiful, S.E. You really captured the peace and turmoil of the “night hike.” Would love to see more of this when the spirit takes you there.
This was terrific, every mystical word. I enjoyed the mystery, the tiniest hint of 'uh oh, what have I done?'
I hope you write more in this style!
I really enjoyed this - reality and memory and fantasy all swirled together in that fog. And I especially loved the term 'now-dog'.
Well Sally, you really did it this time, didn't you? It was haunting in its beauty. There was a yearning, and a need within the words themselves that transcends feeling. I just love this. It was as if a Druid Priestess was walking through a path the night of the Solstice, reaching out for the Fae hiding in the woods of yore. Beautifully done!
S.E., a quick note to wish you a very Merry Christ-as-Life Christmas. Thank you for your contributions to the writing community of Substack. I look forward to enjoying your posts throughout the year 2024. Thanks for being you! -Stephen Phinney
"And it occurred to me, then, that perhaps the horse had not shied away from me so much as I had lost the ears to hear it. The white horse of invitation, of unanswered questions, of winter mysteries…the white horse of solstice. Of long nights. Of death before dawn. The horse whose voice all children know, and some grown-ups strain to remember."
I loved this: Wonderful writing that takes me back through time tunnels to childhood, making me wonder whether the sounds of winter I heard then are indeed still audible, just not to me.
And why would we possibly not want more of this, pray tell? Anyone? Such a personal narration of listening and seeing, thankfully with the help of the now dog!
Just so! Total agreement from me.
Beautifully done 🙏
Beautifully written - like a dream or a memory made real.
Unfiction: I love it! What a beautiful, haunting but in that wistful way of memory and long ago, and almost catching hold of it. Yes, more please. Such an invitation this piece brings ... for those of us who write, and who might like to wander one night in the terrain of their imagining -- as themselves.
I've never heard of "unfiction" before, but I'm so fascinated by this form of writing. It seems like a good way to do creative journaling too, by placing yourself in a fictional setting and working through emotions you have about something... Also this is just generally very beautiful and haunting. Would love to see more like this!
Oh bother! I somehow missed seeing this at the Solstice. Thankfully your poll message led me here, and I suppose that this twilight part of the year, the witching week or however you decide to describe it, is probably almost as appropriate as that odd limbo time of the shortest day.
…but how on Earth am I meant to choose between this and your Christmas gift story?¿ Tsk! ;-)
I really love this Sally