Ruby: Second Draft
Kitten: “Ruby gon’ like dis fa sho.”
Kitten rolls out a quilt on the dew soaked grass at Bertha’s feet and motions toward the delicate flower patterns on it.
Bertha turns away from hangin the wash to talk to Kitten as she wipes her wet hands on her apron to dry them. Bertha Moves her feet slightly so she doesn’t step on the quilt.
Bertha: “You gon get grass stains on that if you ain’t careful.”
Kitten: I ain’t Bertha, I sprinkled some starch on it. Mama taught me all her tricks. Ruby gon’ like it I tell you. Look at dis Bertha. My quilt is gonna be da best at da fair.”
Kitten smiles broadly and pats herself on the back.
Bertha: “I always told you your quilts was good Kitten.”
Kitten: “Bertha, Ruby don know I’m gonna give it to her after. For a birthday present.”
Bertha turns her back to Kitten for a few seconds and resumes hanging the wash.
Kitten: “Hey Bertha you listen to me? You always daydreaming.”
Bertha: My name is Bertha Clementine Smith. Kitten calls me by both names when it suits her. Da old folk tease me cause I got two names as far as Kitten knows. I’m da oldest of three sisters. I came first den Ruby den Kitten. My ma name is Malie. She is named after her ma. We been on this farm as long as I can remember. Even when da civil war was goin on.
Bertha turns back to Kitten and smiles.
Bertha: “Kitten be in da mind of tellin me to go to da store on da way back from da fair.”
Kitten wraps her quilt up carefully as she talks to her sister.
Kitten: “Bertha what you cookin up na. Don’t you worry bout dat. You’ll know soon.”
Ruby sitting on a old stool milking the family cow. The stool suddenly breaks under her weight and the cow runs for the barn door.
Ruby: “Bertha! Bertha! Da cow don got loose.”
Bertha: Ruby was yellin my name from inside da barn. Dat one was stuck in da middle of da two of us most times. Ruby kept to herself most. She lost a bo in da war. He lied bout his age to get in so he could kill some white folk. He had a mean streak, dat one.
Bertha turns towards the barn and starts to run at a slow pace.
Bertha: “I’m comin Ruby.”
Bertha: Da cow answered to me and payed no tention to anybody else. Must be cause I raised it from a calf. It took me a good hour dis time to get dat cow back into da barn. I din have no time to be messin wit no milk cow. We goin to da fair and I had to get dressed. I put on my best for da quilt show. Kitten was real good at sowin. Ma taught her first das why she won all da contest at da fair. She was da first to learn how to read too. Das why she was so smart. den me, den Ruby. Ruby always was quiet. So we din know if she knew how to read before me.
Bertha: We never did get to da store. I was gonna get some fixins for a birthday pie. But a storm come up after Kitten won her blue ribbon. Ruby was cheerin the loudest at the fair. I know I said she was solum. But every now and den she wasn’t.
Ruby: Bertha I just knew my birthday was gonna be sunny and look here come a rain cloud. Look there.
Bertha: Don’t worry bout dat cloud ain’t no rain started yet. Just den the rain started. And it was a powerful rain too. We had to grab hands and slow down. Cause the wind picked up and started whis’lin a jig. Kitten started to fear we was not gonna get home in one piece. She didn’t like storms. So Kitten yelled at me pray! Bertha pray!
Bertha: Kitten scared easy and she knew I was always talkin to the Lawd bout somin. So I guess I should say somin to Him bout dis. But I was not a feared like Kitten so I told her in the loudest voice I could muster. “Kitten you pray dis time. You don’t have to yell.”
Bertha: Kitten started yellin at the top of her voice. What can I say, it musta helped her nerves.
Kitten: Lawd! Please help us get home fo dis storm carries us away to meet you. I had a real good day today on Ruby’s birthday but don’t let the devil ruin it all. Amen!
Bertha: Ruby said somin for the first time since cheerin at the top of her voice for Kitten.
Ruby: I wish dat you would pray peaceful like Kitten. Da Lawd can hear us even if we speak inside. You startin to make me scared. I was not feelin dat way a minute ago. Its my day and I’m not gonna let the devil ruin it.
Bertha: We all got each others hans real tight and we walkin real slow like. Da wind is starting to stop whis’lin. Ruby started to say somin else. I thought she was mumblin to herself bout Kitten. But she was prayin. Afterwards, she told me her prayer.
(flash back all the girls sitting a fire at home safe)
Ruby: Lawd I thank you for another birthday and I ask you for another. Calm my sisters restless soul so that she would learn to hear you when you talk to her. Lawd we trust you and we won’t lean to our own way in these evil days, we promise not to do things that would cause hurt. We have found ourselves in harms way, Lawd and I don’t know why. But even if we did cause the storm like Jonah of old. we trust that you will be merciful to us and send us a big fish too.
Bertha: Dats when I stopped her. Why did you pray dat Ruby.
Ruby: Cause, I didt know why the storm came to us so sudden like. Thought we had don somin bad that we didn’t know bout.
Bertha: Ok. Ruby let me tell ya dis. The Lawd knew bout all our bad stuff way befo we did it.
Ruby: Yes, I guess so Bertha.
Bertha: You can’t guess bout dat Ruby you must be sure.
Ruby: Ok I’m sure.
Bertha: Well fine den. Da Lawd was beat and killed fo all the we did Ruby. Why would He send the storm? He won’t punish us since He punished Jesus for all our bad.
Bertha: Ok, Ruby take it back.
Ruby: Take what back?
Bertha: What you said in the storm. And pray again.
Ruby: Ok. Thank You Jesus for being punished for all my bad and my sisters bad too. Thank You for being merciful and saving us. Even if we don’t listen to You when You talk to us. And finally Lawd thank You that You don’t answer every prayer. Amen, I said first. Amen, Kitten said. And finally Ruby said Amen.
(c) copyright 2010 Shundra L. Moore, all rights reserved
Note: this story is not in the public domain
March 9, 2010 | Categories: flash fiction | Tags: Author Shundra L. Moore, Christian Fiction, Fiction, flash fiction, Ruby Second Draft | Leave a comment
Quiet Please
“Quiet please, I’m trying to concentrate. This is real hard work balancing in this stance.” Jesse was being sarcastic he was in the Lotus Pose one of the easiest. “So how long have you been working this hard.” “All day long.” Jessie said with a sly grin. “I need to meditate and clear my mind of all evil thoughts. And fill it up with worthless thoughts of a meaningless vacation in the Bahamas. Doing nothing and then writing about it for money.”
I’ve been Jesse’s little sister since I was five years old. I’m Sherry and I’m adopted.
“Quiet please, you’re breathing too loud.” “How on earth can I make that much noise inhaling and exhaling?” “Well any way I wanted to talk about something.” “Quiet please your breaking up my meditation.” Ok, I gave up and started into a belly laugh. “What are you meditating on?” “Umm something important.” “Like?” “Like how I’m going too get you to stop being so serious. Sherry you really should lighten up.” “This is important Jesse you need to wake up from your nap and listen a minute.” Shh, did you hear that its the sound of my stomach growling.” “Jesse will you stop joking around and hear me out.”
“I want to find my birth mother but I’m not sure if she will want to find me. I have a bad feeling about finding her, but I can’t shake the motivation to search for her.”
“Well let me give you some advice little sis. I wouldn’t follow up on that urge. You already have a family that loves you and you have a bad feeling that you shouldn’t ignore.” “Jess I don’t know how to say this. I want to tell mom about it but it would hurt her feelings. I need to find her.” No, what you need is some rest. When is the last night that you slept eight hours straight through. Sleep deprivation will do some strange things to your train of thought. Ok I’ll consider seriously taking a nap in the middle of my next bible study. I couldn’t help it but I burst out into tears. Jess got up and gave me a shoulder to cry on.
“This is really bothering you huh.” “Yep, it is Jess.” “Ok so Sherry this is what we will do. Pray.” “Pray what?” “Just meditate and pray for the next few minutes.” “Ok Jess, I’ll go for that. But like I said Pray what?”
“Ok, you want me to start.” “Yep. I sure do cause I’m at a loss for words right now.” “Quiet please your sniffuling to loud.” He was just trying to make me smile. I knew the kind of person Jesse was. Joking most of the time but a serious person when you got to know him. I was about to say something and Jess interrupted me. “Shh, your breaking my concentration. Ok we’ll pray like this. Father God send Sherry’s mother to her and get this grief off her mind in Jesus name. Amen.” “That’s it. That’s all you’re going to pray Jess.”
“Shh. P.S. Lord. Umm, And send her back with a new family if she wants one.” “I started to say amen brother but I bet you already know what he said.” “Shh’ I’m not finished your mighty noisy today. I think my you and my stomach are conspiring to mess up my peaceful day of meditating on God.” Jess said everything with a smile. He rambled on for the next five minutes and then let me say Amen.
Quiet Please © copyright 2010 Shundra L. Moore all rights reserved
February 23, 2010 | Categories: flash fiction | Tags: Author Shundra L. Moore, Christian Fiction, copyrighted works, FaithWriters Member, Quiet Please | Leave a comment
Ruby
Ruby gon’ like dis fa sho. What you talkin ’bout Kitten? Bertha she gon’ like it I tell you. Look at dis. My quilt is gonna be da best at da fair. I always told you your quilts was good Kitten. But Bertha, she don know I’m gonna give it to her after. For a birthday present.
My name is Bertha Clementine Smith. Kitten calls me by both names when it suits her. Da old folk tease me cause I got two names as far a Kitten knows. I’m da oldest of three sisters. I came first den Ruby den Kitten. My ma is named Malie. After her ma. We been on this farm as long as I can remember. Even when da war was full blast.
Kitten be in da mind of tellin me to go to da store on da way back. Bertha what you cookin up na. Don’t you worry bout dat. You’ll know soon.
Bertha! Bertha! da cow don got loose. Ruby was yellin my name from inside da barn. Dat one stuck in da middle of da two of us most times. Ruby kept to herself most. She lost a bo in da war. He lied bout his age to get in so he could kill some white folk. He had a mean streak, dat one.
I’m comin Ruby. da cow answered to me and payed no tention to anybody else. Must be cause I rasied it from a calf. It took me a good hour dis time to get dat cow. I din have no time to be messin wit no milk cow.
We goin to da fair and I had to get dressed. I put on my best for da quilt show. Kitten was real good at sowin. Ma taught her first das why she won all da contest at da fair. She was da first to learn how to read too. Das why she was so smart. den me, den Ruby. Ruby always was quiet. So we din know if she knew how to read before me.
We never did get to da store. I was gonna cook Ruby a pie. But a storm come up after Kitten won her blue ribbon. Ruby was cheerin the loudest at the fair. I know I said she was solum. But every now and den she wasn’t. We saw da rain cloud fo it got to us and started a runnin.
Bertha I just knew my birthday was gonna be sunny, and look here a cloud cum up to ruin it. Don’t worry bout the cloud ain’t no rain started yet. Just den the rain started. And it was a powerful rain too we had to grab hands and slow down. Cause the wind picked up and started whis’lin a jig.
Kitten started to fear we was not gonna get home in one piece. So Kitten yelled at me pray! Bertha pray! I was always talkin to the Lawd bout somin. So I guess I should say somin to Him bout dis. But I was not a feared like Kitten so I told her in the loudest voice I could muster. “Kitten you pray dis time. The Lawd can hear ya you don’t have to yell to me”
Kitten started yellin at the top of her voice. What can I say it musta helped her nerves.
Lawd! Please help us get home fo dis storm carries us away to meet you. I had a real good day today on Ruby’s birthday but don’t let the devil ruin it all. Amen!
Ruby said somin for the first time since cheerin at the top of her voice for Kitten. I wish dat you would pray quiet like Kitten. Da Lawd can hear us even if we don’t say da words out loud. You startin to make me scared I a was not feelin dat way a minute ago. We all got each others hans real tight and we walkin real slow like. Da wind is starting to stop whis’lin. Its my day and I’m not gonna let the devil ruin it. The Lawd is already helpin me.
Ruby started to say somin I thought she was mumblin to herself bout Kitten. But she was prayin that the storm would stop. Afterwards, she told me her prayer was somin like dis.
Lawd I thank you for another birthday and I ask you for another. Calm my sisters restless soul so that she would learn to hear you when you talk to her. It is very important that we trust you and not lean to our own understanding, in these evil days, and foolishly do things that would cause us harm.
We have found ourselves in harms way Lawd not cause we have done somin against you. But even if we did cause the storm like Jonah of old. We trust that you will be merciful to us and send us a big fish too.
Dats when I stopped her. Why did you pray dat Ruby. Cause, I didn’t know why the storm came to us so sudden like. Thought we had don somin bad that we didn’t know bout. Ok I said. He knew bout all our bad stuff way fo we did it dint He. Yes, I guess so Bertha. You can’t guess bout dat Ruby you must be sure. Ok I’m sure. Well fine den. He was beat and killed fo all we did Ruby why would He send the storm? If you put it dat way He won’t punish us since He punished Jesus for all our bad.
Ok, Ruby take it back. Take what back? What you just said to God. And pray again. Ok.
Thank You Jesus for being punished for all my bad and my sisters bad too. Thank You for being merciful and saving us. Even if we don’t listen to You when You talk to us. And finally Lawd thank You that You don’t answer every prayer. Amen, I said first, Amen, Kitten said and finally Ruby said Amen.
The End See Jonah 1.
Ruby a tale of flash fiction Dedicated to my mother Carrie in Black History Month of 2010, which should be renamed to American History Month.
(c) copyright 2010-12 Shundra L. Moore, all rights reserved
Note: this story is not in the public domain
February 11, 2010 | Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: Author Shundra L. Moore, Black History Month, Christian Fiction, flash fiction, Ruby | Leave a comment
Prison Colony 139 Part II
She took me inside her quarters and none of the members of work detail where there. I didn’t know what else to do but run. But I couldn’t she had me blocked in.
High Ranking Woman: Samuel that is your real name isn’t it.
Samuel aka 8132: Yes Mistress, that is my name.
High Ranking Woman: I need you to love me. I’m so neglected here.
Samuel aka 8132: I can’t do that Mistress, I was looking for a place to run. There was going to be only one chance for me to get out of here. One, I had to get her out of my pathway so I could run through the door. After that I didn’t know what else to do. She always acted different when she got someone alone. I knew what she meant and it wasn’t the 1 Corinthians 13 kind of love me.
Samuel 8132: I will not sin against my God.
High Ranking Woman: You can’t be serious. You would turn down the opportunity to advance in command officially. Actually be on record as the commander of the jailbirds, and have your freedom. You know I can arrange that. Just settle down and do what I tell you.
Samuel 8132: I will not commit this sin Mistress. It is not even worth my freedom. Or my life because it would be ruined the minute I said yes.
High Ranking Woman: How dare you! Guards! Guards!
I got off easy like I said she had a reputation that she loved to back up with dead bodies. I was in the brink within 15 minutes. With the charge of sexual assault and battery. On our nice prison colony that was a death sentence. But at least I would get a trial. God being with me would save my life.
The tribunal was convened within two hours and consisted of five guards and two prisoners. A total of five with rights and two with limited rights. But in this court their vote counted. The Judge was none other than the husband of our Mistress. I knew one thing she did not. That her husband was truly a righteous man and very just. But he was also very angry and I prayed that God would help him see past the anger to the facts and the truth. Because If He didn’t I was going to be commending my spirit to God within three days of the court assembling.
Court Attender: All rise for the honorable Judge Jacob the Righteous, son of the honorable Jackson Might the Swift. Everybody got up including Jacob’s dog that usually sat at his feet.
Jacob was a man who made an entrance for one reason. He weighed two hundred and seventy five pounds of pure muscle. All of which was hidden beneath his robes. But few knew his righteousness was based on the same Source as mine. He was a Christian but in secret. So I had high hopes of a life sentence.
The trial was over before it began Jacob knew his wife better than I thought. It really was Gomer married to Hosea or visa versa. I was sentenced to two years hard labor. I wanted to shout out loud I love you brother Jacob. Because it was a sticky situation. He couldn’t let me off free.
My quality of life was about to change for the worst but at least I had my life and I was thankful for that. I don’t know how I will deal with hard labor but after my sentence was completed I would get my freedom if I survived. Jacob knew this and Mistress was furious. I’ll keep you posted maybe my story will get out to the other colonies and others will even benefit by my God’s redemption. He is a God who saves.
So here the story ends for now. With the moral. A woman scorned can be tamed by a husband who knows the God over Colony 139 and the rest of the universe. Hopefully to be continued…
Prison Colony 139 Part II
Note this story is not in the public domain.
Author and copyright holder © copyright 2010-12 Shundra L. Moore, all rights reserved
February 10, 2010 | Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: Author Shundra L. Moore, Christian Fiction, FaithWriters Member, flash fiction, Prison Colony 139, Prison Colony 139 Part II | Leave a comment
Prison Colony 139
I can’t remember when I last saw daylight. I work from the inside. My brothers sold me into slavery because of the world wide famine. What can I say they were hungry. But we didn’t expect anything worse coming on the world scene. But it got worse. I think I heard of this law, and I’m paraphrasing If it can get bad it will. Thank God I don’t live my life by that one.
Food sources got really slim and we where thankful for potatoes and onions on a good day. To make a long story short the slave traders came through town and they sold me. I was daddy’s favorite and a dreamer who loved the attention. So this was a real environment change.
Mental torture and ridicule are par for the course here on Prison Colony 139. Dirt, grime and starvation thrown in just to add a little seasoning to the pot. Fits the description of this whole planet. It was made just for punishment. The oxygen level barley sustains human life. Everything is at minimal levels. This place was not made for rehabilitation, so no one really expects us to leave alive. But that is not my expectation. There is no chance that I will die on this planet.
High Ranking Woman: 8132 come here, I want to speak to you.
Samuel aka 8132: Yes Mistress. What do you need. I just finished my work detail.
High Ranking Woman: 8132 you are to come with me everyday and um, do what I tell you.
Samuel aka 8132: Mistress you already know that my work detail is overtime on the long sunset days. And I may not be able to carry out those orders. This one was sneaky. I was going to be on my guard. She had a reputation of losing prisoners. And not knowing what she did with them. We were just toys to her. Just a number and not human. She had been watching me for years and I knew it was a matter of time before this test of faith came.
High Ranking Woman: Don’t you worry your little head about that. I’ll take care of all the details. You must follow my orders. I’m of high rank. Fourth in line for the headship of this facility. But you already know that don’t you.
Samuel aka 8132: Yes Mistress.
High Ranking Woman: So we are clear on your duty. It has been changed. Your whole company will report to me. Of course I know the inmates regard you as their leader. Even some of the spineless guards consider you first over their positions. This will have to change.
Samuel aka 8132: Yes Mistress. 1.39 CEV
Prison Colony 139
Author and copyright holder © copyright 2010-12 Shundra L. Moore, all rights reserved
This story is not in the public domain.
February 9, 2010 | Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: Author Shundra L. Moore, Bible, Christian Fiction, Faith, flash fiction, Prison Colony 139 | Leave a comment
Here
Here
Heaven is not where robbers break in.
So give your money to God not them.
Who is they or them is your choice
Decide who gives the increase.
It is not a man.
Father gives and does not take His gifts.
But there is more to the gift than is being said.
He Himself inhabits His gifts
And gives Himself away.
Will you except Him for who He is.
A kind God who’s personality is Goodness.
He won’t leave us to the harshness of a mere human
And whims of jesting that bring no comfort.
The Teacher teaches of a merry heart of joy
The Principle tells of His heart
Not cruelty from one who has
No Tester but Himself.
Answering the questions from the quest
Of this life that won’t end, (comma)
Takes more than everything we have.
(c) copyright 2010-12, Shundra L. Moore, all rights reserved
This poem is not in the public domain
February 6, 2010 | Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: Author Shundra L. Moore | Leave a comment
If – “A conversation with Adam”
If – “A conversation with Adam”
If you do this,
If you do that,
You will be successful
But only if you do everything I say.
Then only will I bless you
With everything I have.
You get a hamburger
Discount for the rest of your life.
Cause I have access to the
Cattle on a thousand hills
Remember you gave them to me.
Oh ok maybe I stole them.
And I return the favor
And give my restitution
In small incriments of one dollar.
I know life isn’t fair my lady.
Thanks. Don’t you just love the justice system.
(c) copyright 2010-12, Shundra L. Moore, all rights reserved
This poem is not in the public domain
February 6, 2010 | Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: Author Shundra L. Moore | Leave a comment
Black Face
Black Face
Cardinal, Cardinal why do you sound?
With black face do you tweet
Where do you come from
With a chest of red?
Dressed in feathers
We see you there.
I came from meridian ninety
On Northern wind do I fly,
My wife in orange from the sky.
Back to my shelter,
Back to my home,
At the Back of the North Wind
I do roam.
My eyes on Lilith
She is alone.
Amongst her books
Amongst her studies
In the great room
Reading of old.
Abstract thoughts
Running through.
And a new soul
comes to mind.
On paper they come
Fiction sometimes,
Soaring in the pages,
Buzzing in the spaces,
Letters filling up the lines.
Note This poem is not in the public domain
(c) 2009-2012 Shundra L. Moore all rights reserved
February 6, 2010 | Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: Author Shundra L. Moore, copyrighted poems | Leave a comment
At the Pool
At the Pool
Dragging a body of bones around
In a bag of skin Is how I feel at times.
This tent does not want to comply
With the directions I give.
I do jump in on the inside
But the outer man takes only one step to the right
Before my mind decides it cannot do.
Conditioned from the womb to restrict.
It will take the LORD’s voice to say come forth.
So I hear Him mention I am right here.
Don’t listen to others who say I am far away.
The waters are troubled.
The waters are still.
The times are for Me to say.
Note: This poem is not in the public domain
(c) copyright 2010, Shundra L. Moore, all rights reserved.
February 5, 2010 | Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: Author Shundra L. Moore, Bible, Pool of Bethesda | Leave a comment
A Band of Bells
A Band of Bells
Chimes in tune to a choice that does not wait.
Spirit formed in a heart ready for belief.
A heart that is clouded with tears
Of joy mixed with longing.
To know a Master who wants in return.
Desire for all who would come to Him
And learn to be meek and agree with the LORD who can see.
Rejecting men who heap laws
Of injustice upon those of us who are free.
Who invite a kind of death into a Holy Place.
Deceptive is the party that offers
A slight bit of bondage to embrace with a cup of tea.
Walking tents made for God to meet us in an interval of need.
Acceptance of every evil thing that is released
Is not how He defines true humility.
All things work together for good
For those who hear His call.
Looking for an occasion to sound.
Returning words that don’t abide by His guest list.
Mercy and lovingkindness are there.
But sorrow and bitterness decided not to show.
Can you hear the bells of decision to trust His power to change.
The noise of empty hearts to the jingle that signals faith.
Pleasure is the crux of Fathers intent
His and ours there to meet.
Can you hear the ringing of the Bells?
Do you have Sight?.
Note: This poem is not in the public domain
(c) copyright 2010, Shundra L. Moore, all rights reserved.
February 5, 2010 | Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: Author Shundra L. Moore, Faith, Movies, Polar Express the Movie | Leave a comment
Songs from Haiti
Songs from Haiti
Streets of concrete tremble above the faults.
Bringing destruction where they shake.
Dark sayings that rush to God
And save many in time to save more.
Rains wash away the dust from weary feet
That run to help with no sleep.
Life springs from those who
Look for a brother or sister in the rubble.
Songs of many rise to His Throne
Sang by some who don’t know
Who to call upon.
But Father is kind and loves to be asked.
So He answers with a yes.
By Shundra L. Moore
To: the people of Haiti with Love
February 5, 2010 | Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: Author Shundra L. Moore, Haiti | Leave a comment
Reel Tales 