Melissa Houghton
Stories (5)
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Confessor
The stone church sits atop a pastoral hilltop. For over a century its bell strikes at high noon, like white noise in the peaceful village. This sweltering day, an old man lumbers slowly up its marble steps. As he reached the top, he turned around and mopped his brow while surveying the lush green valley. He smiled absent-mindedly then abruptly seemed to remember why he was there. He stuffed his handkerchief into his pocket and used both arms to open two massive, beautifully carved doors.
By Melissa Houghtonabout a year ago in Confessions
on this date
i want to write – i’ve been somewhere – inside – looking around at events – images – seeing with somewhat clear eyes – all that has hurt me – situations, people – but every now and then remembering to allow myself to feel the good in those people – how negative experiences have their purpose – to learn, something new about myself. How did i respond to it – did i give up too much of me? What is enough? What to keep back and how maybe we serve each other as giver and taker. The musical journey i took to those inner places – was timeless. At times scary, often serene – i don’t know where i’ve been but it felt far and deep away. The music was PRIMAL, sensuous, peaceful, happy, exotic and often mystical. i did not know what they were saying but it was beautiful. i think i remember dancing in my head. Sometimes it made me feel like i was being reborn and once or twice i think it makes sense to say – i recall when i was born. i arrived in this place and now i am here. Writing lines that aren’t too cerebral but seem to capture what i experienced. Lost loves, recent disappointment, thinking more about one person than i thought i would.
By Melissa Houghtonabout a year ago in Poets
Fundak
We met at the Turkish delight store in Toronto on downtown Yonge Street. The night she walked in, the store was empty of customers, just me at the front and my colleague, who was spending time at the baklava counter at the opposite end of the store. I wasn’t planning on making any sales for the rest of the evening since it was after 8 p.m.
By Melissa Houghtonabout a year ago in Humans
