L is for Longing

I have joined the group  "Blogging from A to Z" .  This is a  a month long challenge to write a short story everyday and each day corresponding to the letter of the alphabet.  I have linked up the site - simply click on the name so that you might read any sort of short story from the huge line-up available.  The stories are supposed to be short so that many can be read, quickly.  Simply a titillation of talent.  Happy reading, and thank you for joining me.  My sister-in-law is writing under "Vicki's Place" currently her placement is #1259.  If you are catching this on my Facebook or as an e-mail follower my number is currently #1324.  (people drop out and the numbers contract) 

L is for Longing

Their songs wafted on the wind as smoke from a campfire in the breeze.  The “on watch” men were already mesmerized.  Those still asleep dreamed of dancing beauties or vestal virgins. 

Intuitively he knew something was wrong.  The ship was hitting the waves at an odd angle.  They were rolling far too much for as calm as the waters were.  Bursting from his cabin, the first rays of dawn illuminating the eastern sky casting a rose-colored hue and momentarily blinding him.  Casting his eyes away from the sun he bellowed to his crew.  None answered.  He must have been the last to awaken.

He could see the men swimming toward the rocky shoreline.  Great waves beat upon those rocks throwing his men upon them as well.  Bodies crashed and careened along the shore, swept along as though mere rag-dolls.  They must have seen him, for the music became more intense.

The sirens begged for him to join them.  They pled him to free them from the rocky shoreline.  He clapped his hands over his ears while running to the helm.  Tearing his clothing, he plunged bits of rags into his ears and the rest to tie off the wheel. 

Running to below deck, he searched for others who had awakened slowly.  He found the four men who had been on night watch along with him.  Fortunately for them, two were snoring loudly keeping the mystic music at bay.  Awakening the two silent sleepers first, he readied them for topside by plugging their ears.  Lastly the two snorers were awakened and kept safe as well.  They needed to move quickly or be dashed against the outcrops as their shipmates had been. 

“Longing for touch, those poor wretched creatures.  I hope they burn in hell”  The captain damned the sirens as they sailed out of reach.

leigh