This is another response to Writing Prompt 198 – Everyday Ghosts written by Raymond King Shurtz. I especially love that Prompt 198 was a quote by Raymond himself! I love sifting through my own work, finding some good “bones” and building from them!

Bones

I’ve asked the trail,
I’ve asked the canyons,
I’ve asked the dust
for mercy where I am standing
The desert floor goes on forever
The desert floor took my companion

When my bones are turned to stone
When my bones are all alone
Leave them be,
Please leave them be.

I’ve asked the Lord,
I’ve asked the Devil,
I’ve asked the Angels
For mercy where I am standing

The sky above goes on forever
The sky above took my companion
When my bones are turned to stone
When my bones are all alone

Leave them be,
Please leave them be.

Dust to dust,
Flesh and bone,
Dust to dust,
Leave them be,
Please leave them be.

–Raymond King Shurtz

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January 24, 2024
Woodstock, New York