Shoo fly, into the Kitty's mouth

The cat named Abby sat just beneath the banister and seemed ready to pounce at any moment. She must have had a hunter's instincts, for a second later she leapt up, sailing gracefully over the spot where she'd seen the fly land. No one saw her grab it, but no one had to swat later either.

Very short story I wrote. Hope you enjoy all three lines of it!

Unlock the door

The key to happiness
isn't in your pocket,
and it doesn't fit
inside your locket.

But don't worry, it's out
where all can see.
Just open your eyes
to be truly happy.

by Sarah Switzer

Ch. 3 of Queteya: Human at Heart

Chapter 3-

At the bottom of the mountain, on the outskirts of the village, Abbolinn’s family had a memorial service for the lost child. His father and mother, as well as his older sister, seven-year-old Lauralinta, lay lilies (the flower of innocence) in the Remembrance Tomb. They sang the Song of Farewell three times, once for each full year of his life, for every year of memories that they believed would now be kept safe within the Tomb. They placed all of Abbolinn’s belongings and any pictures containing his face in the Tomb. They then covered the Tomb, and left it weeping. They would return every year to examine the contents, so that they would never forget Abbolinn.

RouSky ran quickly from the bunker, sobbing. He was a sensitive boy; he didn’t want to see any harm come to the child he had just befriended. But it was out of his hands now. He had to just trust that everything would work out all right. He sat down outside the cave entrance, trying to slow his breathing, hoping he would not hear any screaming. Abbolinn was close to sleep when he had left, so he shouldn’t feel much pain. RouSky sat still watching the sun set for hours, and was calmed by approaching darkness. Only when he could see the moon and stars did he stand, and after thinking a moment, re-entered the cave. He followed the passage again, this time passing the door labeled Bunker 6, continuing until reaching the door for Bunker 5. Just before entering, he heard a noise behind him, making him stop. His heart thumped loudly in the silence that followed. Suddenly, he felt warm air on his neck. When a large hand came down on his shoulder, he screamed.

The door to Bunker 5 opened quickly to reveal a fourteen year-old girl. She worriedly peered into the darkness. “ROAR!” She jumped and ran back into the Bunker, slamming the door behind her. A second later there was a knock on the door. The teen turned around, staring at the door in disbelief. Another knock. She opened the door and yelled, “MONSTER!” then quieted when she saw RouSky carrying a young boy. He looked asleep. RouSky grinned sheepishly, “Sorry.” The girl looked back at him saying, “How could you do that? You scared me! I thought a monster ate you or something.”
“I said I’m sorry. And that roar was Abbolinn, he thought it was funny.” Abbolinn giggled, then opened his eyes wide. “It was funny! She actually thought I was a monster!” RouSky said, “Besides, I thought princesses were supposed to be fearless.” She said, annoyed, “That’s knights! That’s why they have to fight the dragon to save the princess. Have you actually ever read a fairy tale?”
“Are you kidding? Fairy tales are for girls.” The girl scoffed, then responded with, “I hope that’s not an insult. There’s nothing wrong with girls… And I’m not a real princess anyway.” “Well, that’s good, “RouSky replied with a chuckle, “because I’m no Knight in Shining Armor.” She scoffed, “That’s for sure.” She interrupted his expected retort by introducing herself to the boy. “So you’re Abbolinn, huh? I’m called Ovf, and you can call him Sky,” pointing at RouSky.
He was about to explain that he preferred his entire name when a bell chimed. As they started moving quietly up the staircase, Abbolinn asked where they were going. “And what was the bell for?” “Meal time,” RouSky responded with a low voice.” Ovf added seriously, “Keep still now; dinner means it’s time to start settling down.” Abbolinn became silent when he noticed other children moving down the hall equally as quiet. When the only sound he could hear was his pounding heart, he wondered to himself, ‘What’s going to happen at dinner?’

The word "word"

The word “word”
By Sarah Switzer
Word
Rumor
Hearsay
Gossip
Word
Notice
Communication
Information
Message
Report
Account
Word
Name
Term
Remark
Comment
Statement
Utterance
Expression
Declaration
Word
Command
Order
Signal
Decree
Edict
Mandate
Bidding
Will
Word
Pledge
Vow
Oath
Assurance
Guarantee
Promise
Word

Which “Word” is most important to you?

Why don't they understand?

Why don’t they understand?
By Sarah Switzer
Why don’t they understand
How I feel every day?
Why don’t they understand
Why I always act this way?
Why don’t they understand
Why I want to be alone?
Why don’t they understand
Why I never feel at home?
Why don’t they understand
Why it is so difficult in school?
Why don’t they understand
Why I don’t want to be cool?
Why don’t they understand
Why I’m always absorbed in dreams?
Why don’t they understand
It’s because I feel I don’t belong
In this world where nothing
Is what it seems?

We are Never Alone

We are never alone

Stars
They glow in the deepest, darkest night,
They fill galaxies upon galaxies,
Filling a universe that has no end.

Moons
They circle planets that sleep among the stars,
Shining most nights, reflecting the sun,
A powerful energy released upon a child.

Planets
They circle the sun in a system without a name,
Among billions of systems without name.

A sun
The center of all things, yet not alone,
It is not the only energy source of the universe.

There are other suns,
Powering other systems,
Giving way to other planets,
Circled by other moons,
Surrounded by other stars.
We are never alone.

Wary and Worried

Wary and Worried

I walk in life,
Day by day,
I can’t get out,
Any how or any way.

I walk in life,
Seeing what is done,
As I walk past,
Watching everyone.

I walk in life,
Looking all around,
And in between glimpses,
Looking at the ground.

I walk in life
Like there are holes in the floor,
Stepping carefully,
Even going through the door.

I walk in life,
I go where I’m told,
But wherever I go,
I need something to hold.

I walk in life,
Holding on tight,
Not saying a word,
In quiet fright.

I walk in life,
Unsure about it all,
Always afraid
I’m going to fall.

I walk in life
Like there isn’t much hope,
It’s like I’m in the dark,
Trying to grope.

I walk in life,
Wary and worried,
But I’m going to get to safety;
I’m continuing, undeterred.