Keith Maynard Jr

“To Remember” by Keith Maynard Jr

Submitted to Contest #192

Memories are the things we bring along that sustain us through the pain. Memories… Memories can inspire… They show us what is gone is not lost, and the lessons taught, are not forgotten. Today we are here in honor of such a memory. The memory of a man who overcame, who loved and loved deeply. Something we all wish to aspire to. In my mind is a picture. A picture of a man standing with a snapshot of time in hand. With a smile that ached the heart. So fragile he seems for a man so strong. Life gave him a love that made him stand on his feet. O...

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“Sleeping Beauty” by Keith Maynard Jr

Submitted to Contest #191

The sun gleams on his face, as he kneels there in jubilation.“I feel alive”, he utters in what would be praise it seems. One could suppose he should feel such a way. Yes, it’s good to be alive.The air still chills in this land of white. An adventure called him forth, he said it was hidden in an old book of wood… wood, who uses wood to make a book. Who would- anyway doubting him was the obvious choice. I mean-“Bree, we should get going?”“Going?”“Yeah, it’s a long trek to the bottom.”“Bottom?”“Haha, I see you’re still doubting me”, pointing to...

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“The Victim” by Keith Maynard Jr

“Speak now.”“...”“Mr. Anderson, has the cat got your tongue?”“... Ahh, ah, …”“As usual I see, Mr. Anderson. Why don’t you go see the principal and tell him about your memory problem?”.Click, tap tap tap..Oh, honey did I wake you, I’m sorry. No need to get up. Lay back down, you need your beauty sleep. You look a little confused dear. Don’t worry, I’m here okay. Here, take a sip of this and get some rest okay hon. No, you don’t want any…okay but you need to get some rest. All right. I know, I know you want to say something but the medication ...

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“A New Life” by Keith Maynard Jr

Submitted to Contest #189

TW: Physical and Sexual violence, Suicide.Splash. Oh My God, I’m drenched. I start to shiver --- where’d that water come from? Wait the light… huh? What is this? My hands are chained and the light extends to create a sphere around me. I don’t understand…what’s going on here. Thud, that sounds like a…a bucket, I think. Splash. Oh wow, now that’s cold.Nervously I ask, “Who's there?”“Good, it seems I have your attention.”“Who are you? Why am I chained? Where is this?”“Wouldn’t you like to know? Why don’t you let your eyes adjust? I’ll be back.”...

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“Our Night” by Keith Maynard Jr

Submitted to Contest #188

The chill of the night air helps one relax as they peer out into the lush starry sky. Resting on the marble ledge – no drinks needed, just a whiff of the air quenches thirst. Dan smiles as he listens to the jubilation of his family behind him. A hand reaches out and touches his back – a familiar feeling he knows well."Dear, you good?", he hears the sweet voice of his wife ask. His smile grows brighter as he replies, "Never better". She leans against the marble making sure to touch his shoulder as she takes a sip. A picture-esque scene is the...

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“Lost King” by Keith Maynard Jr

Submitted to Contest #187

Getting caught was my mistakeTo the land of man I was takenNow I want not for foodNo need to huntJust enjoy the sun.At first it seemed I was freeThat opening is a magic thing indeedAn invisible wall stops meIs it not an openingNo damage it takesOn the other side are men... staringI shout, I clawThey just enjoy the show.Futile my effort seemNo strength have INo point to tryStill I plotThough confinedI will survive.Yawning, soon it will be breakfast - today is spicy lamb, if I remember correctly. The routine is always the same - if it's lamb f...

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“Punch with Math” by Keith Maynard Jr

Submitted to Contest #186

How are you doing today? You’re good, that’s good to hear. Let’s see, what should I talk about today? I know, how about I tell you about a legendary boxer? He was a man who had a weird rule to his boxing. Truly he was idiotic, still like many I was mesmerized. Why you ask – that’s simple. He was never the champ but… he was the people’s favorite. Funny right? Still, his rule fascinated us. Illogical as they may be, it's what made him who he was. Hmm, you want to hear about the rule? Well, all right – where should I start? ...

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“Dragon Labyrinth” by Keith Maynard Jr

Submitted to Contest #185

Clinking reverberated throughout the cave - a familiar sound that has long since etched into the crevices. Magnus sighs - admiring his reflection has lost its value as has the spectacles he's acquired. The luster of their shine, the sharpness of their cut, some hide in the adorned craftsmanship of mahogany and steel. Any man would covet their splendor - many have but alas their possessions only add to his collection.None escape his wrath - their charred bodies become delicacy on his plate, a now rare commodity. It has been years since anyone...

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“Your Choice” by Keith Maynard Jr

Submitted to Contest #184

Just another day on the job Karl thought, until he saw her. To him she was like a Phoenix with hair that shone like fire and the way she walked majestically. To all who saw her they froze in awe, if only for a moment. Any man would want such a regal beauty. Karl though enamored did not think he had a chance, he sighed and thought at best she'd exist in his mind as the woman of his dreams.Finally it was lunch, he had spent the whole morning thinking about her. To the ire of his coworkers. Usually he was the one who paid the most attention to ...

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“One Night” by Keith Maynard Jr

Submitted to Contest #183

Amidst the cold night Laurel travels with only the stars in the sky as company. She can't wait to reach the next city. All around is just barren land with a few struggling vegetation.  Due to unforeseen circumstances Laurel travels by horse but only two types of persons would do so. Primitives, i.e. those who can't adhere to modern society or someone who's confident in their ability. Laurel breathes a sigh of relief as she sees the next town, Old’s Ville. Now she can have a drink, a shower and a good night’s sleep. The town has the ...

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“Right To Be Paranoid” by Keith Maynard Jr

Submitted to Contest #182

His day starts as usual with him standing in front of the full body mirror he has. Admiring his milky smooth white skin, the crimson shine of his eyes and his flowing jet black silky hair. A gift that God gave to him to be loved by all the women. At least that’s his thought anyway. Getting dressed, he heads out to his appointment. Stepping outside he has a feeling of being watched, so he stops and looks around but sees no one. Still the feeling is still there but it soon disappears. People are standing around looking at him as he stands by...

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“New Hope” by Keith Maynard Jr

Submitted to Contest #181

4:15pm   - The town is in sight, yet I fear I won’t reach it. Dragging myself along this path, I have survived but my life will soon vanish it seems? In the end, I have failed. *** 4 hours earlier (12:15pm)   - “Remember that most tech doesn’t work here.” “...” “GPS and that stuff is a luxury, alright. Take this map.” “...” “Now this is the path you need to take, you’ll need to look out for the sign. No one's been there for a long time cause… just be extra careful. Even you won’t last if you take that “shortcut”.” “I unders...

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“From Afar” by Keith Maynard Jr

Submitted to Contest #180

Rummaging around in the garbage a homeless boy stumbling over something. He falls over face first due to this. As he gathers himself he looks around and doesn’t see what he could have tripped over; instinctively he begins clearing the bags of garbage to find the source. A pair of legs come into view, at this sight he hesitates. Carefully he steps around the legs and removes more garbage bags slowly. His breath speeds up a little as his heart beats even faster. Slowly the arms and torso are revealed. Spotting blood on the torso worries hi...

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“Do You Believe In Faith” by Keith Maynard Jr

Submitted to Contest #179

I wake in this apartment and I wonder is this where I’m meant to be? In any case, I need to get ready for that interview at 10am but it's 8am so I have time. I’ll just take another five minutes and sleep a bit more. Beep! Beep! Beeeep!! I hit the button on my alarm and look at the clock groggily. 9:42am, okay I can get a bit more sleep… Wait, wait… Slowly I raised my head again and checked the clock. 9:43am… jumping out of bed I freshen up and get dressed. Damn, damn, damn… I’m going to be late, damn it. I need to call them and explain. ...

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“One Hundred Bites” by Keith Maynard Jr

Submitted to Contest #178

Taking a noseful of that aroma as she puts the cup lips. The warmth courses through her veins; at this time of year it is a feeling that is akin to ecstasy. Still she mustn’t indulge too much, this paper wasn’t going to write itself. "Babe??" "Doran, I told you I need to concentrate… remember" "Yeah but babe-Yeah toothbrush?" "... Don't worry about it" "Babe I don't understand…" "I told you, it's a family thing… Okay?" "I-I-I guess so…" Walking up behind her, Doran places his hand on the table as he goes to kiss her cheek. She pays him n...

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