Mary Burns

Author on Reedsy Prompts since Jan, 2021

Stories (6)

6 Stories

111 karma pts

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“Soothing One's Soul” by Mary Burns

Submitted to Contest #86

I love the summer. It’s not just the warm weather that invigorates my soul, but the extended hours of sunlight. These added hours of daylight allow me to take an evening walk that helps soothe my soul. I have learned to cherish this time alone. As I walk along my usual two-mile route through the neighborhood, I take in the sights and sounds of nature that surround me. I especially enjoy the beautiful flower gardens along the way. Flowers, I think, nature’s artwork. They give my such joy. They have raised my spirits during many difficult ti...

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“New Haven” by Mary Burns

Submitted to Contest #85

I’m driving from New Jersey to my sister’s house in Rhode Island and, as always, I must stop in New Haven, Connecticut, a city that I both love and hate. A city that has brought me both joy and sadness. It is one of my favorite places due to some wonderful memories and yet it is a city that has brought me deep sorrow.I cross the Q Bridge on Route 95 and take exit 50 onto Woodward Avenue. I turn left at the second light and drive mindlessly through the streets until I find myself driving alongside the Quinnipiac River. It is a peaceful area. ...

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“Knit One, Pearl Two” by Mary Burns

Submitted to Contest #84

Virginia sat on the chair looking out the window, knitting needles in her hands. Knit one pearl two she thought to herself as she mindlessly wrapped the yarn around the needle and then pulled it through. Knit one pearl two, she continued. Sighing, she thought, has it been a year already? Will things ever get back to normal? Knitting had always been a relaxing activity for Virginia, and she had knit more blankets, scarves and hats that she could count. This year, though, knitting had taken on a whole new meaning. It had become her world. It...

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“Such a Fool” by Mary Burns

Submitted to Contest #82

She stood in the shed still holding the shovel, sweating, trembling and out of breath, looking at the pile of rubble that now littered the floor. She tried to calm herself but couldn’t. Although she had planned this moment and knew it had to happen, her mind still raced. Quickly, she put down the shovel, pivoted around exiting the shed. She locked it and ran into the house. She ran upstairs and grabbed the suitcase that was in her closet. As she packed, she thought of all that had happened over the past seven months and berated hers...

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“Dancing Through Life” by Mary Burns

Submitted to Contest #81

I sat at the table at my niece’s wedding and watched with love and tenderness but also with amazement. My aunt and uncle were dancing. A special request had been made to the DJ on their behalf to play their wedding song, “For Sentimental Reasons” by Nat King Cole. A wedding song from seventy-five years ago. Yes, they have been married for seventy-five years. Watching them and seeing them look at each with such tenderness and love as they danced brought tears to my eyes. How have they done what so many people can’t do today including myself...

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“A Cross in the Sky” by Mary Burns

Submitted to Contest #80

Marcie hurriedly left her house as she often does to get to her teaching job. You would think after twenty years that she would be more efficient at getting herself ready and out of the house. She jumps into her car, starts it up and quickly backs out of her driveway. Once on her way, she allows herself to slow down, take a deep breath and take notice of the day. It is mid-October, so dawn has arrived, and she is still able to drive to work in daylight. She begins to think about how much she enjoys the early sunlight and how much she dreads ...

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Author bio

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