Finished

I just finished my first novella about ten minutes ago. It's the strangest feeling-- I honestly never thought I would actually finish it. I've written so many unfinished stories and considered the fact that I may never finish them. And tonight, well, I feel so elated. Happy. Tired. And finally, the urge to finish the story that had been nagging me for awhile-- has ended.
I'm so happy right now that I probably won't get much sleep. But it was worth the staying up late! And now, it's editing time!

Autumn

I'm sitting here at my desk sipping on a peppermint mocha, staring out my window. The sky is overcast and the wind is blowing-- I cannot tell if it's chilly, or if, somehow, it's still slightly warm.
But I'm fully certain that now it is finally fall. The air has a different feel- crisp, like the leaves which are changing color (or are soon to be.) Soon, it will more than likely be snowing.
These days do not force me to wake up early. I jolt out of bed when I see the gray glow from in between my curtains. I do not want to miss this.
And soon, the holidays, my favorite time of year-- will begin. Pumpkins will give way to turkeys, then my favorite, Christmas. "Silver bells..."
I love autumn.



By Ashley Dodge©

bathrooms

Ever wondered why bathrooms are so comforting? I do. Whenever I get upset, I run to the bathroom and find myself on its cold floor, my head against the toilet or tub. I sink into the room, letting the bare walls rise above me, creating a protective barrier from myself and the outside world.
I don't understand why, but when I am huddled into the corner bleeding my eyes out, I feel most comfortable, most peaceful. In this room everything seems to sort itself out, all things fall into place.
Is it because I can lock the door and stay in this room for hours, if need be, and it will be socially acceptable for anyone to not ask why? Is it because it is the single room in the house which people will not find it in themselves to ask why we are going in there?
I don't know, but what I do know is, when I stand up, wash my face, and clean up my tears and unlock the door- I feel like I've left whatever pain I've had to face behind me.

Future

Share
with me dreams, scars, pleasure.
Take
with you my own.
Need
with me, together we will confront fear.
Unknown
to you I am a flightless bird,drained of will to fly
Create
with me poetry to dissolve
all leftover
anguish and tears.


By Ashley Dodge©

I spent four years hearing lies, now wondering why they aren't reality...could it be I was just delusional? Or maybe the lies are actually truth? Please spare me the "it'll be o.k." I know it will, I have faith it will. Just stop lying to me, will ya?

Drifting

I'm finally finished with school. New possibilities, rethinking my writing, having time to edit. Amazing, how fast time passes.

Tonight I wandered away from the river house. I wandered down the pine-lined path of twilight and emerged on the other side. A small town, in the bottom of the valley, lights from downtown. Pale orange, like the sun when it had burnt her hair. The bar was quaint, quiet. The bar tender, Irish-accented, offered me a beer. I'd never drank.
I walked back home during at dawn. The forest always looks different. Less menacing, friendly. Trees whisper good morning, dew falling onto fresh-soaked grass.
I crawl into bed. No one hears it squeak.
I would return again.






By Ashley Dodge©