This month’s writing prompt was Solar Glare. Here we showcase all the responses that were submitted.
Solar glare prompt: That flash of light that appears on a freshly developed photo, leaving the true content behind up for debate. That beam of sun that makes you have to squint your eyes and lift a hand to your brow. What are you missing out on in these moments of temporary blindness? What mysteries or dangers or memories could lie behind?
Beyond the reflections
my annoyed resting face finds a home
in the scorching sunlight, where nothing rests
well, as I pace back and forth whilst the glaring
sun keeps a daunting gaze. the sky remains cloudless
like my words on the paper, only the solar glare reflects
in my picture, as I wonder why can't I see it
well, maybe because it also can't see itself, like the battle
of me and my reflection in the water hiding our sights.
perhaps, it does see, only in the darkness of the night
as I do, only in the dark of the night when all feels right.
there's beyond those reflections, but you don't see, you never did.
by Bushra Ali (@calm_pace Insta)
Alzheimer’s at the beach
Here I am
stretched long
shingle stones almost warm now in my back
still knowing sea birds for what they are
my hands swoop
wheel
calling them in to me
like familiars
squinting without prescription sunglasses
I blur the spangled light
with eyelashes of salty down
into sea-greased feathers that flash
reaching for your palm
finding it dry and calloused
as I expect it to be
holding on, I make
your hands fly with mine
by Anna Fernandes
swim press 