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Written on April 20th 2025 for Tom Woody's Ghost of Frankenstein Poetry Contest.
An eerie wind blows through the decaying bushes on the outskirts, while a rusted door sways on its broken hinges. The smell of ozone lingers from thunder cracking in the distance, as heavy rain unleashes upon the abandoned prairie. A broken soul wanders the expanse, searching for any solace in this apocalyptic world. Her hair has gone white from loneliness, slightly matted around desolate eyes— long ago dulled when civilization died out, decaying her spirit. Why she was still left behind in this wasteland, she does not know. For that is the answer she so desperately seeks. Her delicate hands, once gentle, have been hardened by the harsh elements of time. She used to stand tall among her peers— statuesque like an Amazonian warrior. Now, she stoops over, forever looking down at the ground to shield herself from the harsh light of day. The sun has become a ball of fire, searing into her flesh. She doesn't know if it's getting closer to Earth, or if it's the neverending exposure making her feel as though she's being cooked alive. The only relief comes when the rains fall. A fleeting mercy. A wash of life. She must use them wisely, for they are her only source of water— her only source of hope. Dusk settles over the horizon as Maria returns to the dilapidated farmhouse she has made her transitory home. The smell of death hangs in the air; Brushing aside garbage piled upon the fading brown leather couch, Maria rests her weary body for the evening. Closing her burning eyes, she tries to remember how she got here— how humanity vanished from what was once a lush world. The silence plays tricks on her fracturing mind. Echoes of ghosts reverberate through the howling wind. Long-lost memories begin to flood back. She was happy once. Like old movies in her mind, she remembers running among daisies with friends— the fresh smell of cut grass suddenly filling her nose. A warmth blossoms in her frozen heart. Opening her eyes, she sees herself standing in that field. Reaching down, she picks up butter-colored flowers with now-silken hands. She knows this can't be real, yet she prays to remain in this memory forever. As she turns her head, she sees a creek babbling nearby. She walks to wash her face, but suddenly freezes. A rattling sound. Flames in the distance. The once crystal sapphire sky turns ashen grey. The ground rumbles beneath her feet as screams pierce the once peaceful air. Mushroom clouds blitz the atmosphere. Atomic destruction at a molecular level. Her amnesic mind awakens. The scent of searing flesh burns every hair in her nostrils. The taste of absolute fear courses through pulsating taste buds. White-hot heat licks at Maria's delicate skin as she runs into the bleakness. Her lungs heave, filling with thickening smoke. Her legs tremble, turning to jelly. She feels collapse is near as she flees from impending doom. Thunder roars in the distance, snapping Maria back to the harsh present. Humanity should have stepped in before nuclear annihilation became the final resort. Scientists played god— splicing DNA of the extinct. At first, it was harmless: Dodo birds, Woolly Mammoths. But greed crept in. The rich paid for Saber-tooth pets. Dinosaurs became attractions. Nothing was off-limits. Until it all spiraled out of control. Earth’s *****sapiens were overrun. Now only the “lucky” few remain— roaming, always on the run, until nature restores what was lost.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2025




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Date: 5/24/2025 9:26:00 AM
Told in your poetic words, somewhat softens the blow, But I sincerely believe this is how we're gonna go! You have a fantastic mind, a joy to read.
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Sara Jama
Date: 5/26/2025 11:33:00 AM
Thank you for the kind words.
Date: 5/21/2025 11:44:00 AM
This kept my attention from the first to last line... you are a wonderful story teller and deserving of your win! Xo
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Sara Jama
Date: 5/22/2025 1:50:00 PM
Thank you so much for the kind feedback.
Date: 5/21/2025 2:49:00 AM
Sara, you know what I think of your poetic ability. Everything you create is worthy of being complimented, but it's not compliments through comments that a true poet seeks. It's knowing in our own mind that we've accomplished what we set out to do and don't need comments to be satisfied with the result.
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Sara Jama
Date: 5/22/2025 1:52:00 PM
Thank you Lin. Yes I know how you feel. I write as an outlet. It's why I paint too. As a creative release.
Date: 5/21/2025 2:09:00 AM
Congratulations grumpy! Iv already congratulated you on whatsapp too! And i must remind you once again; to keep posting your short stories! I remember nana telling me to keep encouraging you to write even in a world she no longer exists! Dont stop and soupers should see your storytelling skills more! Im proud of you my sista from another mother! Sending you light always
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Sara Jama
Date: 5/22/2025 1:53:00 PM
Thank you Ink for the support. My stories are quite dark. Lol
Date: 5/20/2025 6:26:00 PM
I can't believe no one on the winners list has congratulated you on your win for this exquisite write. Sad state of affairs. Smh
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Sara Jama
Date: 5/22/2025 1:54:00 PM
Thank you for calling my writing exquisite.
Date: 5/18/2025 4:44:00 PM
This was a very interesting challenge. Congratulations, Sara, on your top win!
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Sara Jama
Date: 5/18/2025 6:58:00 PM
Thank you very much.
Date: 5/18/2025 2:23:00 PM
Oh my gosh I had no idea this was yours. I like how you focused on the plight of a single remaining human in the aftermath of what came before, ie, the de-extinctions that started off somewhat benign but led to foolishness and ultimately destruction. This had a dystopian, apocalyptic vibe to it with no happy ending. Superb writing!
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Tom Woody
Date: 5/18/2025 3:13:00 PM
Your attention to detail is amazing
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Sara Jama
Date: 5/18/2025 3:02:00 PM
Thank you so much for placing me in your contest. I thoroughly enjoyed your thought provoking contest. I like dystopian based literature.
Date: 4/21/2025 7:59:00 AM
Dear Grumpy, i think tomsz will like this , he is also a very deep storyteller if you read his poems you will see: and i think he would appreciate this take on his prompt! Altho im clueless on how to write for that youv nailed it with such descriptive imagery and the ending! So soul hitting! Gave me goosebumps! Gosh! Powerful! Best wishes! Im so happy you are sharing your ability to do storytelling too on soup! Pleasure reading! Sending you light always! Fave it is
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Sara Jama
Date: 4/21/2025 9:14:00 AM
Thank you Ink.

Book: Reflection on the Important Things