Handoma

Handoma/Sami Khalil

(The Village witch)

========================================================

She was ominous looking. A widow with dark gifts, according to townsfolk, who slavishly followed their mutable fears, sometimes framed in ignorance.

Her face was lined, snow-white, but to behold at narrow glimpse with eldritch manners. "Incredibly strong", she was accused of many mystical occurrences in this alpine village straddled by lofty mountains, bone chilling; A rebellion against the gruesome king, resulting in her husband’s death, who was the key-holder and the rebel leader; A famine that followed her curse of the land; The suffocation of the high priest; The eerie shrieking sounds at quiet nights; The totems and books found in her house…

There was rage and much accusations by the populace. It seemed everyone wanted simple answers or solutions toward certain types for adoption. In particular, no self-identification with the outcasts of society. What a pity! For many people operate in their own self-interest without compassion, influenced or not, for saturation points.

“Death must follow her,” they demanded. “We must set her and her house on fire,” and so they tried but she escaped, unlike her house, to the woods, to be bound by solitary veils.

Starless were the nights she spent recalling her husband’s memory, who was her sword and shield. If she can only visit his grave at night stealthily, and be with him, summoning his spirit, then the embers of love will stay inflamed as ever out of life’s agony.

Something told her to go back to town, in dancing shadows of the Moon, and pay her respects. It could be a dream or it could be a nightmare, but she was adamant with certainty.

The evil guardians were waiting for her, tipped by a plethora of spies, who took her to the town hall, to be burned alive, while the happy, sanguine red chanters, who went around and around in circles, became all utterly blind magically. 

She had the last laugh!

Overwhelming was her joy.

Reviews

[VALORMORE DE PLUME]

I like this. Scene well painted.You iluminate one of the greatest mistakes we make as humans. The notion; what we believe, is to be adopted by others whether they agree or not. Vivid imagery throughout. Stirring sociological commentary, fostering introspection.

[Sami Khalil]

Wow! So true and well articulated beloced poet. You have nailed it on the head. Thank you so much for all.

[VALORMORE DE PLUME]

You are most welcome my friend.

[Sami Khalil]

:)....................

[Linda alexander]

Right never become wrong even if majority agreed or followed. What is right and what is wrong in true sense even more complicated. The origin of the idiotic movement and repairing it may lead some light to the issues. Hadoma and spouse had the equal rights just like any other villagers still the outcome turned as so contrast in nature to the extent the two have to give their right to live for some superstitions or evil mentality. There is tremendous food for thought to this piece of writing. Excellent job done by writer

[Sami Khalil]

OMG! Thank you so much beloved poet and friend for this wonderful review and understanding. I look forward to your visit.

[barleygirl]

This is one of the best pieces I've read from you so far. I love the way you crafted this, so compelling, it makes me want to BE this witch. I am intensely interested in the way society deems those who march to a different drum as "outcasts." I believe that life on earth is but a shallow representation of what each of us is made up of, in the universal realm. I love the ending, becuz those with a narrow earthly perspective think they've gotten her, but we with a wider view can only guess how immense & indestructible is her true essence. Now I want to write a witchy poem myself some day! *smile* Fondly, Margie

[Sami Khalil]

Wow! OMG! I love the way you interpret this story and you nailed it on the head. I always knew you are smart and talented. I'm thankful for taking the time and effort. We inspire each other.

[andrew mitchell]

Great story telling Sami and excellent writing skills. Yes how many poor women were burnt, innocent of any wrongdoings except being different.

[Sami Khalil]

Wow! So true and well articulated sir Andrew. You have summed it up marvelously. Thank you tremendously.

[andrew mitchell]

You are welcome:)

[Sami Khalil]

:)........

[.]

Satisfyingly chilling!

Oh, it will always pay to be careful of those we cast adrift! For the ripples of our choices will come back to haunt us on the wings of vengeance!

Both at once, chilling and truthful, you have again concocted a wonderful short story in that descriptive, journalistic style. This one had me cast back to the days of Salem and the witch hunts!

As always, an excellent piece of writing. Another fine addition to your written volume.

[Sami Khalil]

Wow! Million thank you beloved poet and friend for this amazing review and truthful words. Even your reviews are so poetic and right on. Always a pleasure to see you.

[.]

The pleasure is all mine, Sami. I will get to your other writes soon.

[Sami Khalil]

:)................

[Mrudula Rani]

Suspicions, ignorance, and mob mentality a deadly combination that consumed the life of a grieving widow! Your stories are as unique as your poetry!

[Sami Khalil]

I so like to thank you beloved poet for this lovely visit and kind review. You speak the truth. All rich blessings.

[Mrudula Rani]

My dear poet, Reading your writings is entirely my pleasure, thanks for sharing.

[Sami Khalil]

:)................

[Einstein Noodle]

are you sure it wasn't a cackle? ;))) certainly hails back to the witch trial .. the irony so well pointed out ..as the alleged "good" townspeople ..circle chant and burn ...and SHE" the witch ...riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight!
a dark tale sir! was it fun to write? and i love the pic! makes me think of the banshees of Ireland ..
E.
ps. i googled the name but did not come up with anything definite...is it one you made up?

[Sami Khalil]

It is based on a true lady's name I knew growing up in Lebanon and its alpine towns. Her name was Handoma and she was an outcast and witch type by the townsfolk( Never believed that of course) and stydying how societies In America, Europe and the Middle East and so forth were or still is concerned with the blame game on thos less fortunate or the outcasts, so I decided to write a wake up story about how people can be misinformed and ignorant and how the mob mentality can prevail if you or I allow it.
Thank you so much great poet for all.

[Einstein Noodle]

wow! what an interesting life you have had ... yes..that mentality is very brutal and truly mentally insane ... collectively :(

[Sami Khalil]

:).................

[Richard McLin]

Wow I loved the last two sentences of this story. I love those who can create a great stories that are truly "Short Stories", and you have done so. LOVED IT.
-Richard

[Sami Khalil]

Wow! Thank you so much Richard for gracing me with your wonderful visit. Glad you like it.

[wordman]

this is great sami,this stuff took place no telling how many times in centries past,the christian society,and of course the back bitters of the day,,i wonder how many good people was murdered in this fashion,i don`t even want to know,,,great imagery as well

[Sami Khalil]

Wow! You tell the truth like it is. You are right, it happened here and many other societies. People want to blame something or someone for their failures or problems. They look for scapegoats all the time. Be blessed.

[wordman]

they are afraid of the un known,the different.many a good woman was murdered by stupidity

[Sami Khalil]

All true and sad. God help them.