Soul Food

Soul Food                               by Sami Khalil

(An imaginative story)

It was a befuddling place; somehow a scary one.

News travelled far and wide as fear casted its shadows on the populace. Some were curious though to discover and experience it.

Take this: a new restaurant opened up its doors in the middle of the town’s large cemetery by a deceased, notable and local business man.

Being a diehard capitalist, he thought to employ his dead fellows, turning a profit then using it partly to upkeep the graveyard. Courageous people, who dared to visit, were offered either a meat and two or a meat and three; a tasty soul experience.

But, beware patrons, tip has to be generous or you will be haunted indeed. “You will be pursued by ghosts”, one plaque read above the entrance. Another one stated: “Choose your own ground, for you are death bound.” My favorite was, “Yield to the Great Spirit for He will cash your ticket.”

One day, the sun was about to set when I decided to visit this place. My stomach was fearlessly growling. Hunger and thirst know no fear, no boundaries in the land of the living, let alone in the land of the dead.

After I passed some familiar graves, I muttered some prayers in my walking and wailing memories.

A soft touch, a gentle nudge pointed me towards the food establishment. I was little hesitant but adamant at the same time, if you want to know the truth. Why not? In the land of the voided, you will feel the extra presence of the parodied down to your knees.

It was my uptime of endurance and playtime of experience. I saw the eerie place; large, imposing, outlined all over by neon lines without a solid structure.

I sensed the scents of lost lives, who died justly or unjustly. I discerned the footsteps of lingering lives, caught between two dimensions.

As I waited at the bar for a juice, I was ushered to my table. Few minutes passed in anticipation, then a ghostly figure approached me, asking to take my order. No name was introduced. I could not concentrate on the menu for she was gloriously beautiful. What a waste of life, I said to myself. I wondered if she was married in her previous life. I spied no golden ring on her finger.

After looking at the menu again, I could not decide. I finally yielded to her suggestions. I ordered the special of the day. She topped off my drink smiling and off she went to the kitchen. I felt an abandonment of sorts; a surrender that knows agony.

Was it love or loneliness? For there is a wholeness in certainty and many puzzles in uncertainty. There is a curse and a blessing in devotions. Isn’t love a devotion, a form of worship? All these thoughts passed my mind.

Inevitable, I finished my delicious meal, then headed home. It was an outstanding experience. Even the décor and music were second to none.

As I opened my door, rubbing my eyes in disbelief, she stood there like an angel. I heard faint love whispers. I was trapped between Heaven and Earth.

I guess those you love will always follow you!

 

 

 

Reviews

[Linda alexander]

Wow Samie this writing way too different than your style, a great message embedded those who loves you follow you always, you are right dead souls are more alive than those living on earth, so descriptive reader may fall in to believing that this story has connections to real world. Applause to author Sami Khalil

[Sami Khalil]

Wow! So true and well said dear Linda Alexander. So glad to see you visit and share your thoughts. Happy that you liked the message. All rich blessings...

[Lydia Shutter]

WOW, Sami! This ghost story is so much more than just a spooky one. Yes, loved ones who have passed are always with us and we find ourselves "talking" to them when certain situations occur. Surely someone in your past pushed you to that juice bar. Your imagination knows no bounds, my friend. Lydi**

[Sami Khalil]

OMG! You are amazing. It is true what you say. It is a phenomenon indeed. I love your take on this one. Thank you so much dear Lydia for all. See you soon...without an accompanying ghost...Lol...

[alanwgraham]

What a lovely ghostly tale Sami. What an imagination you have and so well written!
All the best,
Alan

[Sami Khalil]

Howdy Alan! Thank you so much dear poet and friend for this awesome review. So glad to see you. On my way.

[Robert Haigh]

I echo Andrew Mitchell's words, because I too wish I had written this! A wonderfully inventive tale, dear Sami! Great inspiration visited you when you wrote this, my friend! I enjoyed it immensely!

[Sami Khalil]

Wowzy wo! I love it. It gives me a humble assurance to know that from great writers and people like yourself. I can't thank you enough. See you soon.

[andrew mitchell]

If I can also make a small suggestion . Instead of saying written by Sami Khalil could you write Andrew Mitchell instead, only because its a fine write.

[Sami Khalil]

Hehehe! I gift you anything you desire my friend. You are inspirational indeed and your support shed a light on our writes. The more support we get, the more push for creativity we attempt. Thank you so much Emperor Andrew.

[restcity]

Great story.

One thing though. Instead of saying, scratching my eyes, you could've written, rubbing my eyes, as scratching them doesn't seem like it would feel pleasant!

[Sami Khalil]

Wowzy. Good idea dear poet. Will change it now. Thank you so much for the time, visit, suggestion. See you in a jiffy.