Like In Versailles

"Poplars lining the road, like in Versailles. Not that I've been there. I just imagine that's how it would be."

"Are you sure they're Poplars? Maybe Birch."

"Birch in Versailles?! I don't think so."

"I mean the ones outside. Maybe they're Birch."

"I'd prefer Poplars. Like in Versailles. Though I've never been there."

"If you've never been there, how do you know anything lines the road?"

'I imagine there would be something. It's Versailles, after all. Most likely Poplars."

"I guess you're right."

A silence fell over the room, broken only by the sound of the wind in the Aspen.

From Guest Contributor E. O'Neill

The Snake Tree

The forest saw it all. Less than a moon turn she lasted.

Wrapped in a shroud, he planted her in the leafy earth under the shade of birch and pine. Worms and beetles took her to the forest, bit by bit.

She called to him from the snake tree, and he rushed to her while the moon shone across the water. They lay on sheets of green. Her embrace was stronger than death. Beetles and worms took him bit by bit. The rustle of leaves and the sighing of wind.

The forest saw it all and the forest was pleased.

From Guest Contributor David Rae

David lives in Scotland. He loves stories that exist just below the surface of things, like deep water.He has most recently had work published or forthcoming in; THE FLATBUSH REVIEW, THE HORROR TREE, LOCUST, ROSETTA MALEFICARIUM, SHORT TALE 100, and 50 WORD STORIES. You can read more at Davidrae-stories.com