Happy Cinco de Mayo! This week, quite fittingly, Pegman takes us to Mexico. Participants are invited to poke around the resort village (and ancient Mayan stomping grounds) of Tulum. You’ll find both streetview and photospheres to inspire you at this location.
Your mission is to write a 150-word story-poem-essay inspired by the location. Feel free to wander around and find your own view to use in your post.
Once your piece is polished, you can share it with others using the linkup below. Reading and commenting on others’ work is part of the fun!
The photo I chose is from the “Pegman Buffet” but my story takes place in Chiapas, Mexico, a few miles inland from Tulum. The Mayans have always fascinated me. So many mysteries surrounding them.
Thanks as always to Karen and Josh for hosting this globe trotting challenge.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 150
STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN
The soft grass tickled her back as Yohl laid beside the stream. She relished the sun’s warmth on her face. The rush of the waterfall lulled her and a delicious wave of sleep washed over her.
“Yohl Ik’nal!”
She snapped open her eyes to see a giant looming above her. Sunrays splayed like a crown around his massive head. Lightning bolts from his dark eyes seared her.
Heart thumping, she rolled over and lay prostrate before him. “Itzamná, ruler of the heavens. All gods tremble in your presence. Why do you come to me, a mere girl child?”
Tucking his finger under her chin, he raised her head. “You shall be queen of your people.”
Like smoke rising from sacrificial fire, he vanished.
Ascending Palenque’s throne, Yohl assumed the burdens of her people. In the shadow of impending battle and bloodshed, she trembled and pondered her dream of long ago.
Not unlike Moses at the burning bush.
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Similar, but different. Thanks for reading and commenting, James.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I like how you made something so mythical feel so personal. It occurs to me that if I found myself becoming queen of my people, it would immensely reassuring to know that the gods had preordained it!
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Dear Joy,
I did have fun exploring this one. I’m glad my intentions came through. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Excellent and vivid, Rochelle. The old gods were always promising something, weren’t they?
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Dear Josh,
This was something different for me. Glad it worked. At least this god kept his promise. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wow! Love the story. It’s right up my alley. As mom to a girl of Mayan ancestry I’m excited to learn all I can about Yohl Ik’nal.
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Dear Karen,
Who knows? Maybe your daughter descended from Yohl. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Super story, Rochelle! I see what you meant in your comment on my post about the same deity, only your story was based much more closely on Mayan myth and history than mine. Thank you for the reference too.
Shalom
Penny
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Dear Penny,
This turned out to be an unexpected educational experience for me as well. I’m so glad you enjoyed it and took the time to say so. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hi Rochelle! Superb. Indian old gods were always landing themselves by promising something to their worshipers. Going to explore more. Thanks for the link.
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Dear Indira,
This story provided an unexpected education for the writer as well. 😉 At least Itzamná kept his promise. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This is an interesting story, Rochelle. It’s a perfect story for the prompt. Good writing as always. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Thank you, Suzanne. 😀 Glad you enjoyed.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
I’m late to the party and did not participate this week… though one never knows 😉
I love how you brought this story to life – something you do ridiculously well 😉
Could you imagine being chosen thus? The pressure! Oy!
Lotsa love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
Better late than never. 😉 Glad you came by, at least to read. Thank you for your lovely words. I lay my gratitude before you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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True dat!!
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The opening, with the sound and feel of the water, is so soothing, then ZAP – God with lightning eyes. Love that! and the whole idea of this young girl being chosen by the gods to rule!
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Dear Lish,
It would be daunting for a young girl. Your words make me smile. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Loved your story – you make the magic encounter charged with energy, a heightened experience. Good one.
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Dear Francine,
Your lovely comments make me smile. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wow, that was full of shock and awe. Thanks for the link to learn more!
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Dear Sarah Ann,
Happy to oblige 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Very interesting take on the prompt.
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Thank you…only two months late, Lisa.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The stairway photo which you have mentioned in the above post is very good. The green grass gives the pleasant environment. This very attracts my eyes and i should visit there.
Embankment Stair
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Thank you, Winderstairs.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I did this busy schedule and worked on Mother’s Day and missed everyone’s lovely wishes. Yours were definitely special on my post and this was a particularly sweet wish! 🍭🍬🍫 I need my daily allowance of candy and whole heartedly support this post. Become a personal trainer
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