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It was late October in the year of our Lord 1789. In the waning hours of Hallowmass Eve, urchins in rags, and sufferers from calamity marched through the cobbled streets of Bartonwick. Smoke curled into the sky from the crooked chimneys of the thatched stone cottages. Banging on doors, the soulers begged for food and money, offering songs and prayers in payment.
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Old Harriet Wicklesmith opened her creaking oak door, and a smile spread across her wrinkled face. All day she had mixed, stirred and baked her Soul Cakes. She proffered a platter laden with steaming cross-topped sweetmeats. One by one, the soulers helped themselves.
‘May your souls be freed from Purgatory when these cakes are eaten’, she muttered.
‘We shall eat the fruit of your labour. Blessings and prosperity will be yours’, they replied.
She returned to the calmness of her room and settled before the crackling log fire, content in the knowledge that her good deed was done and her soul comforted for another year.
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If you’d like to hear the Soul Cake song, it’s HERE!
Thanks to Sadje for hosting What Do You See?
Image Credit; Alex Shuper @ Unsplash
Ooohhhh nicely done, Keith. I wonder what happens if I were to try a soul cake? 🤔😁
You’d be forever blessed I’m sure! Thanks, Maria.
A very interesting poem Keith. The soul cakes for the poor – making the occasion a blessing for them. Thanks for joining in.
Indeed they do, thanks, Sadje.
You’re most welcome 🙏🏼
Excellent storytelling, Keith. I was transported back to 1789 Bartonwick.
What more could I have hoped for? Thanks, Nancy.
*applause!* ~ you are so good, Keith, seriously. I love how this prompt took you back into the past 🙂
~David
Thanks so much for your kind words – and the applause, David!
oooh – well done, Keith
Thanks so much, Beth.
I’d not heard of soul cakes before. Right from the first paragraph you created a wonderful image of old times past. Great work. Keith.
I used to sell them at my pub during our annual Halloween fun-night! Simple to bake, delcious to eat!
Thank you so much, Mason.
Your friends at the pub were very lucky. I looked at recipes online. I’m definitely having a baking session next week.
Good one Keith
Thanks so much, Di.
Most welcome
That’s lovely.
Thanks, Misky.
This is delightfully authentic!
Thank you, Mimi
fantastic repsonse to the prompt, Keith. Love where this prompt took you. Well done, mate. 👏👏
Wow, Keith… wonderful!
Superb writing, Keith. Well told story… loved your intro…it read like the opening of A Tale of Two Cities…to me anyways.
This is absolutely delightful!
Unique tale, Keith. So well written!