creative writing – Signora Sheila

The Night After Christmas: A Poem

Festive red-and-white striped socks frame a red polka-dot gift box topped with a bright green bow, creating a cheerful holiday scene.

‘Twas the night after Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was hungry, not even a mouse; The stockings still hung there, all limp and bare, With hopes that no tummy aches would soon appear. The children were nestled all snug in their beds, With visions of presents flying through their heads; AndContinueContinue reading “The Night After Christmas: A Poem”

The Coming of Mr. Pemberton: A Christmas Story

Snow-covered stone mansion entrance with ornate yellow doors, statues, urns, and hedges lining the steps in a serene winter scene.

Everyone wondered, but no one knew – knew who Mr. Pemberton was, that is. Oh, they all knew of the Pemberton family. At least the older ones did. They remembered the cranky old man who used to throw things at them when they were kids. Just because they passed his house! Not because they stoleContinueContinue reading “The Coming of Mr. Pemberton: A Christmas Story”

Forever Changed: A Short Story

Worried woman in a rust-colored robe and head covering clutches a rope outdoors by a stone wall and clay water jar, conveying urgency and attentiveness.

She walked a lonely road, a water jar on her shoulder, that Samaritan woman. In the hottest part of the day she made the way, her solitary way, to the village well. Only after the others had returned to their own homes did she venture out. They did not welcome her company. No more than she,ContinueContinue reading “Forever Changed: A Short Story”

Healed By One Touch: A Short Story

Young woman in traditional clothing of Bible days works with yarn beside a loom in a rustic stone workshop, surrounded by woven baskets and textiles.

Wiping her hot brow, Tamar adjusted her scarf to better cover her pale skin, and wondered, “Why I am so different? Why can’t I look like the other girls?” Then she promptly bit her tongue for even thinking such a thing! For if she’d heard it once, she’d heard it a thousand times. “Remember theContinueContinue reading “Healed By One Touch: A Short Story”

The Soldier Who Killed a King: Book Review

Illustration of three figures on crosses above a sorrowful crowd, beneath stormy blue skies; a bearded man in purple stands in the foreground.

David Kitz’s masterfully written book, The Soldier Who Killed a King, had me hooked from the beginning. In it, a fictional centurion named Marcus Longinus recounts his involvement in the Passion of Christ. And how he came to see who Christ really is. The Gospel comes alive Sometimes we become so familiar with the storiesContinueContinue reading “The Soldier Who Killed a King: Book Review”