Her First Spell

Isadora’s mother grasps her hands and smiles at her.

‘I know this is your first time, but everyone in the coven has been there, and we are here to support you’.

Isadora looks around the circle, nods, picks up a handful of herbs and throws them into the cauldron. As she stirs, she recites under her breath the first spell she has ever written. She dips a silver chalice into the brew but, before she can pass it round the circle, wrinkled fingers tear it from her grasp. Her ancient grandmother holds it up, savouring the spell and the faint perfume from its chalice, steals away into a corner and gulps it down.

‘I haven’t even told you what the spell is for!’ Isadora stamps her fourteen-year-old foot.

But it’s too late. Her grandmother sprouts black crow feathers and flies out of the window.

Kim M. Russell, 11th May 2026

Image by Kati Hoehl on Unsplash

This Monday at the dVerse Poets Pub we are writing Prosery with Dora and a line from a poem by Paul Laurence Dunbar.

Dora reminds us that Prosery is a piece of prose fiction using a given line of poetry, and gives us some background to this month’s poet, Paul Laurence Dunbar and the poem from which she has taken the line to be included in our prose: ‘Sympathy’.

“And the faint perfume from its chalice steals—”

Our piece of prose must have no more than 144 words including this line, which may be changed with breaks or punctuation, but without altering the order of the words.

28 thoughts on “Her First Spell”

  1. Oh this is fantastic, Kim, and so made me smile! I love it! And your use of the poetic line is pure genius. Why do I get the feeling that if you could make a spell, it would be just such a one?! 🙂

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  9. A witchy story may well bring the creeps. But it is the one that creates mystery and tension Many are taken by these dramatic effects and wanting more. Great write Kim! Hank is one who looks forward to this type of dramatic offerings! Thanks Ma’am!

    Hank

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      1. Hello Kim hope it was a good trip… sometimes overwhelmed I’m always late often not wanting to come … no need for apologies I’m always blessed when you stop by

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