Saturday Centus is up to new tricks this week, or at least its creator is. Our good friend Jenny has graciously (?) granted us 200 words to flesh out our offerings a little more than usual. It's been an interesting challenge, to say the least. The prompt, not included in the word count, is in a different font.
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Misery and Me
©2011 Susan Noyes Anderson
Misery loves company, they say. I say right back to them that if that’s true, he makes a piss poor host...the kind who keeps the windows latched and draped, doors closed and bolted tight against the searing light of day.
Oh sure, the old wretch let me in––flung wide the gate, in fact––but getting out is not so easy; in those early days, I helped him build a wall. (The wall was built long ago.) We laid it brick by brick, the mortar laced with grit and gravel. It stands right around the garden, now gone brown.
Why will I sugarcoat this thing? The yard is colorless, no hint of brown at all.
It’s been three years, and though I still can hear the words that stripped my soul, they’re softer now and moved from stab to sting. Time heals all…wounds all heels…reveals the age-old truth that pain is mortal, too. My pain is dying slowly. Misery watches, waits with baited breath.
Some days, the garden almost beckons, hums quite faintly. Now and then, I see a flash of green, a blade of grass. Most of the bricks are loose now, and (God willing) one might fall...one more…one more…one more…and me...
Set free at last.
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25 comments:
Wonderfully written! Enjoy your weekend. Hugs Anne
All that from those few words! You're gifted.
Outstanding job Sue !
So true, searing and branding of the soul, misery is so much more painful to deal with and conquer alone !
Intense. I want to know more of the story.
Have you ever considered taking your prompts to the next level. I get hooked each week! :)
Brilliant ... do you hear that? that's me applauding!!!
Bravo!
Where oh where do you find these words?
How oh how do you cast such a spell over all of us each week?
Sue. Can. WRITE!!!!
You are so gosh darn talented! I just love reading your poems and stories!~Ames
Somehow I feel like you had a little wall in your heart that a small brick fell out of and this story emerged...to write this from that prompt is so amazing to me. Loved it!
Yes - freedom! Yes, we were on the same page. (I like "some days the garden almost beckons, hums faintly.")
This was fun!
Oh, Sue,
Where to you get the words? The direction you so deftly took this prompt is genius. You know how much I love the way you string words together. Thanks, and
Namaste..........cj
Walls were made to keep people out, or on the other hand, to keep people in. Depends on our view, really.
Good imagery used. I love how you left that little bit of hope present. :)
...and...and then what...? I've been drawn in again. Can we please have a girls weekend, and every night you tell us a story?
This is so captivating and powerful. I love how you play with words (e.g., "wounds all heels"). Beautiful, as always.
xoRobyn
Yes Sue, you really do have a way with words. Misery DOES love company. It's hard to endure it all alone. It does help to have hope though, doesn't it? I did get the feeling that she was definitely going to be free, at last.
A certain element of mystery...this I like...especially the element of a garden wall...Peace and blessings
Wow Sue, this just reminds me how much I've missed reading you. This was beautifully crafted. Perfect use of the prompt, love the garden wall. And the element of hope that shines through. Wonderful! Kat
I, as a reader, went from broken to bleak as I read this....along side your stab to sting.
Yowza you're gifted with the written word.
Sue, this piece really spoke to me. You are just so good at this!!!
Wow, Sue. All I can say is WOW. To be able to write like you do--it must feel so wonderful. Like playing an instrument where the music just sort of flows out...
Amazing.
wow. quite the engaging write sue...yes the door is open on this one for more...smiles.
As usual, I'm awed by your writing. This is a sad note, almost a death wish to rid of pain, I think. Life has such a way of making you feel depressed sometimes and the climb out can take years as you pointed out. Terrific work of art!
Oh my...this is deep AND beautiful!!!!! great writing.
your new friend,
Suz
The words are so gripping and convey so much....wonderfully written.
Sue you did such an amazing job with this piece that I want to jump to my feet and give you a standing ovation! Brilliant!
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