My favorite writing meme (100 words, minus the prompt) is undoubtedly Jenny Matlock's Saturday Centus, and that's no joke. Sadly, neither is my offering this week, inspired by recent and rather unsettling news events.
As usual, the prompt is in red.
∞§∞
Good Kids
Gabriel was screwed, and he knew it. Stared ahead. Disappeared into himself. What did he expect, hanging around after 7th period? Idiot, he hissed inwardly. But how often did a girl hit him up? Even about homework.
The jocks closed in.
“Wanna hold hands, Gaby baby? I heard you wanna hook up.”
“He already knows he’s a freakin’ faggot. Don’t rub it in, dude.”
"If I had a hammer, I’d pound it in. Maybe I’ll use these.” Fists raised, he danced mockingly around his prey.
A couple of football players. "Good" kids.
They never laid a hand on Gabe. He felt every blow.
Gosh, I'm glad he didn't have that hammer!This prompt has brought out some violence!
ReplyDeleteWow, this is very powerful and such an important perspective. I'm very moved.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sue.
xoRobyn
Your right, we were on the same wavelength. I find the whole thing so sad. Wonderful post though to show how bullying really hurts. Good
ReplyDeletejob.
I am so glad not near you right now. Bullies should be taught a lesson
ReplyDeleteSo real it hurts...can feel it at the end!
ReplyDeleteI had first thought of writing something with physical violence in it. A hammer as a weapon. But I changed my mind and left it as a simple useful tool.
ReplyDeleteYour text is very well written about how some people's lives are violent. Simple tools become weapons. It's very sad, but it is a reality for some people.
Great post!
Best wishes,
Anna
Anna's SC Week 23
You have great breadth to your writing talent, Sue. This was dark and made me feel like I'd been dragged behind a moving vehicle on asphalt. Great job!
ReplyDeleteOh gosh. You are really feeling the impact of the events going on. It shows in your writing. It makes me feel sick for those who suffer.
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping that someday, someone will figure out an effective way to stop bullying in the schools. Unfortunately it seems to be in all schools, even elementary. The emotional trauma is so great for these kids, to say nothing of the physical (which often happens) trauma they might experience. Your post was timely and well written.
ReplyDeleteWow! You've done a great job conveying the pain and torment felt by someone being bullied.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant write, Sue. You capture the essence of bullying.
ReplyDeleteVery well written, the thoughts and feelings ring true. Sue, this was powerful, and real for many.
ReplyDeleteSue as always you have moved me with your writing. This is such a powerful piece and so often replayed in lives of others who do not need the extra grief.
ReplyDeleteThanks honey for sending me prayers because I sure do need them. I hate to admit it but I am a tad scared of what I might be told in the coming weeks.
Love
Maggie
Very powerful. If there's one thing I have no tolerance for, it's bullying. I taught my kids early on to always stick up for anyone who was being tormented. I was very proud to know that they did just that. Sometimes it made things difficult for them, but they can be proud of themselves for their bravery. And my kids are very brave - lion hearted even. I've never understood why parents don't teach their children to be kind. Perhaps because they're not kind themselves. And so it perpetuates.
ReplyDeleteBe brave, everyone. The world needs kind AND brave hearts.
This week's prompt seems to have brought out a variety of themes. Bullying and violence etc. It certainly wasn't an easy prompt to work from.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog. I have to laugh at the comment you left. It seems that everyone is under the impression that I want to take a hammer to my husband's head. NOT TRUE! But I would like to follow in my mother's foot steps and break a few dishes! :D ~Ames
So true- the hits don't have to be physical to hit or scar. Sad. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteVery timely, my dear. Very timely.
ReplyDeleteBullying and harassment seem to be everywhere these days. Glad he didn't have a hammer.
ReplyDeleteTeresa
Wow, very well written there!
ReplyDeleteThis actually speaks out!
ReplyDeletethat hammer
Gaby Baby! Too cute.
ReplyDeleteI'm with Karen- no tolerance for bullies. The worst is when adults see it and say/do nothing.
ReplyDeleteYou are a FABULOUS writer!!! I would not have thought to write that in a million years! WOW! You blow me away!! Such powerful writing in such few words...
ReplyDeleteThis was so well written, it actually made me cringe. Very timely use of the prompt, bullying has become an epidemic and this was a beautiful picture of the damage it does. Kat
ReplyDelete:( You really know how to evoke that emotion! Such a controversial topic too. I really wish people could just learn to be tolerant.
ReplyDeleteThis was great! That last line "They never laid a hand on Gabe. He felt every blow." is incredibly powerful.
ReplyDeleteYour right, it doesn't take the force of a hammer to hurt someone. Very current too. Great Job!
aw, sue! poor kid.
ReplyDelete"He felt every blow," is my favorite line. sure dispels the old adage about sticks and stones.
great take and as usual, wonderful writing.
thanks for another good one....cj
Such a timely and disturbing link.
ReplyDeleteThis increasing trend toward social media cruelty seems to release some awful tendencies in so many.
Your story really made me think.
Is there an answer to this?
What can be done to stop this torture?
Thank you for linking.