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For Imaginary Garden With Real Toads Friday Challenge by Kerry O'Connor. Sorry for the Snafu Kerry.....but I love the prompt.
Living in a shadow doesn’t cause blindness or stop the body
from growing. It can cause pale skin and depressed vitality if one sees the
shadow as a dark cloak oppressor or soul sucking shroud that doesn’t match any
of the skirts your mother bought you for school. Living in the shadow can be
religious. Living in the shadow can be
secure. Living in the shadow can be comfortable. She stayed mostly at the
edges, reaching out with milky white fingers when a piece of tissue paper life
floated by. In the center of the
dimness, she built a collage out of experience that was as fabulous as any of
the world’s wonders. She placed her heart in the center and gave life to a
shadow universe that coursed and breathed in ways that the children of the
light could not understand. And when it
came time to leave the protection of the shadow, sunglasses and a hat provided
solace from prying eyes and curious thought processes until she could return to
the snugness of the shadows womb.
“You’re weird.”
“No, I am black.”
“Whatever.”
When I set up the challenge, I thought of your prose poetry and thought that this was the kind of writing you are so good at. You have great skill at turning a phrase, and know how to vary sentences for maximum impact. Of course, your sensitivity to character is one of your strongest points as a writer, so the portrait you present here pops off the page with immediate authenticity. The focus is all in the heart, and the fade around the edges is felt in the final lines.
ReplyDeleteLove this so much . . . although Kerry is able to articulate it better than I can. Great style of prose that really grips the reader.
ReplyDeleteI can see her, on the edges, retreating........a rich vignette! The dialogue adds a nice touch of wit to finish it off wonderfully.
ReplyDelete... a piece of tissue paper life floated by ~~ I love these words. Awesome write, Corey .. awesome!
ReplyDeleteliving in the shadow of comfort...love the way you have composed the ambience .....the character and atmosphere being vivid yet mysterious...a wonderful piece...
ReplyDeletewonderfully scripted, wonderfully written mi amigo. you show great sensitivity in this.
ReplyDeleteenjoy the day in the sun, mi amigao
"amigo"
ReplyDeleteThe white/black connections you make are deep and thought-provoking. Your tale is masterful, full, yet concise. One of my faves of yours!
ReplyDeleteMakes me think differently about the black - white reality. I like it.
ReplyDeleteyeah, i love this too, babyluv. once a person embraces the shadow, it can be quite comforting and you might hold on, resist entering the light again.
ReplyDeleteFantastic write! I agree it is one of your best. I understand the draw of shadows.
ReplyDeleteso well drawn; the repetition works like veils that when drawn away, reveal another veil. cool pen, Corey ~
ReplyDeleteI too live in the shadows. It is nice here. There is shade. One of my favourite pieces this week. :)
ReplyDelete