Today is Patti Abbott's flash challenge day. Each writer had to use the phrase, "I really don't mind the scars." somewhere in their story. You can find links to all the stories over at Patti's blog. http://pattinase.blogspot.com/ Below is my story, actually more of a slice of life micro-flash piece.
SCAR TISSUES
I kept telling myself that I really didn't mind the scars, but deep down inside, yeah, I did mind. They were a brutal reminder of my cowardice. A billowing white flag of surrender proclaiming that I laid down my soul for a comfortable life.
So how did I get scars from living a comfortable life? I married a man with a good job, a man loved and admired by his friends and family. I accepted the flowers and thoughtful gifts that came after. After the promotion he expected went to that bitch the company hired to meet their minority quotas. After that drunk bastard, Lloyd, missed the 7 - 10 split that cost my husband's bowling team the league championship. After any one of a dozen every day moments when his temper flared and my body was the closest available release valve.
And the scars? They cradle my tears, my hopes, my dreams, and my failure to stand up for myself. Until today.
Today, the stitches laced down the length of my cheek are my personal badge of courage. Proof that the man I married wasn't that saintly person he put on display for the general public. They're my escape into an uncomfortable life where I can finally draw a free breath. Today I fly my flag of scars proudly, undeniable proof that I survived the domestic war that raged in the privacy of our marriage.
21 comments:
Beautiful writing, Sandra. Not an easy subject to write about but you made it look effortless here. Congrats!
Sandra, that is so powerful and so moving. A beautifully written piece.
Not a wasted word, Sandra. Powerful is right.
Outstanding, Sandra ~ as usual. What a great piece.
Domestic Violence figures big in my true crime memoir. One of the "characters" complained to her husband that people were noticing bruises on her body; he made sure to strike her where clothing would hide it from then on.
Solid flash here; my flashes are tend to be more like explosions.
Your choice of titlehelps to add many layers to the character; scar tissue just builds and builds much like the torment she experienced.
Great work! We often forget that it is sometimes the little things that can cause the greatest harm.
Micro-flash is such an art form, and you've obviously mastered it. Nice job.
Thanks so much, everyone!!
Perfectly pitched.
If the story had been any longer it might well have been unbearable. Powerful prose.
Yikes, Sandra. Wow!
Strong work. The prevalence of this situation making it all the more scary.
Quick and terrific.
This is the good stuff. Lean. Strong. Powerful.
Good short and sweet like a split of champagne.
Powerful and haunting... reverberates with the echoes of violence. Very moving, Sandra... beautifully written!
Beautiful, powerful and terrific writing.
Strong stuff, smoothly done.
Beauteous depiction of a brutal condition.
Beautiful, seamless prose. Hits with a strong fast blow.
Very strong, tight piece on a difficult topic. Packed a punch.
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