Jennifer is hosting Write on Wednesdays this week and our prompt is a line (above) from Alex Miller's "Autumn Laing". So the challenge is "Set your timer for 5 minutes or write about 500 words. If you’re looking for specific feedback, please let us know. Otherwise – enjoy the writing."
I've done a 5 minute flow of consciousness, not quite sure where it came from!
Have you ever wondered
what it would be like to grow up not knowing the truth about your mother? When
you are a shiny smily child you believe that you do know all about her, that she is
an angel in heaven (well that is what they told you). But then, when the adults
deem the time is right, they tell you their new version of the truth. This, of
course, is only their perception, the story that fits best with the reality
they live with, the truth that they believe to be the right thing to say. What
do you say to a teen who thinks their mother is dead?
“Your mother had some
problems”, they said, “she was never the same after what happened, she just
couldn’t cope, so she went away”. It never really gelled, it never fitted the
photos, the smiling face gazing at a babe in arms.
And then the years of
wondering, the watching of faces in crowds for a glimmer of familiarity.
Somehow I thought I would “ just know” when she was near me, but that feeling
never came. With the arrival of my own child, her absence was more acute, more
poignant and more painful. How to be a mother-less mother?
And then, just two
nights ago, there was a knock at my door.
Oh very clever! I do like the way you used the prompt at the very end. So intriguing. But is it the mother for the mother-less mother? I enjoyed this very much and was disappointed it was so short!
ReplyDeleteLong Nose Point is a far more appropriate name than Peacock Point - must find out the story. What a beautiful spot to get married.
Jennifer
I really like the beginning and the very end of your piece the best. I loved the style of the writing, and I would really like to know what happens next!
ReplyDeleteRelly well written - I want to know what DID happen - great use of the prompt!
ReplyDeleteI concur with Jennifer: excellent use of the prompt at the end of the piece. It keeps the intrigue high and makes the reader want to come back for more: was it or was it not the mother that knocked on the door two nights ago?
ReplyDeleteHi Kate - I got in touch with one of the other WoWers and she confirmed that she cant access Gills blog either - she also said that the WoW FB page had gone.
ReplyDeleteNo idea what's happened but I will email Gill again just to wish her well.
Maybe if either of us stumble across a similar type of blog we could let the other know?