Monday, August 29, 2011

Rid of It-- Mag 80




I’m rid of it all, those things that stole my life from me.

The books are in milk crates on the sidewalk, dusty leatherclad classics pressed unwillingly against paperback thrillers. Lamps cast into the alley trash because I will live by the light of the sun and other stars. I gave the curtains to my sister. I have nothing left to hide. I will eat with my fingers, scooping and plucking, licking and wiping my mouth with the back of my hand. No fork will steal from me the intimacy of eating.

The cats left of their own accord after I explained things. We’ll still be friends. My bed is at Goodwill, propped up against other lonely beds. I don't need sleep, that substitute for life. I don’t need dreams. I’ve said goodbye to music, to voices and touch. I will sit bare. I will walk free. The spareness of my life is the new luxury.

I tore out my memories. They were not as understanding as the cats. Some went easier than others. My adolescence was relieved—grateful, even—but my thirties screamed as they flew through the air. I clipped my fingernails and tossed out the children. All I have left is this umbrella.

Take it.

I want to feel the rain. 


8 comments:

  1. I enjoyed this. A few lines popped for me:


    The spareness of my life is the new luxury.

    Take it.

    I want to feel the rain.

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  2. Oooh I do like this piece! I have done similar things -giving away my life's contents, even a cat- to be spare and clean is refreshing-never had kids; but I can relate! Thanks.

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  3. Beautifully written... vivid images. I especially like the last paragraph.

    ~laurie kolp

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  4. Interesting piece... if only we could rid the memories as easily as we can rid the things.

    Wonderful ending lines... serenely powerful.

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  5. wow. taking it to the extreme, sometimes the only way to change...and esp to feel the rain...

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  6. I love this concept! And spareness as the new luxury is brilliant. Great read!

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  7. This is such a classy piece of writing I had a quick look at your other blogs.
    I can't possibly lose you until I've read more - and hope not to lose you then - so I've added myself to your followers.

    Perhaps you like what I do too?

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  8. Brilliant words and expressed feelings.

    Anna :o]

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