Monday 28 November 2011

100WCGU #21

100 Word Challenge No:21, our prompt this week is the picture below.


                                   On the outside looking in.



Leaning on the chair for support, she looked back at her shelter, or was it a prison. The sun warmed her back, easing the ache deep in her bones. How many more winters did she have in her battered body? How many times would she draw the shutters closed against the chill wind?  The birds in the trees managed more industry than she could imagine.  At least the windows were clean. She spoke a silent thank you to those responsible.  A tiny voice broke her reverie.
“ Granny, more juice”
The reason to go on contained in that small voice.
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15 comments:

  1. Lynda28 November 2011 at 20:35

    Ah, the joy of being a grandmother. Those little people give you so much to go on for! Lovely!

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  2. Sally-Jayne28 November 2011 at 23:41

    So much despair and then so much hope. Love the contrast.

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  3. Colin29 November 2011 at 00:02

    Love the sense of achievement that 'cleaning the windows' seemed to bring, as the uncertain future creeps nearer!

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  4. Anonymous29 November 2011 at 08:26

    "The birds in the trees managed more industry than she could imagine." I really like that sentence, and its meaning becomes more interesting when juxtaposed with her need to fetch "more juice." I guess we muster the energy when the reason is just right. :)

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  5. Lisa Wields Words29 November 2011 at 13:49

    The sadness of age brightened by the touch of youth. Lovely post.

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  6. Lorely Forrester29 November 2011 at 16:09

    I love the retrospection, juxtaposed with the voice of the future at the end. Nice one!

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  7. Midlife Singlemum29 November 2011 at 22:08

    As a single and older mother of a 3yo I can so identify with that feeling of pushing onself for the sake of the child in situations when I would prviously have happily spent the day in bed.

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  8. Dughall McCormick30 November 2011 at 12:12

    Gorgeous. So much in so few words.

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  9. Anna30 November 2011 at 16:17

    Beautifully written, I felt for her as I read, wondering where this would go, and was surprised by your ending. A lovely contrast between old and young. (IMO this is lovely just as it is x)

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  10. Anonymous1 December 2011 at 21:15

    Lovely details, Robin

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  11. Anonymous2 December 2011 at 11:34

    There is light at the end of every tunnel and innocent youth always has a way of lighting the way for the old - and then the wheels turn!

    I like the balance of helpless anticipation and then the fuel that drives the machine.

    I think I might book into a 5 star hotel when I'm older and run up a bill that will break me to pay. At least I'll be warm and there's room service :o

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  12. Susan Mann2 December 2011 at 22:25

    What a lovely piece, sad in a way but a beautiful contrast between young and old. x

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  13. jfb573 December 2011 at 16:18

    Wonderful writing that combines age & youth, the past & future, regret & hope. Thank you for sharing A!

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  14. Anonymous4 December 2011 at 12:22

    What poignancy you've captured in these few words. Lovely

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  15. Anonymous4 December 2011 at 13:32

    I love the attention to details. It builds a beautiful image

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