Two months. Yes, it’s been two months since I wrote a blog post. I am a horrible blog mama, eh? Actually, I am surprised that it’s been only two months because it feels like a lot longer.
Part of the sabbatical was intentional. I wanted to step back, regroup, study my long-term plan, and make sure all the stars were aligning. I was able to step back, but the rest of my intentions went out the window when life decided that it was feeling a little ignored. I won’t go into the nasty details. Suffice it to say that recuperation has taken weeks, not days. Some things we really are just powerless over.
Yes, that was a segue…a particularly bad one, too. Heh heh.
It’s 99-word story day. (I know, are you as shocked as I am that I am getting this done DAYS before the deadline? It’s a first!) This week, Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch has issued the challenge to explore the question “what is power?” in a story. I like power as much as the next person, but I also recognize that power brings with responsibility and, unfortunately, trolls acting out of jealousy.
Still, I’d rather be the one with the power. Power means access to (and control over) the systems that define justice in society. I could jump up on my soapbox about how every movement in history has been borne of the need for someone without power to have access to it, but it’s Friday night and I’ a bit too tired to get riled up. This time. 😉
Law and Order and Dominion
Jack wanted to pull against the cuffs. Rule #1: Do not resist. He focused on the linoleum floor at his feet, a vomitus green remnant from the eighties. Rule #2: Do not make eye contact.
“What the—?” The judge glared at the prosecutor. “Littering?”
The twenty-something prosecutor stood his ground. “We’re asking the max. Three months, $500.”
“For cigarette butts?!” The judge snorted, then growled at Jack. “You—quit smoking.”
Jack nodded. Rule #3: Show remorse.
“You—find some real goddamned criminals.” The gavel crashed down. “Dismissed!”
Jack shuffled by the judge. Rule #4: Be grateful. “Thanks, Pop.”
Great pacing and I like the character’s focus on the “rules” of engagement. Then we find out where he learned the rules! Funny, but also a great reflection on power struggles: son vs. father; prosecution testing the boundaries of the judge; a judge interpreting what real crime is. All very well entwined. Great story! Hope all is going well with long-term planning. We all need that long-lens perspective.
Thank you for such lovely words, Charli! I still haven’t figured out my long-term plans, but I am writing again, so I am claiming that for this win 😉
Missed this the first time around on Carrot Ranch but caught it today on a facebook post from Charli. Great! Really effective description (love the vomitus green linoleum) and insight into the mind of a boy/man testing his boundaries.
I’m so glad you liked it (and Charli is awesome for sharing!). And the linoleum was my favorite part 🙂 Thanks for stopping by~