Truth or Dare? (100-Word Challenge)

I thought about her as I was stirring awake today, a modern-day flower child. I have no idea why, but this part of the story is pure.

Only regarding her at length once before, she bebopped up next to me as I walked. Her hair held fresh blooms.

“Tell me a story.”

My mind was utterly paralyzed. 

“Story?”

“Yes.”

The first words that came to my mind were these.

“Truth or dare?”

“Anything.”

At first my weave was frantic, unsure. But softly I settled into a surprisingly elaborate web.

“Is this true?”

“I’m not sure. Does it sound real?”

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This was written for Tara's 100-Word Challenge over at Thin Spiral Notebook. The word was "Speak" to be used in any form or inferred. 

Obsessions, Eh: 100 Word Challenge

I never know what’s happened. 

Though that’s not true.

Sometimes I do. Sometimes you’re still there. Sometimes you vaporize before my blues.

You are an unpredictable one; I will give you that. 

[psst…I kind of like it.]

I’ve gotten better at the spaces, don’t you know.

Sometimes they still prick. 

(I did not just call you a prick though it has an authentic ring.)

My life is a busy buzz brimming with productive and rewarding things. Can it be too much? Too full? A bit de trop? 

Sure, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have a second for you.

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This is a very loose use of the 100 word prompt "Obsession" hosted by Thin Spiral Notebook each week. Could have used the word but chose to imply instead. 

100 Word Challenge: Bridge Over Troubled Water

His back faced me doing something meaningless. I know that now.

“Notice how much weight I’ve lost?” 

“Yes, why is that?” 

What I should have asked only more delicately. In utter weakness, I responded,

“Will you be okay?”

“I hope so.”

Not sure why, but I left your words hanging. So unlike me. 

Ten days later, you didn’t come in or call. So unlike you my neck hairs raised.

Things I’ll miss: your ready smile, gentleness, intense knowledge, disgusting chips, sense of humor. Not in that order. 

The dolphins swam in your honor last night. Did you feel it, too? 

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There’s a destructive and betraying disease out there, friends. Chronic Delression is cunning. It's often a secret. By asking if it was cancer, maybe he would have confided in me that it was not. He probably would have deflected anyway. Suicide leaves so much pain and unanswered questions.

The word at Thin Spiral Notebook was “Wish”. We could use or imply it. What I wish I would have asked, wish I would have pursued, wish I could have changed the inevitable.

100-Word Challenge: Diaries, To Keep or Not to Keep?

Journaling fills me with tremendous trepidation. I have five journals started in nooks and crannies. When I was young, my locked diary was cream-colored. My kids found it covered in socks, promptly picked, then giggled at mommy’s middle school yearnings. Sometimes I rant and vent and write about fictitious events. Other times, secrets.

Might be from a Reese Witherspoon movie, but I imagine being in the bathtub, eyes closed, sunk up to my chin in bubbles, when someone comes in waving my journal. I feel panic, helplessness and violation simultaneously. 

It hasn’t happened. Yet. It’s all too vulnerable though.

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In which we write 100 words using the prompt "Diary" thanks to Tara at Thin Spiral Notebook. I started two other entries, but, of course, they were too vulnerable ;-).

100-Word Challenge: Clockwork

I know it’s 6:05 a.m. so there’s no need to look. My still sleeping mind knows the shower door swings open exhaling sweet wafts of steamy fog. It summons sunshowers in summertime. The fresh, wind snapped smell of terry cloth stirs me. Not quite desire, but close. If my eyes were open, I’d quickly see my beloved’s silhouette jet past to the closet. What's the hurry?

Once I whisper, 

“Come back to me, Honey. Let me inhale your Dove-scented skin from top to toes. Make you tardy for work.”

You’ll stay. You’re like clockwork. With some things.

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The 100-word challenge at Thin Spiral Notebook provided us with the word "water". We can either use or imply it. This one's been in my notepad in a different version for a long time

Westward Ho

The kid hitched a brim-full U-Haul to his Jeep and set out under the swiftly changing sky. Her eyes caught wisps of his golden curls blowing out the window as she waved from the curb. 

What’s a conflicted mother to do but beg him to stay? 

Knowing it wasn’t fair and not what either wanted or needed, she did it anyway. Some things can’t be helped.

If she could see his eyes in the mirror, she bet they were brimming too. Hers would have made it harder for him, so she feigned brightness.

Time to fly, baby boy. 

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The word is ROAD, either used or implied. Tara's 100 word prompt was perfect for me this week. 

Too Little, Too Late: 100 Word Alternate Submission for "No Means O"

So I wrote this one first, but it never really came together to my liking. I decided to throw it out. But wait! Why not show it too you instead? I do this all the time. Write a few pieces for a prompt, chill on them for a while hoping for additional inspiration or a better feeling about one or the others. Do you do this?

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His proposal had a pleasing pitch, but aborting a previously set date for a better offer left her kicking herself. Her mother’s old rules.

Dreaming of possibilities post-refusal, she left a letter to her buddy from across the hall overflowing with regret though almost missing what peeked from his doormat. 

A missive? Yes, disguised as a paper football like guys shot across desks during school.

Dare she?

A teacher, thus the childish origami. Syrupy words. Details of a supposedly impromptu kiss were daggers. 

Today, she was a voyeur, the outsider, and too late.

How to refold perfectly? Quick, QUICK!

Time is Stingy: 100 Word Challenge

I made a huge mistake the last time we were together. It was failing to appreciate it for what it was; the last time we would ever see each other.

I had a strategy for it, too. To trace your brows, lashes, lips, jaw with my thumbs all the way to your earlobes completely memorizing your face. Slowly. Feature by feature.

I suppose part of me realized it could be that day. Like the shared molecules that previously made up "us" vaporized before our view, I felt it. You?

Time refuses to give that back. It moves forward. Without us.

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This week, Tara at Thin Spiral Notebook charged us to write a piece about whatever we desired. The caveat? She refused to allow the letter "N" . Yeah, crazy hard! You try it. Go, go!

Tell Me How to Feel and I Will: 100 Word Challenge

I’m lost, biding

the switch flip telling 

me to feel

Recognizable like my 

lips brushing yours 

breathing down my

neck hair raising, like 

salty rivulets as

your sweat dripping

between my breast

Or tempered glass 

withholding desiring

peering

to see more

clearly more you more

everything

un-everything

Pulled hair

bitten lips filthy

dirt under our nails

And secrets buried

deep dark eyes

for whose or

those who were keen

or know

Shhhhhhhh

They're 

tricks or truths

map me

a forest for my

teeth to chew

them

echoing rushes, you

feel my pulse.

What are the contents 

of another’s words?

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In cleaning out the content's of my phone's notepad, I found a few poems I wrote many moons ago. This one seemed an all right fit, despite the need to edit out fifty words, for Thin Spiral Notebook's 100-word prompt. The word is "telling" to be used or implied.

Give it a whirl. It is a blast!

The Best Place on Earth: 100-Word Challenge

Bora Bora

This particular game goes, “If money were no object, where would you go?” It’s pipe dreams, that’s all.

A stilted hut on Bora Bora. An apartment in Florence. Diving the Great Barrier Reef. Sensation overload in Marrakesh. Sailing the Greek Islands. Patagonia!

On our well worn couch with a fire freshly stoked, I feel his breath on my neck as he whispers. Desiring.

I wear him like his softest tee shirt. Safe, cozy, loved. It can’t be bottled. No amount of money in the world can buy it. 

This home. This peace. This feeling.

We’re the best place on earth.

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Squeezing in a 100-word challenge right under the wire! Check out the writers at Thin Spiral Notebook where this week's word is "Money". I firmly believe I have to practice often for writing to come naturally again. I'm trying!

Eye for an Eye

Mine

My mind’s or the law’s?

The storm and the beholder.

Feast for or on them?

Keep yours open. 

As far as they can see. 

More than meets.

In the sky, a flash or pie.

Bird’s. bull’s. apple’s.

Bigger than your stomach.

Keep peeling. Open. No, closed.

Roving. Candy. Goo-goo.

Easy on. Life passes. Up to them. 

Popper. Twinkle. Starry.

Black. Bloodshot. Sore. Four.

Crying them out. 

Stink. Batting. Shut. Blink.

Dust in them,

Their wounding glint.

Wasn't a dry one.

The ball, 

prize, 

the wool. 

Look me in them. 

Can’t take them off. 

I only have them.

For you.

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You know how you get an idea stuck in your head and you can not, for the life of you, shake it out? Ever since I saw this prompt over at Thin Spiral Notebook, my mind started whirling with all the clichés I could think of including this word. It could not be helped or stopped.

Using “eyes” for inspiration, write 100 Words – 100 exactly – no more, no less. You can either use the word – or any form of the word – as one of your 100, or it can be implied. Include a link in your post back here, and add your story to the Mister Linky list. If you don’t have a blog, you can leave your submission in the comment section, or as a Facebook status post. Remember to keep spreading the love with supportive comments for your fellow Wordsters.

Nocturnal Writing or Anything

My alter-ego, who’s albatross is talking me off apparent nocturnal ledges, perennially thinks we will remember our conversations in the morning.

Last night, an idea sprung into my should-be slumbering head. 

“It’ll be perfect to write about today!” 

I began crafting the opening paragraph, outlining the rest until…

“Enough already you!”

Promising we’d remember a few hours hence is not a worthy wager, but speculation is what you bargain with where sleep is concerned.

Nighttime’s artistry and sunrise words merge. 

Damn if I can only remember it'd something to do with Thanksgiving dinner.

And the Pulitzer slips away…

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The word was "Dinner" over at 100-word Challenge hosted by Tara at Thin Spiral Notebook. 

(And this is what I am doing instead of getting ready for a feast for 20. Priorities!)

The Days of Wine and Roses

There’re songs and poems about stories like ours with a beginning and middle. An end. 

Glasses of wine, friendly chats, exchanges of books and photographs. 

Fresh.

Dark chocolate, writing and Dickinson, you too? 

Familiar.

Uninhibited over-sharing and blurred lines.

Finale.

What starts off luxuriously slow, simple and simply takes its sweet time turning sad. Then there’s the mess four blind eyes neglect.

Our friendship had a number attached from the first, “I’d like to get to know you from whatever distance you’ll allow.”

We came to know too much. 

Didn’t we, honey?

Things end and tears escape. 

Doors close.

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Over at Thin Spiral Notebook, we were given the word "Wine" and 100 words to use it in our creative writing. Thanks for providing an outlet for us, Tara. If you like wine half as much as I love it, please join in the fun! 

I love this poem. 

And the song's lyrics.

(I need to write more, or get out more, or more something.)

100 Word Challenge: If I Ruled the World!

A dapper gentleman was caning down the sidewalk carefully scrutinizing the city cement. I’d noticed the elegant stature and silver cornrows first as she closed the sidewalk space between us. When their shoulders met, he spoke. 

“You have beautiful hair.” 

She tipped her head.

“You just made her day,” I said.

“I meant to.”

In my pretend world, I’d outlaw earbuds so people could hear birds, and buses, and actual voices. I’d ticket for web-surfing while walking instead of parking. Maybe even “Googling” while I had the pad out. Because simple displays of sweetness are easily missed when texting.

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Come play along at Thin Spiral Notebook where we were given the word "Pretend" to inspire our 100-word piece!

Such simple displays of sweetness may come along only once.

100 Word Challenge: Who Can Trust A Person Like That?

For seven years running, Eleanor proudly received the award for “Most Nonjudgmental” at the Miller’s Merry Manor annual banquet. “Honey, do you!”, had been her motto since she secretly eloped at twenty-one.

In 85 years, Eleanor’s gut had never failed her. So when it rumbled the day Sadie moved in, she was on high alert though it wouldn’t be until the day in the grocery store parking lot that she figured it out. Sadie didn’t return her cart, and who can trust someone with manners like that? Never mind she cheats at BINGO and makes eyes at her Henry.

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The prompt this week at Thin Spiral Notebook is "manners". Use it to inspire a 100-word something. This piece is un-fiction. The circumstances and names have been changed to protect the innocent! I'm watching you.

100 Word Challenge: "Let's Get Crazy"

I had this boyfriend whose last name had seven consonants. During the day we’d sell engagement rings, gold chains and watches at the mall. At night we danced. “Let’s Go Crazy” was topping the Billboard. We took those Prince words literally.

Once, in a deserted club lot, we got caught twice by the same cop on top of each other (Kissing!) in the passenger seat. Flashing a glaring light in the window he yelled, “Move it!”

These were messy times. I didn’t know what I wanted, or who. But what I remember mostly was he loved to brush my hair.

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Using the word  "Job" as inspiration for a 100 word piece. We could use the word, or it can be implied. Thanks for the prompt, Tara (Thin Spiral Notebook)! It is always fun to participate in your 100 Word Challenge!

100 Word Challenge: What Hurts the Most?

slapping your face

so hard my skin stings

and yours more

leaving a temporary tattoo

of my fingers on you 

somewhere your cheek

your heart something you feel 

is not my style

so i run to the bus stop

drift off at night

wake up earlier still

penning words that do 

justice equal to the pain

though elusive as dreams

my fingers do the talking

some way they are

the same ones 

that would write the words

to express this palpably

slaps bite a short while

written words singe eternal

you hold your breath

but i won’t be doing either

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The word from Tara of Thin Spiral Notebook was POWER. We can use the word in our piece or use it as inspiration. I have been struggling with how to write down my feelings here. The power of the pen can be wicked, and I am so fearful that I will hurt anyone's feelings by writing what I am truly feeling! Lots going on. Lots to write about. I need to figure out how to put it all into words I can live with.

100 Word Challenge: Two Years Past A Quarter Century

Halfway back I answered, “Pick the best one, choose for love, then cross your fingers.” I meant it.

No one has a pellucid view at the altar all stargazed eyes, flushed cheeks, and Ode to Joy belting from organ pipes. You are, in many ways, the purest version of yourself. And them to you.

Not until you’ve watered the lawn and tended the weeds. Grown beautiful things. Glimpsed the amplified worst and best possible versions is the true veil lifted. (Because we all change, don’t we?) 

At some point if you’re lucky, your breathing relaxes, and you uncross them.

[Sigh]

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This week, Tara at Thin Spiral Notebook gave us the word "change" as our writing prompt. I wrote about an anniversary one other time HERE.

100 Word Challenge: Long Married Couple

rooted in the blessedness of routine

there’re seldom mysteries anymore 

like a child’s gender until her first breath

days, months, years soldier march

waffles, grilled cheese, spaghetti 

broken records of the same thousands 

of moments life slides by on its way 

somewhere kids outgrow things

while you misplace you believing

the contentment of life in the ordinary

when one day

Hints are Purposely Left 

To a Secret but Disbelieving 

His stealth That’s not Him and 

You’re Insane because You 

Thought you Knew 

Everything But you have no Idea 

Where he’s Taking you

Though you're Certain
It's two Tickets to Paradise 

Hey! Click on the 100 Word Challenge badge right there and join in the party! Thanks, Tara, for being our new spot to play. I really have no idea where I am going, or packing instructions, and I am going crazy not knowing. He pulled one over on me!