#SOLSC24
I read, and fell in-love, with a slice title Fatigue #SOL22 10/31 in the beginning of this March and foolishly didn’t write down the author's name. I would love to give this author credit! Anyway, here is my version of the author’s magnificent slice: When she changed, I was disappointed; I was used to her running around throughout each day like an energizer bunny. It happened slowly. Was it years, months, or days? When did I notice the change? She used to wake up with a smile, jump out of bed, get dressed in a jiffy and be ready to tackle the “to do” list on the oversized calendar sitting quietly on the back of the pantry door. She’d shop for groceries for the family, cook meals, clean up the dishes, straighten up and dust as she danced to “Sunshine,” her favorite Jonathan Edward’s song. She’d win the double tennis tournaments with her partner, run to the gym to lift weights, teach aerobic and step classes. You’d see her doing lunges across the gym floor in her leotard and tights. She was a wiz at helping with homework and driving to after-school activities: swimming, Hebrew school, gymnastics, tennis, play-dates, and even, birthday parties. The college classes needed her masters was left for midnight, when the house was quiet and all asleep. No use in pretending. She’s gone. Now, she’s like a flickering flame. She slowly lets the morning light in as she wakes. Drags herself to the bathroom noticing the toothpaste landing in dots on the mirror and sighs. She shuffles into the hot shower, every muscle aching, letting the steam rise. She debates which exercise she will attempt to complete on this day: lift weights, yoga, pickleball or a country music spin class on the Peloton alone in her basement gym. No more double dipping. I begged and pleaded, “ I miss you. Life isn’t the same. Come back, please?” But there is no use in trying. It’s hopeless. She’s gone. She’s never coming back.
4 Comments
Kathleen
3/19/2022 04:53:36 am
Wow- beautifully written and drew me right in! You were an Energizer Bunny for sure (this is you, right?) This is an interesting structure and idea. Some days I feel frustrated by all I didn't do but if it was all laid out from start to finish, the days are really full and busy! Was she ever tired back then?
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3/19/2022 07:11:54 am
OMGoodness. I read this through a couple of times and it describes those subtle but sure changes that happen if we are lucky enough to age and grow and change from the energizer bunny of youth to the glow of a well seasoned adult. I can relate on so many levels but I think your format is fabulous.
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3/19/2022 07:22:31 am
Oh boy! Your teaser drew me in. I was thinking it might be talking about a grown child (probably because my children are in college and I have no idea where they will settle down). But no! I was just thinking about how my life is changing and now I have to change, as well. My past self is gone. I will revisit your post for sure and write my own version of this. It is a touching slice.
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3/20/2022 05:09:17 am
Really clever! I could definitely identify, but this piece also made me a little sad. I'm not sure I like this new body I'm living in! It's a little rickety!
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Eva KaplanSea glass, found on beaches, is naturally worn and smooth by tide and time,. As a wife, mother, Bubbe, teacher, reader & life-long learner, and of course, sea glass collector, I aspire to use writing to help me understand myself and the world around me. Archives
March 2024
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