Possibly a loner by nature,
I never mixed with the neighbors much,
just a cool wave and a smile if I spotted one
as I backed out the driveway,
a word or two when we’d pass while walking our dogs.
I’m not the kind to borrow a cup of sugar.
Since we began sheltering in place,
I’ve taken to bingeing season after season of
The Great British Baking Show.
Inspired by my interest,
my husband gave me cookie sheets for my birthday.
Now, safely masked,
eyes warm, arms outstretched,
I offer sweets to the neighbors.
Something about me has changed.
/ / /
100 words
RetroFlash
Note: I’ve recently become a fan of the 100-word story, also known as flash, or drabble. Be it prose or poem, you can say a lot with 100 words…but each word really matters so it’s not as simple as it may seem. That’s the fun of it…tweaking here and there until it’s a minimalist work of art, a black-and-white photograph made of words. (And if I’ve piqued your interest, you might want to check out 100wordstory.org.)
Barbara BucklesArtist, writer, storyteller, spy. Okay, not a spy…I was just going for the rhythm.
I call myself “an inveterate dabbler.” (And my husband calls me “an invertebrate babbler.”) I just love to create one way or another. My latest passion is telling true stories live, on stage. Because it scares the hell out of me.
As a memoirist, I focus on the undercurrents. Drawing from memory, diaries, notes, letters and photographs, I never ever lie, but I do claim creative license when fleshing out actual events in order to enhance the literary quality, i.e., what I might have been wearing, what might have been on the table, what season it might have been. By virtue of its genre, memoir also adds a patina of introspection and insight that most probably did not exist in real time.
Very nice, Barb. During my current convalescence from toe surgery, a friend brought me a plate of her home-baked ginger bread, which I am really enjoying. I’m sure all your neighbors enjoy your cookies as well, with those lovely little tags.
We are also bingeing on the The Great British Bake Show (we saw the Japanese episode, which was Paul’s 100th last night). I am very impressed, but it does not inspire me to bake! I keep asking what cardamom is.
I’m only inspired by the simpler things like cookies and crackers…have yet to try making anything that requires yeast to rise!
So perfect, Barb. You captured so much in 100 words of what we need now to heal from the pandemic and political chaos. Great RetroFlash!
Thanks, Laurie…and I’m thrilled to say it looks like we’re now on our way to healing!
I wish I was one of your neighbors to be in receipt of your current binge of kindness-promoting baked goods! Somehow, though, I am unable to see this as a fundamental change in your character. (Prove me wrong by referring me to stories of your venal acts?)
Not venal, Dale, just a loner.
Love this, Barb. A perfect example of RetroFlash, you have captured so much in 100 words. And how lucky your neighbors are to get your gift of cookies!
Thanks, Suzy! It’s a win-win — I love baking, and if I didn’t give them away we’d eat them all.
Great RetroFlash, Barb, and it’s sounds fulfilling to be baking and nourishing your neighbors in more than one way! I love the spareness but sweetness in this story.
Thanks, Mare…I’m so glad you like it!
Bebe, what a perfect poem, and thanx for introducing me to a flash!
You’re right, in so very few, well-chosen words you tell. it all, how a tragedy can transform us and bring out our better angels!
And by the way, thanx California for your beautiful electoral votes!
Looking forward to a flash from you, Dee…maybe next week?
Will try!
Just perfect, Barb. You have clearly a “Master Flash,” and hone in on the point both precisely and poetically. I may just have to try composing something like this myself in response to a future prompt, but fear that I am a “more is more” kind of guy. Plus, you have raised the bar awfully high in terms of any flashes. Brava!
Thanks, John! As I like to say “less is more, more or less.” I really hope you’ll give flash a shot…I feel sure you’ll nail it!
Terrific launch into Retro Flash, Barbara! I’ve been fascinated with other folks’ response to sheltering in place. You capture your own arc so gracefully and succinctly.
Thanks, Charles…music to my ears.