Thursday 8 March 2012

How far to walk



gazing stoically,
eyes tired, hands wrinkled
from daily toil
she carries on slim shoulders


he grips phone like lifeline
Sunday’s conversation routine
about their daughter, his struggling
business, needs of her own family 
 

folding creased $20 dollar,
she slips into black sturdy boots
wondering how far she has to walk
before she can go home.


Posted for:   Poetry Jam - Internal and External Limits
and Flash Fiction Friday - Tell a story in 55 words.   For the G-man.     


Today, March 8,  is the 101st anniversary of International Women's Day. "It is a day to honour how women's stories are woven into the fabric of the world.  So let us mark this day by finding ways to ensure women and girls’ access to education, healthcare, jobs, and credit, and to protect their right to live free from violence."

picture credit:    Adde Adesokan

35 comments:

  1. Wow.... really enjoyed this. I'm always amazed at how much some people manage to convey in such a tight word limit....

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    1. It is a challenge to write in this format ~

      Thanks for the visit ~

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  2. The phone sometimes is a lifeline... a gripping and moving, piece.

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  3. Grace...
    Women are the backbone of the world.
    And the very essence of life.
    I respect All women, and always will
    Loved your 55.
    Thanks for playing, and have a Kick Ass Week-End

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    1. Thanks for lovely words G-man.

      Have a great weekend too ~

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  4. Whoa! There's a lot of story here. Lots said and unsaid. Great job, Heaven.

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  5. Very nicely done, in such a short amount of space you've conveyed so much! Leaves me wanting a part II!

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  6. Oh, this:
    'wondering how far she has to walk
    before she can go home.'

    YES.

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  7. Great story atomosphere you provoke, and as much as the cat and Pat makes fun, women surely keep the world on its axis.

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  8. I'm just finding out tonight what a special day this was. Now I wish I would've come up with a more fitting 55. I love this and the last two lines are simply stellar!

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  9. Excellent capture of the long distance relationship.

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  10. I had no idea about the day's honoring. I am pleased to have found out through your words of prose! Always enjoy dropping by.

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  11. This does really convey a lot in a few words. Really enjoyed this one.

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  12. a positively empowering piece let out in quietude ...thanks

    Peace ☮

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  13. Yes... to everything! Women rock! :)

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  14. you def covered a lot of ground in this grace...that middle stanza esp says much...and the close as well carries the mood....

    happy womens day

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  15. Layered, yet like the photos, the story is there if you look with open eyes. Thanks for the info on Women's Day--those words are also important to hear.

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  16. This is a perfect little poem, a deft touch, suggesting a story, with a definite mood, wonderful shifting point of view, very nicely done.

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  17. Nicely told story. Sharp and tight. 3/10 is Women and Girl's AIDS Awareness Day also. Thought you may be interested.

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  18. This is a very strong piece about womanhood - those last lines clinch the deal.

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  19. Powerful and excellently composed.

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  20. Beautifully writeen ... i love your blog..

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  21. A beautiful tribute to women conveying such strength.

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  22. I'm sure this scenario plays out in a lot of families...tenderly portrayed. I appreciate your addition for International Women's Day...it's important.

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  23. 55 words and a Jam poem ~ beautifully written.

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  24. The road home seems endless some days. Lovely tribute to women.

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  25. happy international women's day.

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  26. he grips phone like lifeline...
    the metaphors u use r amazing.. m u convey so much in such few words.
    Only few can do this :)

    visiting after a long tym
    hope u doing fine heaven !!

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  27. Very good 55, Grace! Writing to a limited no. of words would impose some discipline into writing. Happy Women's Day! Great write!

    Hank

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  28. Excellent story and I like the striking photo collage as well. And yes for Women;s Day!

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  29. love the possibilities here: I see a woman wondering how far she must walk until she can feel clean.

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Thanks for your visit and comments ~ I appreciate them ~