Reiki Master
by Linda Simoni-Wastila
The morning Merilee disappeared, my lover died in a fire that started and ended in her queen-sized bed. The fire department declared arson, perhaps self-immolation, although they never found traces of accelerant. But I'd discovered Twenty-One Love Poems spread open on the rug, and remembered the heat from her hands stilled inches above my mons.
A fine paragraph.
The arc and language of this are dazzling.
I found the first sentence a little confusing, though: are Merilee and the lover the same person?
Thanks for the reads, Alex and David. And nope, not the same -- there's a triangle happening here, or was happening, at least in my head ;^) peace...
pure drama told so well in 55 words
pure drama told so well in 55 words
Strange, compelling. I understand the need for brevity in word limits, but this begs for more, much more. Loved the ending.
agree with james but isn't that part of the charme of the 55 words that when they're done as well as here, they keep you begging for more...enjoyed this very much.
Great micro.
Susan, thanks for the read and kind words! peace...
James, Thanks for reading. This came to me in a desperate spurt of inspiration. I kind of like the mystery of wondering about these 3 women and doubt I'll take it further. But boy, was it fun to write! Peace...
Marcus, thanks so much for commenting. I like providing myself constraints -- heightens the challenge, tightens the prose. Peace...
Matt, thanks so much for the kind words and the star -- yippee! peace...
Very nice paragraph.
Inspired, indeed. Hot stuff. *
@Jules -- thanks for reading! peace...
Jack, thanks for the read and the fav! I wanted to start the new year with a bang, literal and metaphorical. Peace...
i read this the other day and was sure i had faved it, but i think it's when the site was going slightly blooey. anyway, love it and faved it now
Susan, thanks so much for the fave! It's like the sorbet that comes after the main course -- sweet! Peace...
Short, strong and hot, like an espresso. *
Yikes, what a discovery this is, Linda. A very powerful micro. Great job. *
You made something explicit happen with 55 words -- a high-wire trip without a net! *