The Escapists
by Marda Miller
The last time I saw her she had a flaccid cigarette hanging from her mouth. We were both killing ourselves, yet somehow made it excusable. “Everyone has to go sometime” she used to say. I hated her for that. I hated that I wasn't enough.
I sought to feel something. I hunted my mortality. I craved that rush of life pulsating through my veins. I wanted very much to spill myself over the edge; instead I just dangled there, dangerously enough without actually going over.
She was the reason I existed and she was the reason I wanted to die.
Wonderful--*
Welcome back, Marda. I. Love. This. "Flaccid cigarette" really makes me want to quit smoking for real...the mental image I have is quite disgusting.
Huge fave. Very well done. Short and to the point.
Yes, welcome back and thanks for the punch to the solar plexus.
Great piece, Marda. I really like the force of the closing sentence / paragrpah. Effective.
Love this, Marda, and welcome back. We missed your writing!
Fave.
few words say a lot fave
Erin, quit ...but do it when you are ready.
Thanks so much everyone!
Wowza. Marda, with every piece you post your writing is improving so much! (not an insult - you keep getting better and better). I love this. Short and says so much. Big *.
there has to be a reason for what we do, or don't do.
nice piece
The word flaccid is so perfect. It implies much more than cigarettes about the relationship. Well done.*
Marda. Good to see your work here again.
fav
Would love to read more of this... the voice is so desperately appealing
*
Tasty snippet. Please post the whole enchilada.
Powerful ending. Powerful piece throughout. I can feel the hacking cough behind it all.