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November/December Writing Prompt #1--Bathtime Magic--Stories Wanted!
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Sammy Goode
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Nov 05, 2016 08:03AM
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A cool photo to inspire the story teller in us all! Give us your ideas from poems to snippets to longer tales in between! Just remember as always to keep it YA and with an LGBTQIA theme, please! (Forgive me if I left off any letters of the rainbow!) Also, remember to either write "the end" or give us a few #### so we know your tale is complete. Ok--let's get started--cannot wait to see what you all come up with this month!
Not Good Enough by Darren: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...Short Snippet by Bronwen:https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
I Wish by Liz: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Short Snippet by Jennifer (Alex): https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
NOT GOOD ENOUGH?!?You gave me this picture yesterday,
I have been looking at it all afternoon
I did say nothing, but I know, soon
You come to ask me: "What do you say?"
I sit here quiet, defeated, sad
This means to me the end of us
You don't want me as I am, and thus
I am not having, all I have is had
You don't really talk to me
My man, you demand by proxy
For me to be a man I cannot be
To be so manly is just not me
I am my long curls, feminine
A girly boy, Don't rob me
Of my long hair, of the real me
Don't push me out, please keep me in.
I put my lipgloss on and smile
My teary grin around green eyes
A ribbon in my hair, no more lies
I saw this coming for a while
I say goodbye my macho man
My strong sweet lover, we are done
I rip the photo apart, then I am gone
Time for my own life, while I still can!
Darren wrote: "NOT GOOD ENOUGH?!?You gave me this picture yesterday,
I have been looking at it all afternoon
I did say nothing, but I know, soon
You come to ask me: "What do you say?"
I sit here quiet, defeat..."
Oh Darren ❤️ This is heartrenching and yet so strong in self ❤️ Love this poem! (((Darren)))
Darren wrote: "NOT GOOD ENOUGH?!?You gave me this picture yesterday,
I have been looking at it all afternoon
I did say nothing, but I know, soon
You come to ask me: "What do you say?"
I sit here quiet, defeat..."
I really love your writing, Darren. Sometimes you write about situations that I would never have thought to put into a poem, yet lots of gay guys can relate to. ❤️ Thanks for sharing D. :~)
Sara wrote: "Darren wrote: "NOT GOOD ENOUGH?!?You gave me this picture yesterday,
I have been looking at it all afternoon
I did say nothing, but I know, soon
You come to ask me: "What do you say?"
I sit her..."
Thanks Sara :) ❤️
Jason wrote: "I really love your writing, Darren. Sometimes you write about situations that I would never have thought to put into a poem, yet lots of gay guys can relate to. ❤️ Thanks for sharing D. :~) "Thanks J. ❤️
Darren wrote: "NOT GOOD ENOUGH?!?You gave me this picture yesterday,
I have been looking at it all afternoon
I did say nothing, but I know, soon
You come to ask me: "What do you say?"
I sit here quiet, defeat..."
Nicely done. A completely different perspective on this picture.
I asked you to cut my hair once. “I want to look like you,” I said. You only laughed. Thinking of it now, you didn’t ask why. You didn’t ask why I couldn’t breathe unless you breathed, why I could not think but when you were right beside me.
Your hands were strong in the thickness of my hair. That little callus where you tried (and failed) to play guitar– I loved that little callus. When my hair fell beneath your razor, you laughed to watch it skitter down my neck, slipping down my shoulders like pilgrims in search of something holy.
How little I knew then. How little I knew that you would keep me searching, would keep me wanting, long after you left without a word to tell me why.
I will be fine.
I do not think of you with every drop of water that shivers across my hands.
I do not see you in each strand of hair that lines the bathtub like a shrine.
I do not miss you–
No more than I miss myself.
###
Bronwen, i love this. Especially this part:"Your hands were strong in the thickness of my hair. That little callus where you tried (and failed) to play guitar– I loved that little callus. When my hair fell beneath your razor, you laughed to watch it skitter down my neck, slipping down my shoulders like pilgrims in search of something holy"
Really beautifully written. Thank you :)
Darren wrote: "Bronwen, i love this. Especially this part:"Your hands were strong in the thickness of my hair. That little callus where you tried (and failed) to play guitar– I loved that little callus. When my..."
Thanks so much Darren! That means a lot. :) I'm new here, and I really love these photo prompts. They're so great for bursts of creativity to get things flowing.
Bronwen wrote: "I asked you to cut my hair once. “I want to look like you,” I said. You only laughed. Thinking of it now, you didn’t ask why. You didn’t ask why I couldn’t breathe unless you breathed, why I coul..."
Hi Bronwen!
This is lovely, sad and lovely at the same time. :) I love these photo prompts as they inspire you! <3
Sara wrote: "Bronwen wrote: "I asked you to cut my hair once. “I want to look like you,” I said. You only laughed. Thinking of it now, you didn’t ask why. You didn’t ask why I couldn’t breathe unless you brea..."
Hi Sara! Thank you - I'm glad you liked it. :)
I wish I had a proper salon to cut your hair in. I wish I had gold plated chairs for you to sit in and I wish I had skilled enough fingers to get it just how you want it. But no, you're sitting on the cold porcelain floor of my--our-- bathtub, cold toes and cold hands as I take the clippers to the back of your neck. I take care to let you know how much I adore every part of you, one part at a time, as I lean down to your gorgeous neck and blow away the hair clippings. You jump in surprise at the sensation, but I can almost see the leisurely smile spread across your face as I place a kiss on your spinal cord, your beautiful neck. I continue, and I still ache to give you everything, but I know that every day I make up for it by being the catalyst of your smiles.the end
Bronwen wrote: "I asked you to cut my hair once. “I want to look like you,” I said. You only laughed. Thinking of it now, you didn’t ask why. You didn’t ask why I couldn’t breathe unless you breathed, why I coul..."
Nice!
Catalyst of your smiles. That is lovely :) Nice writing!
Liz wrote: "I wish I had a proper salon to cut your hair in. I wish I had gold plated chairs for you to sit in and I wish I had skilled enough fingers to get it just how you want it. But no, you're sitting on ..."Very good imagery, Liz
Bronwen wrote: "I asked you to cut my hair once. “I want to look like you,” I said. You only laughed. Thinking of it now, you didn’t ask why. You didn’t ask why I couldn’t breathe unless you breathed, why I coul..."
I love this Bronwen. I loved the part about the calluses as well. Perfect!!
Liz wrote: "I wish I had a proper salon to cut your hair in. I wish I had gold plated chairs for you to sit in and I wish I had skilled enough fingers to get it just how you want it. But no, you're sitting on ..."Beautiful, Liz. Simply beautiful!
Bronwen wrote: "I asked you to cut my hair once. “I want to look like you,” I said. You only laughed. Thinking of it now, you didn’t ask why. You didn’t ask why I couldn’t breathe unless you breathed, why I coul..."
Isn't it odd that it's those kinds of moments that are the biggest reminders of the ones that left us. I loved your interpretation of the prompt Bronwen. Thanks for sharing.
Liz wrote: "I wish I had a proper salon to cut your hair in. I wish I had gold plated chairs for you to sit in and I wish I had skilled enough fingers to get it just how you want it. But no, you're sitting on ..."Liz that was absolutely beautiful. And I loved the imagery as well, thanks for sharing.
(trigger warning for blood and implied abuse)**
The water is clean as it falls from the shower head and stays that way until it lands on my skin.
It scorches. It burns. It turns porcelain skin pink. It still can’t rival the pain that turns my insides into swamp water.
I raise my hands to my face. The drops of blood slip between my fingers and run down my arms, falling like rain into the water until it isn't clean anymore. A part of me wishes I didn't have to watch as the wine colored stains get washed away.
He grabs a handful of my chestnut hair, as if reading my thoughts, and pulls on it until my head is resting against his naked chest. He whispers words of comfort. He nibbles on my earlobe. He kisses down my neck.
"Stop," I command, as if I'm in charge. His laugh is addictive. His laugh is alcohol on lonely nights, coffee on early mornings. Right now it sounds like death.
I turn off the faucet until the steady stream of water is reduced to uncoordinated droplets. The man behind me finally stops moving. Finally stops touching. Finally ceases laughing. The steam clears and my thoughts follow suit.
The blood rushes towards the drain mixed with the leftover water. It's not as dark as before. It looks more like strawberry juice and less like the darkest demons. I'm clean once again.
I step out of the tub. Carefully, slowly. My clothes lay on the tiled floor. The shirt has been ripped open in a haste, brass knuckles are peaking out from the pocket of my discarded pants.
"You'll never touch me again," I say. Less hesitant, more confident. There's no answer this time, of course there isn't. No laughing, no biting, no hands nor lips.
I leave the bathroom. I don't bother with the mess since I'll be halfway across the world by the time they notice. The door to the bedroom is wide open. I can't resist looking inside once more.
There's a body on the queen sized bed. It's his body. He's been left naked and bloodied, ugly and scarred. His inside finally matches his outside. I breathe in relief, it's better oxygen than fear.
It's over, it's over, it's over.
His ghost might haunt me forever, but his cage will trap me no more.
the end
Jennifer (Alex) wrote: "(trigger warning for blood)**
The water is clean as it falls from the shower head and stays that way until it lands on my skin.
It scorches. It burns. It turns porcelain skin pink. It still can’t..."
I am sorry that I cannot read it Alex, thank you for the trigger-warning :)
Of course, Darren, I totally understand it (:
Jennifer (Alex) wrote: "(trigger warning for blood)**
The water is clean as it falls from the shower head and stays that way until it lands on my skin.
It scorches. It burns. It turns porcelain skin pink. It still can’t..."
Wow, Alex!! I'm always amazed at the different takes our writers have with these picture prompts. This is raw, visceral, and very edgy. Amazing job; you sure can write!!
Mel wrote: "Jennifer (Alex) wrote: "(trigger warning for blood)**
The water is clean as it falls from the shower head and stays that way until it lands on my skin.
It scorches. It burns. It turns porcelain s..."
thank you so much Mel, that means a lot (:
Just a note--this thread will stay open and reflect that it is both a November/December prompt. It is part of a trio of prompts--the third which is opening tonight for picture nominations and will be soley HOLIDAY inspired.Because the holidays are tough times for some of us I am choosing to keep both the November threads open and active and add a third holiday themed one.
Happy Writing to all--you brighten our lives immeasurably by contributing here and sharing your talents!
Jennifer (Alex) wrote: "(trigger warning for blood and implied abuse)**
The water is clean as it falls from the shower head and stays that way until it lands on my skin.
It scorches. It burns. It turns porcelain skin pi..."
Alex your take on this one is edgy but good! Your writing is powerful. <3
Another collaboration poem from me and Darren:.
.
In Your Hands
by Jason Williams & Darren White
You say it will cleanse
Not my sins, I am not religious
My only religion is you
In your hands I am clean
In your hands the water will
Calm my weary head, you will
cut my hair, make me new
In your hands I am more
Your touch is a balm to me
It's cool cosset, a blanket
Protecting me from the past
Allowing me to grow strong again
In your hands I place my trust
I am yours to mold and shape
Sever the old and muddled
Making room for new growth
Water will wane your wounds
Will softly caress your pain
Will even out the folds and creases
In your brow, I float you gently
Oh how I shine so bright now
A new found confidence upon me
I am cleansed, my wounds healed
In your hands I am renewed
I love writing in collaboration with you Jason :)And I love the poem
Jason wrote: "Another collaboration poem from me and Darren:.
.
In Your Hands
by Jason Williams & Darren White
You say it will cleanse
Not my sins, I am not religious
My only religion is you
In your hands I a..."
Nicely written Jason and Darren :) You have brought a happy moment out of this picture prompt <3
Jason wrote: "Another collaboration poem from me and Darren:.
.
In Your Hands
by Jason Williams & Darren White
You say it will cleanse
Not my sins, I am not religious
My only religion is you
In your hands I a..."
I love the magic you guys make when you write together.
Thanks Mel, this collaboration we do, is something I like very much. We write well together :)
Mel wrote: "Jason wrote: "Another collaboration poem from me and Darren ..."Thanks Mel. We inspire each other and it's such great fun! :-)
Trying to forget the world's chaos for a while I challenged me to a 200 word piece of something. This is how it went:
Can't Bring Me Down
“Are we really doing this?”
“Yep.”
My newfound elation increased with every touch of the clipper.
A gentle brush of fingers. More hair falling on my shoulders.
“I've never been on a road trip!” I said, raising my voice in excitement. It was impossible to ignore the thrill of nervousness when I thought about the weeks that lay ahead. Weeks I didn't think I'd have. I closed my eyes. It definitely beat the sense of impending doom from before by miles.
“It'll be awesome,” Jav said. The buzzing seemed to grow louder the more hair rained down, slowly piling around me in the cold tub. “We'll make it all the way to California, you'll see.”
I couldn't wait to get to the beach, sink my feet into the sand and watch the waves dance.
“But--”
“We'll be back in time, I promise.”
Always the optimist. My heart swelled, my throat dried.
“Okay.” I touched his leg and squeezed. “I shouldn’t miss it this time.”
Jav hummed in agreement. He knew I needed the treatment.
Anxiously, I reached where brown curls used to be. “It's gone,” I said in awe, the soft prickle under my fingertips felt weird but awesome.
#####
That's very cool - a moment and a hint of so much underneath, in just a few words. <3
Thank you Kaje, and again, thanks for reading :)
