After a week of reading your good work and offering my words of praise, I have opted for something darker with regard to this weekend's Trifextra photo challenge. Hope that's ok? :)
A Life Unrecognized
Crossing the threshold of his house,
Henry was greeted by the absence of the life he recognized.
My usual fare is what I most enjoy and am comfortable with. For that reason, I felt it was important to go outside of my comfort zone if, even just for this once. I always worry that people come to expect a certain style of writing from me and might not react well to a change. Glad you liked this version of me, as a writer. :)
It certainly would be for Henry. But, there is much of this tale left to tell. Thanks for your comments, Draug. Your time and interest are always appreciated.
There are sooooooo many children's art activities that incorporate some kind of child's handprints in it that, the contrast between the warm fuzzy of kid art hanging on a fridge, for example, and those same handprints, bloodied, seemed a good contrast to me and helped create an onimous mood for Henry to come home to. Thanks for stopping by with your comments.
To find that something has happened to your family, in your absence, has to be a major blow, for sure. Glad my piece came across that way to you, too. Thank you for your supportive comment. :)
Thanks, Ruby. Hopefully, my version is a bit original. I haven't read many yet but, I knew that the shadows weren't really doing it for me in the picture. But, when I noticed the photo was upside down, it all came together for me and the result is what you have read. Thanks for stopping by with your comments. I appreciate it. :)
Writing about horror! Wonder where I got that influence from, eh? Loved your "glitter/birthday/death day" story from this week's challenge. Must have been one of the reasons I wasn't feeling that warm, fuzzy vibe I usually give off. Thanks, Tina, for that and for your comments.
Bad things should never happen to kids. Hate when it does. That's where the emotional wallop comes from in this piece.......at least, it is where I intended it to come from. :) Thank you for your comments. I appreciate them very much.
Very unnerving, but in a good way. I enjoyed reading. I think it is very brave to step outside your comfort zone and take a different route. It seems to have paid off well for you with this intense piece.
Thank you very much for your encouraging words. Thanks, as well, for doing the hard work that you do, week in and week out, because it is a big commitment. You are all to be commended for helping writers in the manner that you do.
Not your usual fare, but I like it.
ReplyDeleteMy usual fare is what I most enjoy and am comfortable with. For that reason, I felt it was important to go outside of my comfort zone if, even just for this once. I always worry that people come to expect a certain style of writing from me and might not react well to a change. Glad you liked this version of me, as a writer. :)
DeleteThat's kinda terrifying.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly would be for Henry. But, there is much of this tale left to tell. Thanks for your comments, Draug. Your time and interest are always appreciated.
DeleteYep, this is dark...bloody handprints are never good!
ReplyDeleteThere are sooooooo many children's art activities that incorporate some kind of child's handprints in it that, the contrast between the warm fuzzy of kid art hanging on a fridge, for example, and those same handprints, bloodied, seemed a good contrast to me and helped create an onimous mood for Henry to come home to. Thanks for stopping by with your comments.
DeleteHeart wrenching hell, Tom! I agree with Jo-Anne-this is really well done!
ReplyDeleteTo find that something has happened to your family, in your absence, has to be a major blow, for sure. Glad my piece came across that way to you, too. Thank you for your supportive comment. :)
DeleteSometimes life is dark and even children suffer. Well done.
ReplyDeleteSometimes it is. Correct, my dear. Thank you for your comments, LaTonya. :)
DeleteTOM! So different for you and I love it!!!
ReplyDeleteI am still a gentleman and a nice guy but, just not all of the time. Glad that side of me agrees with you. :)
DeleteWhat a take. I liked it
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ruby. Hopefully, my version is a bit original. I haven't read many yet but, I knew that the shadows weren't really doing it for me in the picture. But, when I noticed the photo was upside down, it all came together for me and the result is what you have read. Thanks for stopping by with your comments. I appreciate it. :)
DeleteScary stuff! I liked the flow of this. The smooth belied the horror, made it MORE.
ReplyDeleteWriting about horror! Wonder where I got that influence from, eh? Loved your "glitter/birthday/death day" story from this week's challenge. Must have been one of the reasons I wasn't feeling that warm, fuzzy vibe I usually give off. Thanks, Tina, for that and for your comments.
Deleteoh, Tom . . . heartbreaking 33. Well done, sir/1
ReplyDeleteThank you Barbara. I can't imagine coming home to what Henry came home to. Hopefully, I will never know that feeling, either.
DeleteComing from such an accomplished writer as you, I am, indeed, flattered and most appreciative. I like how specific your comments are. :)
ReplyDeleteChilling Tom. I wish things like this were only always fiction.
ReplyDeleteI hear ya, Linda! Too bad we didn't live on a more peaceful planet, eh? Thanks for your comments. They are appreciated, as always.
DeleteFrom zero to horrifying in thirty-three words--this one's a kick in the guts. It gave me goose bumps (not to mention heart palpitations).
ReplyDeleteWow! Thanks for the awesome reply! Glad my writing is capable enough of causing such a reaction. :)
DeleteWow, Tom. This is so intense. You've captured the devastation of his life so beautifully and succinctly.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Suzanne. I hope you and I never have to have a moment like that. :)
DeleteBloody handprints are terrifying enough, but "tiny, bloody handprints" is even more unsettling. Shivers with this one.
ReplyDeleteBad things should never happen to kids. Hate when it does. That's where the emotional wallop comes from in this piece.......at least, it is where I intended it to come from. :) Thank you for your comments. I appreciate them very much.
DeleteVery unnerving, but in a good way. I enjoyed reading. I think it is very brave to step outside your comfort zone and take a different route. It seems to have paid off well for you with this intense piece.
ReplyDeleteI know how you feel about children so, I imagine that this hit reasonably close to home. Thanks for your comments, Donetta.
DeleteIt's always great to seen range and different types of writing, even if this is a scary detour from your usual fare, Tom! Great job!
ReplyDeleteThank you for linking up!
Thank you very much for your encouraging words. Thanks, as well, for doing the hard work that you do, week in and week out, because it is a big commitment. You are all to be commended for helping writers in the manner that you do.
DeleteStepping out of the normal can be fun. Good job.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words. I appreciate the support and encouragement. :)
ReplyDeleteVery sad and well done. Sorry am late to reading. Had to hunt you down after your comments on my dark writing. I'll remember for next time.
ReplyDelete