
we remain rootedly positioned
between scylla and charybdis*
the chasm that separates us
mythically disproportionate
to your truth, or mine.
clash- two worlds colliding
yours a rock and mine a hard face
your forlorn forced inflections
emanating from the belly of your god.
my belligerent brawling outbursts
clutching tight the hand-
of absolution sure demise.
just once, can’t we beg off?
let hoar fog obscure our fracas
cleanse us both in salt sea brine
cast off weighted chain and anchor
just once, let dead dogs lie??
foundation built of rock, on hard place
just this once- oh mother mine?
Word Count: 99
*The idiom ‘between Scylla and Charybdis’ has come to mean being between two dangers, choosing either of which brings harm.
Written for Carrot Ranch’s 99 word Flash Fiction Prompt Sea Mist and MLMM Saturday Mix Mad About Metaphors
Like it on every level; and I see it has many levels. Clever selection of words, each with deep meanings. I believe you know your subject well. 🙂
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Indeed I do. Thank you Crispina.
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“between scylla and charybdis*
“yours a rock and mine a hard face”
Oh yes, that between ‘a rock and a hard place’ with our parents… I’ve been there.
I like your poetic quality to the common phrase. I do believe salt air can be cleansing.
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Thank you Jules so do I.
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Ah, I see here how you came *close* to mermaids! Excellent poem – love the Greek mythology element!
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OH no this is not about mermaids, but it was my first thought when I saw the prompt.
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But sea monsters, yes!
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Ah yes! Complete with multiple faces…
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Choosing the lesser of two evils. My truth is greater than your truth. Clutching the hand of absolution and cleansed in salt sea brine. Very Christian and spiritual. Perhaps they were discussing religion.
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Indeed mother is very christian, and me, well let’s just say not so much. Thank you for sharing this with me Len.
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Reblogged this on Reena Saxena.
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Thank you Reena. This one is dear to my heart. Thank you for sharing it .
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If something comes from the heart, it builds an instant connect. Thank you for sharing it!
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My pleasure.
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Violet, I love the layering of verse, the imagery, and internal turmoil. A great package overall, and I especially loved this line: “let hoar fog obscure our fracas”
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Thank you Charli. When I thought of fog or sea mist as you said obscuring views, this is where I went. An excellent prompt. Thank you so much for the inspiration again this week.
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I love the way you used mythological metaphors and allusions (along with the idiom) for this human condition. The imagery is both detailed and elusive at once — I hope that we can all abide by this line: “let hoar fog obscure our fracas/cleanse us both in salt sea brine”. The sea brine as a cleansing instrument is very impactful.
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Oh HA I am honored you even stopped in let alone left me such a well thought out comment. I am in awe of your poetic voice, Thank you for sharing this piece with me.
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Powerful and eloquent writing, Violet. This piece is marvelous! “Let dead dogs lie.” Love it!
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Thanks TAM, I am glad you enjoyed reading it. i sure enjoyed writing it.
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Oh yeah… I have one of those. Very well done.
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Something that could be such a blessing…
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That was a stunning poem Violet, a true masterpiece.
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Thank you Anurag I love writing it.
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I love this. ‘Specially the questions which ring out as rhetorical in context.
Thank you
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Thank you tnkerr. I am really glad you enjoyed it.
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This is a fascinating poem, Violet
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Why, thank you Roberta.
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Loved it.
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