The old woman fumbles
with the bandage
wrapped around
her wounded wrist
like the pain pills
and booze
she wraps her mind
in to stop the pain.
I glance at her
and see the mess
she’s making.
I walk over
to help even though
she did this
to herself. I see
the stack of dirty
dishes in the sink,
the medication containers
lined up
like soldiers
waiting to fight,
the empty Absolut
bottle. I wrap
the ace bandage
loosely around
her arm. “Can
you go to the store
for me? I’m all out
of vodka.” I shake
my head no, too afraid
to open my mouth,
afraid all the negative
banter in my head
will spew out,
will cover her,
will kill her.
16 comments:
This little drama builds beautifully to that final comment on inner thoughts! A great read!
The banter won't kill her...there's something tender amongst the desolation..I am glad someone is there..to wrap the bandage..to say no..Jae
WOW!
I feel the pain for both of you.
I feel the love you have for her to stop the maddness.
Great work with the three words.
Blessings
You have built it up nicely and the words paint an image. Ends well too!!
ah the alcoholic drug addict how hard to live with,
Very powerful piece.
Wonderful imagery and deep, deep feelings.
It would just make her want to drink more.
Great use of three words. Please come see my three words
I agree with Jae. This tells the tale of loving enough to aid but not abet
What a beautiful but hopeless and sad word picture you have created here.
Intense piece, something I didn't think was coming until that last line. I believe my monster will be humming that with his next victim...
Thanks for sharing with us Linda!
Powerful! I've seen that kind of situation many times... you've captured the essence, emotions perfectly.
That ending really clinches it, a little heartbreaking for both involved.
Missed so much here. Glad to be reading you again.
Nice piece. sometimes the best help you can give to someone is saying "No"
A great read.
Shows just how hard it is helping someone who doesn't feel that they need help.
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