3. Abandoned

You cannot know what hardship is, you live a life of ease.
Your birth’s no effort of your own, your smile is sure to please.

My kind and I we have to fight to see the light of day,
Persuade a maker we’re just right and let them have their way.

And if we’re sketched out on a page, our struggle isn’t done.
For those who’ve made it safe thus far, the fight has just begun.

For each idea that makes it through, a thousand, maybe more
Have ended screwed up in a ball and thrown down on the floor.

Queen Petra’s challenge. Coming up: 4. Crisis.

I was writing some nonsense-verse earlier this week, and thought, why not go on?

2. Poison

By the steps she could see three young jewish women.  She looked at their flat shoes and thick black stockings, their awkward looking wigs. How could any woman consent to shave off her hair, her beauty, her sensuality? Samira gave a shudder. Nobody saw her expression of distaste.

Whores, she thought, baring their noses and chins for all to see, exposing their naked lips to the gaze of strangers. The voices of her teachers had melted into a single melodious stream in her head.

Thankfully she had been taught better. She peered through the thick black cloth and walked on.

Limited outlook.

Queen Petra’s challenge. It doesn’t have to be a story. A photo, a drawing, a poem. Just create something for each word on the list.

Next up on the list: 3. Abandoned.

1. Introduction

It was Snuffles dog-biscuits. Another advertiser was making their pitch. A lovely building, modern and airy, light-filled rooms, the works.

The company president was there looking serious to show how important our account was. The designer was to show the campaign on an overhead projector – do you remember those?  –  and the cable was too short. Impatiently, the young president got up and tugged on it. His shoe caught on the shagpile and he pitched forward.

A man who can laugh when he’s covered in complimentary champagne and cream cakes is utterly irresistible.

I tell him that each anniversary. With champagne.

Canine introduction.

Queen Petra’s challenge. It doesn’t have to be a story. A photo, a drawing, a poem. Just create something for each word on the list.

Next up on the list: 2. Poison.