I had a bumper sticker on my station wagon: Don’t Feed the Animals. And in my station wagon were five happy kids. It was a joke then, but now we’re living in it. I peel away at that damn sticker every day.
you may ask yourself, well, how did i get here
This was cute at first but then totally sad! I love the double emotion you created.
Thanks, Jen. Good thing you didn’t see the other piece I wrote for this (and then trashed) — it was even gloomier! Appreciate the comment and the read.
“peel away at the sticker” is such a telling line. I felt tears spring to my eyes.
a well written take on the prompt.
Thanks so much, Kir. Really enjoyed your Gargleblaster too.
Congratulations on the win..it was so well deserved.
Aww, thanks, Kir!
Wow! Quite thought-provoking. Nicely done.
Thanks for reading and commenting! Very kind of you.
yikes.
Yeah, sorry. 😉
I’m not sure whether to laugh or cry about your animal feeding! Really smart direction with the prompt! 🙂
Do both! 😉 Thanks for the read and comment!
In just a few words the story twisted from happy to sad. Brilliantly crafted. I simply loved your clever take on the prompt. ♥
Thanks a bunch, Kathy. I had another one in which a nurse makes the sign of the cross (the former Catholic in me couldn’t resist) and then the patient dies. I thought this one was cheerier. LOL. 😉
very sad but true commentary on hunger in America and across the globe. excellent story!
Thanks so much for reading and commenting, Rida.
So good, as always. You’re a master of the gargleblaster. This one is great.
Awww, thank you, Genna. And thanks for the follow! <3
I love the story you managed to tell. It pulled my emotions in several different directions.
Thanks so much, Marcy. I’m glad you liked it.
Beautiful and poignant. Your writing always makes me pause and reflect.
You are too kind, Karen, as always. Thanks for reading!
What a great twist! You nailed it.
Yay! I don’t think I’ve ever done a twist-y move before. Funny how they don’t read the same way to the author as they do to others (because the surprise element is gone). I wasn’t expecting that. Thanks so much, Susan.
love the last line. heartbreaking. a truth for so many families. thanks for sharing about hunger and poverty, in 42 words.
Thanks so much for your kind, thoughtful comment.
This is amazing. You ARE a master! Your last line is such a perfect closer.
I’m so glad you like it! Thank you!
Darn those earlybird visitors who’ve taken my comments!
I too had a two step reaction to your post. At first, I laughed and then reality settled in for how that would be. There is an edge to your last line which is perfect, powerful and filled with humour and frustration.
Well done!!
Wow. Thank you, Jo-Anne. Glad that line is edgy. It should be, you know?
Ouch! You really packed a punch with that sticker line! So vivid.
Thank you, C.C.! Really appreciate your reading and commenting.
I love the twist in so few lines. Very powerful subject, very well done!
Thank you, Melanie! I’m so glad it resonated.
The twist is like a slap across the face, that’s how abrupt it was. Such a painful subject but you nailed the emotion of it for sure. Great piece.
Thanks, April. As I noted in a comment above, I’m surprised that there was a twist at the end — but that’s because I knew it was there. So I keep finding myself surprised by other’s surprise. Writing is funny.
Wow! A complete before and after shot in 4 sentences. So well crafted, Meg, and all of it pivoting on a bumper sticker.
Aww, thanks, Nate. I think I’ve said it before — you do my heart good. Grateful for your thoughtful reading and comments.
I save your posts for last because I need to go through them four or five times to squeeze every drop of stark beauty out of your words.
Wow. ::blush:: I’m so honored by this comment. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
by far, my favorite! (can I say that? lol) you’re such a terrific writer and a great inspiration for me. there’s so much about this that i love. mostly that your voice and style are uncomplicated and honest. it pulls me right it! again, bravo!!
Hah! You’re so sweet, Malaika. I really, really liked your poem this week. You inspire me! Thanks a bunch.