Finding Common Ground

The wind whips us forward up downtown streets, our umbrellas inverting and hats flying.  This Midwestern spring, when dark storms cloak the afternoon, we run toward flickering restaurant lights.  We, strangers, gather in our soaked suits, nod our heads, and sigh relief.

      

36 Comments Finding Common Ground

  1. searchingforsubstance August 25, 2014 at 9:51 pm

    Oh, love this! You described the setting so well; love how the title rounds it out.

    Reply
    1. Meg August 26, 2014 at 8:35 pm

      Thanks so much. Glad it worked!

      Reply
  2. thewizardsword August 25, 2014 at 11:28 pm

    Such a lovely post. Your writing evokes the warm fuzzies. Nice job!

    Reply
    1. Meg August 26, 2014 at 8:35 pm

      Thanks, Susan! Warm fuzzies are good.

      Reply
  3. Shailaja/ The Moving Quill August 26, 2014 at 2:49 am

    Ah, Meg. That warmth between strangers on a cold , rainy night. Er…I mean… you know what I mean, right? 😉

    Reply
    1. Meg August 26, 2014 at 8:37 pm

      I do! Thanks for reading and commenting, Shailaja. (I love typing your name!)

      Reply
  4. Jennifer G. Knoblock August 26, 2014 at 5:32 am

    This is a painting: I can see it that clearly. Awesome line: “..forward up downtown streets…”

    Reply
    1. Meg August 26, 2014 at 8:38 pm

      Awww, thanks, Jennifer. I had to fight myself to keep the “up” in there. The grammar police in my head were saying “no!” 😉

      Reply
    1. Meg August 26, 2014 at 8:43 pm

      Thanks so much, LHN! I was hoping the sense of community would come through. Rain does bring us together.

      Reply
  5. Suzanne August 26, 2014 at 9:05 am

    Fantastic imagery! I could picture the scene perfectly. And I love how the weather brings strangers together and makes them comrades.

    Reply
    1. Meg August 26, 2014 at 8:44 pm

      Thanks for your kind words, Suzanne. Who hasn’t been caught with strangers in a storm, right?

      Reply
  6. Melanie L. August 26, 2014 at 9:44 am

    I love this line, “When dark storms cloak the afternoon.” That verb really paints a picture there. Awesome work!

    Reply
    1. Meg August 26, 2014 at 8:45 pm

      I’m so glad! Thanks for reading and commenting, Melanie!

      Reply
  7. Jen August 26, 2014 at 10:07 am

    So vivd for me, I’ve felt the same way when I lived in new york city, especially with those darn umbrellas in the rain! Very nice!

    Reply
    1. Meg August 26, 2014 at 8:47 pm

      Thank you, Jen! My sister in law has this thing where she collects photos, taken by herself and others, of inverted, abandoned umbrellas. She posts them on Facebook. There’s something so compelling about them.

      Reply
  8. Dawn August 26, 2014 at 10:10 am

    Vivid imagery here. Great job.

    Reply
    1. Meg August 26, 2014 at 8:47 pm

      Thank you, Dawn! Much appreciated.

      Reply
  9. Kathy Combs (@KathyCombs16) August 26, 2014 at 10:55 am

    I had the image of all those nannies in Mary Poppins getting blown back to start as your characters were running for cover. Loved the scene. I was right there with them!

    Reply
    1. Meg August 26, 2014 at 8:48 pm

      Hah! Poor nannies! Thanks for reading and commenting, Kathy.

      Reply
  10. Danielle August 26, 2014 at 11:40 am

    Wonderful imagery. A perfect little slice of life.

    Reply
    1. Meg August 26, 2014 at 8:48 pm

      Thanks for your kind words, Danielle.

      Reply
  11. inNateJames August 26, 2014 at 1:48 pm

    It’s like you were there yesterday when I was caught in a downpour. I stepped in front of an entrance that had an awning and anyone who joined me caught my eye and gave me a look of relief. When the storm ended we quietly continued on our way. That’s the image your gargleblaster leaves me with.

    Reply
    1. Meg August 26, 2014 at 8:51 pm

      I was there yesterday! Ludington, Chicago. 😉 Sorry you got caught in the rain but glad this rang true for you. Thanks, Nate.

      Reply
  12. Silverleaf August 26, 2014 at 2:50 pm

    I WENT there with you, Meg! I’ve had that experience everywhere – in Paris, New York and at home. You described it so vividly. My favourite image was of the restaurant’s flickering lights.

    Reply
    1. Meg August 26, 2014 at 8:53 pm

      Thanks so much, Silverleaf. Yeah, I can’t think how many times I’ve been unprepared and had to run into a restaurant. You know, you’re dripping wet, a little embarrassed but everyone else is right there with you, in the same boat, so to speak. Happy it struck a chord for you. <3

      Reply
  13. Marcy August 26, 2014 at 4:29 pm

    I love the mood you created here and the image of all the people escaping the weather to be able to share a moment of relief together.

    Reply
    1. Meg August 26, 2014 at 8:54 pm

      Thanks for your kind words, Marcy! Really appreciate your reading and commenting.

      Reply
  14. theinnerzone August 26, 2014 at 7:46 pm

    Very vivid, Meg! If I say anything more, I will be repeating the comments above. Lovely writing!!

    Reply
    1. Meg August 26, 2014 at 8:55 pm

      Thanks so much!

      Reply
  15. KymmInBarcelona August 26, 2014 at 8:34 pm

    The sounds in this are like a bad-ass wind! < 3

    Reply
    1. Meg August 26, 2014 at 8:55 pm

      Hah! I was thinking it was windy.

      Reply
  16. MamaMickTerry August 27, 2014 at 8:46 am

    Great take on the prompt! I didn’t participate this week, but have loved seeing what everyone came up with.
    I’ve experienced your scene before and it’s good memories all around. xo

    Reply
    1. Meg August 28, 2014 at 7:48 pm

      Yes, I missed you this week, Michelle! But I noticed you have some posts that I need to check out.

      Reply
  17. Pingback: yeah write #177 weekly writing challenge kickoff: challenge winners round-up, gargleblaster prompt, badges, prizes, & a bonus tongue-twister | yeah writeyeah write

say anything...

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.