« Michele: Rat Race | Main | Jim: Ship Happens II »

July 9, 2007

Monday

I really should have been paying more attention.

Bookmark: del.icio.us • Digg • reddit

Comments

In Front of You

Off the train, the wind blows past like a thought still lost in inertia.

A few more inches and I could be clambering down metal steps like I did that summer. I could speak casually to the taxi driver before climbing into the car, waiting patiently for more passengers, for the miles to pass, for the car to stop.

But the slam of the taxi door will sound hollow in the early morning. The concrete steps and the quick phone call will be silent.

The flash in your eyes will be gone before you open the door to dismiss me.

Posted by: Rachel at July 9, 2007 10:46 AM · Permalink

I really should have listened to the doctor more carefully when he prescribed those pills, but my pain was blinding me, and I couldn't focus on anything he said.

I was in so much pain, and just wanted to get to the pharmacy as soon as possible to get my prescription filled. I knew all my focus would go into driving there.

To my horror though, even after several doses, my pain still wasn't getting any better. I called the doctor in a fury of anguish.

That's when he repeated to me that analgesics are supposed to be taken orally.

Posted by: Nick at July 9, 2007 12:02 PM · Permalink

Regrets

The light drifts softly through the lace curtains, and lays across the handmade quilt that covers her. She still has such a beautiful little smile, I think, as I try to remember the last time I visited.

Every time I came I always promised her I’d visit more often, yet I would nearly forget what she looks like, even her voice, between my far too seldom stopovers.

An orderly is packing up her things, collecting her family photos and mementos, making room for the next tenant. And as I lovingly hold my mother’s delicate hand, the coroner pronounces her dead.

Posted by: kipp at July 9, 2007 3:28 PM · Permalink

“Your eternal punishment won’t be the most awful we’re capable of providing,” Satan sneered from behind his desk at the entry gates. He enjoyed watching the condemned soul squirm against the heat in the flames of hell. “You have mitigating factors. Congratulations. You broke some Commandments.”

“Other gods, graven images, name in vain…check, “ the Devil recited the list by rote. “Working on the sabbath, stealing, bearing false witness, coveting, adultery…check.”
He grinned, showing yellowed teeth. “You even shot and killed a lawyer. Almost a perfect ten.”

“What did I miss, Sir?” ventured the damned.

“Your parents were proud of you.”

Posted by: Barb at July 9, 2007 9:40 PM · Permalink