23 December 2009

"Weak Hands" #Fridayflash

Sinew and bone will not show through gentle kid-gloves, nor will they express the sensibility of a brethren savior; the one that gripped tight enough to cling desperately to a shimmering thread of meaning something.

White knuckles clasped over a sweat-smeared steering wheel, clad in worn leather. To brush away the slick and bitter ice that has formed around the corners of life. To punch a proof of existence into surreality. To point out the mistakes borne by a misspoken word.

Weak hands can't hold on to what was not meant to be.

To embrace the child that never was.

To caress a cheek or a cup of coffee—low, fresh, and steaming between the fingers.

The bird.

A thumbs-up.

Certain polite applause to display approval of a despondent recital.

Pallid palms-up alongside the white stripe of a faded love.


Inspired by Chevelle's song,"Panic-Prone"

14 comments:

Unknown said...

I read this like a prose poem, which is a neat meditation on hands. I especially liked the line about the steering wheel.

Laura Eno said...

Wonderful prose. I've read this 3 times now and come away with something different each time. I finally figured out that that's how you meant it to be. :)

Marisa Birns said...

Yes, poetry in motion!

Very visual, of course. Caressing, the bird, thumbs up, politely applauding. All wonderful images that add to the poignancy of hands that weren't a part of a life mourned.

Eric J. Krause said...

Wow, I really liked that. Great story!

Anonymous said...

As usual, Carrie, you paint a vivid picture with your words. Nicely done!

Danielle said...

Beautiful work... Same thing as with Laura Eno. Read three times. Got something different each time. I really want to see this one expanded. x

Anonymous said...

You've got a fascinating way with words, Carrie. Well done, as always!

Weezel said...

I enjoyed the prose, even if I'm not exactly sure what you were trying to say with it. I'm assuming, like a quatrain, the interpretation lies with the reader.

Anne Tyler Lord said...

Very interesting piece. Many layers of meaning in this short prose. I agree with others - great story!

Cat Russell said...

What a beautiful piece. You have a way with words. Lovely imagery.

Anonymous said...

Yes, this is something that can be read over and over. It's just so lovely and dark. ~ Olivia

Helen Ginger said...

A definite contrast - dark yet vivid. Full of life, but a bit sad.

Enjoyed this.

Helen
Straight From Hel

~Tim said...

Beautiful imagery!

Laurita said...

poetic and visual. A really outstanding piece.