I’m starting another week with an apology. I got back to Friday Fictioneers last week, relieved to finally be writing, and promising to read others, when I got back from Tel Aviv. My intentions were good. Really. But, our flight was delayed; we missed our connection, the trip took longer then the usual forever, and the jet lag has been kicking my already sick butt, all week! I’ve had the flu for nearly 5 weeks now, and I totally underestimated how much energy I’d have for… anything. So, I really am sorry that I did not find the time to read other stories last week, and I thank those of you who took the time for mine. I really appreciate it! This week, I’m on it.
If you are interested in reading more wonderful 100-word stories, based on the photo below, check out Rochelle Wisoff-Fields’ blog Addicted to Purple. She wrangles this wild and wooly gang each week, with grace and a kind but firm hand. As always, I welcome honest, constructive feedback.
© Maddison Woods
Brain On Fire
“How can you just leave me standing, alone in a world so cold?”
I walk the halls, our house silent and empty.
“Maybe I’m just too demanding…”
I try and try, but the vice tightens, my brain on fire.
“Maybe I’m just like my father too bold.”
I snap. I lose it. I’m sorry.
“Maybe I’m just like my mother, ‘cause she’s never satisfied.”
I can’t blame you, baby…
“Why do we scream at each other”
I know I scared you.
“This is what it sounds like”
But please come back. I promise I’ll change.
“When doves cry.”
(Word count 98)
Rest in peace dear Prince. “Every song was a prayer, or foreplay,” and your artistry will be truly missed.
* * *
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TALES FROM THE MOTHERLAND 
Reblogged this on ugiridharaprasad.
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OMG, the creativity in this one was brilliant! Your tribute to Prince combined with the story to fit the picture. The only thing left is to drop the mike.
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Thanks so much Susan! I really appreciate it. I had another story in mind, the other day… but no time. This morning there it was. 😉
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Love what you did with this one, but I’m sorry you’ve had the flu. That’s no fun, especially while traveling.
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It’s been a bitter sweet 5 weeks… being with family, is so wonderful, but what we thought was a cold has really laid me low. Dragging and pulling myself all over Israel, and continuing to hack and blow and whine, since my return. Waaagh! Thanks for the kind words doc. xox
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Oh I really love it… how creative to use all those texts… I feel a purple pain coming on. Hope you are feeling better… 🙂
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I wish I were, but this has really knocked me for a loop! I’ve been sick for nearly 5 weeks now; it sucks!
Thanks for the wonderful feedback, Björn; it’s so good to be writing again. 🙂
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Wow, Dawn! Super-duper! That was one of my personal favorite songs as a kid. The stuff between the lines and in under 100 words … remarkable. Prince will be missed.
Sorry about that flight disconnection. I understand totally. I had trouble just getting there in 2010. Long story short, flew into Philly on a Thursday afternoon, trapped in the airport until Friday evening due to rain, went to Charlotte to catch a flight back to KC landing on Saturday at noon. Following Tuesday, I got back on and made it to Tel Aviv. My bag went missing the whole time, but they confirmed it was at Ben-Gurion. I went to the baggage claim, showed my voucher. They never saw it!!! Then, someone who obviously knew better, looked at the voucher and said, “Oh, yes. I know that bag. It’s right there.” She pointed and it was right behind me! hahaha!
Get better and be well!
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Oh my! I think I would have lost my mind! It’s such a horribly long trip, without the delays! I can’t imagine how my daughter will do it with my VERY active grandson, this summer… when he will be 11 months old. Ugh. Of course, I don’t tell her that. 😉
Thanks for your lovely feedback. I’m honored to be one of your favorites this week! Means a lot darlin’.
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YOU mean a lot to us at FF Central, Dawn. Keep up the good work! And keep us posted!
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Aww. 🙂
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to Prince! Elegant blend of story and lyrics.
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Thanks so much Madame; I really appreciate your time and feedback. Thanks for stopping by Tales From the Motherland!
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This sounds like a monumental crisis of self-castigation. You did this so well, Dawn, and I have no idea how you have coped with five week ‘flu. Get well soon, thinking of you.
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It’s been pretty awful! Drs again tomorrow, IVs, ugh! While in Israel, I had to just power thru, but at home, I’ve hit a wall.
As for castigation, I was thinking in terms of an abuser, once their partner has left. Perhaps a little SC is in order? 😉
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That first line drew me in. Wonderful poetry/prose.
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Thanks Liz! All credit to Prince for that one. 😉 Thanks for the feedback!
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Nice tribute.
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Thanks Dawn!
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Beautifully done, Dawn! I so wanted to do some kind of tribute to Prince but could never come up with something as wonderful as you just did – and with a head full of flu…
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Thanks so much Dale. Something tells me you could have done wonderfully!
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Well… No need. You were mahvellous!
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Beautiful, Dawn, a wonderful tribute to a musical genius. I’m still so stunned he’s gone. Sorry about your flu. Feel better and get some rest! xox
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Thanks Amy… yes, stunning in every way! xox
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Dear Dawn,
I am Prince ignorant so this honestly went by me. What didn’t is our five week flu. How awful. I echo Kent. You mean a lot to us, take care. And I remember jet lag coming back from Israel. Never felt fatigue like that before.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’ve now spent +1/4 of the past year in Israel; I think I have permanent jet lag! Admittedly, it’s hard to imagine anyone being Prince ignorant… especially with your purple ties! 😉 Thanks Rochelle. xox
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Wonderful. A great story and beautiful tribute. I want to turn off 2016 now, please. Take care of yourself, please, a flu is nothing to be taken lightly. The body needs time and rest to recover.
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Thanks Gah… yes, I am a bit tired of this 2016 assault! So many huge losses. While overseas, it was nearly impossible to rest, but I’m trying to take it more seriously at home. Kicking my butt! Thanks.
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I knew before I ever checked out this week’s piece that there was a Prince tribute coming. I love how you make it seem effortless. Feel better soon! – Mike
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It wasn’t hard, with such wonderful inspiration.Thanks so much Mike! xo
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A skilful blending of his lyrics and your story Dawn. I think some abusers do feel anguish and sorrow at their behaviour. There is a feeling of deep pain in the piece.
The flu is dangerous! Re Prince, I have read a theory that he reportedly had the illness and that he died of complications from it. It still kills people. Glad you are home and able to recover safely.
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Thanks so much for your kind feedback, and your wise advice… I’m taking it as easy as possible. 😉
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I like the style and presentation of this piece, Dawn. Very creative.
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Thanks Russell! I always appreciate your feedback. 🙂
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Nice work – blending the story and song Dawn.
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Thanks so much! Love that song, and couldn’t imagine doing in any other direction this week. 😉
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Wonderful tribute interwoven with a great story, Dawn. Hope you can get some rest to heal from this flu. I think your body is trying to tell you something…
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No doubt! I’m working on it… taking things MUCH slower since I got home.
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Short of rehashing everyone’s comments- this was well done and such a sweet piece. Purple rain..and rainy days, glad you’re back. Cheers.
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Thanks so much. I love hash, but not rehash! 😉 I appreciate your time and feedback.
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What a powerful, woven thing you have made here! It’s beautiful and tragic at once; you’ve done incredible work creating the character you see going with those amazing lyrics. My heart goes out to someone who has done so much damage and has so much rebuilding to do. Beautifully done.
RIP Prince, such a visionary. And I hope you feel better soon!
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Welcome to Tales From the Motherland, and thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment; it’s much appreciated! Your thoughtful words mean a lot, thank you.
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Fantastic memorial to an icon. Thank you.
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Thanks MG; I always appreciate your feedback. 🙂
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I know I missed a lot in that piece not having been a Prince fan. He was born I think in 1958, the year before I graduated high school. I’ve seen enough of his performances on TV to know he was talented. It was tragic that he died so early. Your writing is always good, Dawn, no matter the subject. Do be sure to take care of yourself. How wonderful your daughter is coming for a visit with the baby. Well done. —- Suzanne
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Thanks Suzanne. I am a fan, for sure… but can see that the piece would be a bit lost on someone unfamiliar with his work. Always appreciate your time!
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