It has been a while since I have participated in Julia’s 100 Word Challenge for Grown Ups, but this weeks challenge ”… in the dark recess of my mind ..” seemed to speak to the journey I have been on lately. Be sure to visit the challenge for other people’s entries.
Confronting the Darkness
“You can’t,” whispers a creature, hidden in the darkness. I can feel the freezing touch of its leathery wings, and the tickle as it haunts my thoughts. “You will fail,” it taunts me, fetid breath poisoning my thoughts, weighing me down with impossibility. I try to break its hold, banish it from the dark recess of my mind, but it is a sneaky creature, sometimes appearing in a gentler guise. A glistening black fairy with feathery wings, lulling me into a sense of possibility, dangling dreams in front of me before pulling them away with a cruel tinkling laugh. The only answer lies in writing the light.
Jun 19, 2012 @ 07:59:49
Looks like you and I were on the same wavelength this week, Lisa. Y0u have captured it so much better than me though. I like your glistening black fairy.
Jun 19, 2012 @ 08:03:15
I think yours is better than mine. Perhaps my creature and your twin are whispering in our ears as we speak.
Jun 19, 2012 @ 08:09:59
This is very evocative of Golum in Lord of the rings. That other being that is always there spread vileness. Really welll captured Lisa & it’s good to have you back!
Jun 19, 2012 @ 08:11:37
Gollum . . . I wantsss it my preciouss.
Thanks for the inspiration. I hope I can keep the momentum going.
Jun 19, 2012 @ 08:17:56
Ooo, nicely done. Love the imagery of the glistening black fairy and the path to banishment writing the light. Beautifully written
Jun 19, 2012 @ 09:57:19
Thanks so much Anna. I’m trying to write the light as we speak.
Jun 19, 2012 @ 08:31:31
Somehow I knew you would return with this one. And with a great one too. Can almost see this … in a modified state … getting integrated into the book …
Jun 19, 2012 @ 09:56:49
Anything is possible if I can get past chapter one.
Jun 19, 2012 @ 10:57:45
Haha. Believe me, I understand!!
Jun 19, 2012 @ 08:34:17
That’s very true. Until I write, I fear what I won’t write.
Jun 19, 2012 @ 09:56:26
I fear what I won’t write, but I also always fear that what I write is not good enough or “right.”
Jun 19, 2012 @ 08:36:40
“weighing me down with impossibility”… that is a brilliant way to describe that heavy doubt we all suffer from sometimes. I spend a lot of time worrying what I can’t do with my writing. Then I realize I’ve spent a world of time sabotaging myself. If you keep writing, something will come along.
Jun 19, 2012 @ 09:55:46
I am the queen of self-sabotage.
Jun 19, 2012 @ 10:24:08
This was great. Really conjured the witch and saboteur archetype for me. Could really relate to this!
Jun 19, 2012 @ 10:33:38
I wish I wasn’t so familiar with this particular saboteur.
Jun 19, 2012 @ 12:56:50
That demon also visits me. How do they know just how to get you to retreat? You’ve described it brilliantly.
Jun 19, 2012 @ 14:46:26
Beautifully composed, haunting and so identifiably true.
Jun 19, 2012 @ 17:47:47
Thank so much Anna.
Jun 19, 2012 @ 18:20:08
Well-done, Lisa. These challenges are a good inspiration for writing, aren’t they?
Jun 19, 2012 @ 19:11:54
They definitely help.
Jun 20, 2012 @ 05:45:44
Lovely writing. These creatures take many forms, but they all feed on our self-confidence. They should be banned!
Jun 20, 2012 @ 09:24:02
Maybe by bringing it out of the dark recesses of our minds, we can confront it.
Jun 20, 2012 @ 17:29:18
Lisa, this is such beautiful writing even though the ugly and deceptive faces of self doubt are its subject. Once again I feel deep emotional truth in your words. I love when you channel your experiences and emotions through your writing in this way. The word lyrical describes it well.
Jun 20, 2012 @ 21:21:30
Thanks, Re. You are very kind.
Jun 21, 2012 @ 01:58:26
Lisa you have beautifully described the saboteur, if its your saboteur then send it packing because you are very talented!
Jun 21, 2012 @ 07:40:38
Thanks Gilly. Maybe this saboteur will leave me alone for a while.
Jun 23, 2012 @ 13:44:29
The fairy’s name is Doubt. No doubt. I guess we are all vulnerable to its poison in some form or other. Good job you’re listening to its lighter brother, Belief.