I’ve recently come across the Trifecta weekly challenge. The aim is to write a piece between 33 and 333 words, using the prompt from a Merriam Webster dictionary definition. This week’s one word prompt is ‘idle’
1: lacking worth or basis : vain <idle chatter> <idle pleasure>
2: not occupied or employed: as
a : having no employment : inactive <idle workers>
b : not turned to normal or appropriate use <idle farmland>
c : not scheduled to compete <the team will be idle tomorrow>
3: a : shiftless, lazy
If you don’t ‘get’ (as they say) this piece, there’s a link at the end that might cast some light.
A Different Drum
It’s a cold Friday morning in January, mist is curling off the Thames and Jess sits on her blanket in her usual spot on the embankment, clad from head to toe in contrasting shades of her favourite colour – purple.
I stop, as I do every Friday to remind her there’ll be a bed and a hot meal at the hostel tonight if she wants it. That’s my job, offering shelter, but I’d stop and talk to Jess even if it weren’t. I remind her that she can take up the offer any time after 4.00pm. The opening time is actually 5.00pm, but for Jess I’d make an exception.
She grins: “You after my body again Tom Collier?”
“It’s your soul I’m more interested in,” I say, returning the grin, “but after a good wash who knows which way the wind will blow?”
Her laugh is harsh, cackling, and passers-by turn in curiosity, quickly superseded with distaste.
To the casual eye, Jess is just another idle scrounger, another blot on the London landscape, but I know Jess dances to the beat of a different drum.
Intrigued as to why she appears here one day a week, and why she never takes up the offer of a bed, I followed her one Friday when she left her patch. I saw her dump the day’s taking into the upturned hat of an old man playing a violin near the park and then followed as she ambled towards the tube station, running her stick along the railings as she went. Shortly after, she arrived at her destination, a small warden-controlled apartment for the elderly.
Something has pricked my memory, something I read somewhere. So I get on the internet and search.
Today I’m clutching a red knitted hat that used to belong to my mother, and I offer it to her.
“Thought you might like this,” I say, “it doesn’t go, though it’ll keep your ears warm.”
I wink, and we exchange a glance of mutual understanding.
Lovely. Just perfectly lovely.
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Thank you! 🙂
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I sort off did but yet didn’t, I will take a look at the link
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If you don’t recognise the poem (which has always been a favourite of mine) you’ll need to click the link. Hope you enjoy it. 🙂
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Very clever! I loved the way you drew us in – and when I saw ‘purple’ I had a quick thought..aha! And yes! Very well done indeed!
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Thank you! Pleased that you knew where this was going.
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I like it–I felt I was walking along and eavesdropping on the conversation 🙂
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Thank you! Feel free to eavesdrop any time. 😉
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I enjoyed this.
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Thank you!
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loved this. Works well as flash fiction!
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Thanks, glad you liked it.
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That’s charming; great read.
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Thank you Annabelle.
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Am not sure I know for I am from India but does it by chance have anything to do with red hat ladies/society?While playing some designing games,I was introduced to this concept,a few months back.All the same,I can sense a very warm vibe in this piece-I particularly liked that “Jess danced to a different drum beat” & the last line:-)
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It may not mean much to you outside the context of the poem, contained in the you tube link at the end. Thanks for reading and commenting.
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Oh,will go & check the link,thk you for lettinng me know:-)
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You write very well, with a “voice” that rigs true and natural. I’d love to know more about Jess. Well done, Sandra.
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Thank you Patti. 🙂
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I really enjoyed this piece!
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Hi Stacie, glad you enjoyed it.
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I know and love that poem… this is a lovely tribute. Well drawn scene – nice writing.
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Thanks Stephanie, it’s a great poem isn’t it?
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Very cute (:
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Thank you.
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Enjoyed reading your take on the prompt. Especially their conversation. So cute..
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Thank you!
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I wasn’t familiar with the poem so I clicked the link. I didn’t realize she was ‘old’ until the part about the elderly apartments. I pictured them both as younger, but with her being elderly, it makes the exchange about wanting her body even funnier 🙂 Speaking of the dialogue, it felt natural and not forced at all – I really enjoyed reading this one!
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Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
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Haha! I love this–especially the red hat at the end. Brilliantly done!
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It doesn’t ‘go’ does it? 😉 Thanks for dropping by.
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Nicely drawn homage!
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Thank you. I love this poem.
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I knew to what you referred, but had to take a listen anyway. I do love Helena’s way of telling the poem. Thank you for sharing.
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She has such beautifully clipped tones, doesn’t she? I’m pleased to have raised the profile of such a nice poem.
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excellent dialogue. congratulations on the silver medal. it’s much deserved.
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Thanks Lance. I think it was bronze actually but hey! a medal’s a medal. 🙂
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Congrat’s on the third place over at Trifecta with this one!
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Thank you! My first outing with Trifecta so I’m looking forward to next week. I saw you at Friday Fictioneers this week.
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Wow! Nicely done. I haven’t read this poem in years, but have always loved it. Your homage is truly lovely.
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I’m late in reading this, but I just had to tell you how lovely your story was. What a beautiful tribute to the woman in purple. 🙂 I’m not old, but I like to wear anything purple, and red too. 😉 You certainly have a wonderful gift. Thanks for sharing.
Many blessings,
Cheryl
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It does make sense after hearing the poem! Sorry for trawling your blog and leaving comments all over.
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Although I’m not sure if I meant trawl or troll..
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It’s a pleasure to have you drop by!
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