I'M GRATEFUL TO have had another story published in MUSED, the BellaOnline Literary Review. Click here for my story that was published last year.
It's a story about difficult times in my family and how a 14-year-old experienced those times. If you're interested in reading it, you can find it by clicking here. (I'm sorry it's only in English.)
 |
| THE KID BROTHER FAKING A SMILE IN SARASOTA, FLORIDA, 1968. EL HERMANITO FINGIENDO UNA SONRISA EN SARASOTA, FLORIDA, 1968. |
Es una historia de unos momentos difíciles en mi familia y cómo un chico de 14 años experimentó esos momentos. Si te interesas leerlo, haz clic aquí. (Lo siento, solo en inglés)
Loved the story!!! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteKMoff:
DeleteThank YOU.
Wow, Excellent! I do hope that writing helps you to move forward to today and bright tomorrows.
ReplyDeleteTravel:
DeleteIt definitely helps. It sometimes hurts in the process, but it's finally cathartic.
I seriously do not need to be ugly snot crying at six in the morning, dude! I don't say "dude", this just called for it somehow *sniff*. Your father and my mother could've gotten together to teach a master class on emotional abuse of children. I love the way you write. So evocative. Now let me get my tissue and first cup of coffee. I'll be okay :) Sending you big hugs.
ReplyDeleteDeedles:
DeleteOh, Don't cry for me Deedlestina! The truth is... Well, the truth both my parents did some serious damage but they both had very positive qualities, too. My father was a very good man and a very responsible parent who simply didn't know how to nurture. He died more than 30 years ago and I could see the regret in his eyes.
I love the tight, intent focus on the feet in the water seen from inside the head of a 14 year-old boy. You packed so much imagery into a small scene; I can feel the gawkiness, the embarrassment, the incomprehension, and the anger as if they are my own. And also the understanding from strangers and solidarity from the sister. The pesky little mosquito was smashed. Bravo.
ReplyDeleteWilma:
DeleteThanks so much. It's amazing how vivid certain memories are. My mother had her own version of that vacation. I avoided including anything but my own experience of it in the story.
That was a powerful story. I don't know why parents don't think before they say and do. The affects this has on kids living in fear is not fair. I thought my dad was bad till I hear/ read others stories. But also my mother was fiery and didn't take shit from him, or him toward me. Most be where I get it. But I am glad your happy now.
ReplyDeleteBut must admit the picture of your brother in the car reminds me of the Flintstones.
maddie:
DeleteMy father died more than 30 years ago with clearly so many regrets. He did what HIS father did. I followed my father's lead and grew up with anger that I proudly displayed as an adult. I've managed to rid myself of that. My father ruled, but my mother had her own ways, which didn't help the kids any. My father was a good and decent man, generous, kind to others; his family I think were the only ones that saw this side of him (well, maybe his staff, too, from the rants he used to share when he came home from work).
Poignant.
ReplyDeletePhilip Larkin said it best:
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/48419/this-be-the-verse
Kirk:
DeletePhilip Larkin DID say it best. Thanks so much for sharing that poem.
Nice, sir, very nice!
ReplyDeleteBob:
DeleteThanks, Bob. I couldn't share that story while my mother was still living. She offered insights about that vacation from hell over the years, but also rewrote history regularly. I wanted this to be solely the experience of that 14 year old.
yabba dabba doo
ReplyDeleteAdam:
DeleteMy brother was having a rough day and putting him in Fred Flintstone's car settled one particular temper tantrum.
M. Scott Lowell?
ReplyDeleteKenosha:
DeleteIt's my version of Papi Chulo.
you described my childhood perfectly. my sperm donor should NEVER have reproduced.
ReplyDeleteanne marie:
DeleteI am SO sorry to know that. My sister had worse nicknames. My father died with so many regrets. If he could have changed it all, he would have. His father was apparently the same with him. I spent my life trying to emulate him, which is why I never wanted kids of my own -- although I really love kids.
Oh yes, the entire family tip-toeing on eggshells around the paternal rageaholic. I remember it well myself.
ReplyDeleteDebra:
DeleteThere was a lot of tip-toeing in that house. Both parents and then the Kid Brother's temper tantrums. It's amazing I'm not a ballet dancer.