Stereotypes. Whether we see them as false, but based on general knowledge, or as completely false and too ridiculous to even mention, stereotypes influence the way we think about others. More surprisingly, they influence the way we think about ourselves.
There was a study done on Asian women. You see, everyone knows that Asians are really good at math. And everyone knows that women are really bad at math. Right?
I.
there is
sticky air
and
the cool
blues and
yellow streetlights
II.
and then
the outline of
his driveway is
fragmented,
no
fractured
with intermittent
shadows
III.
further, his
cinnamon arm
reaching for
me?
or the air
behind my
head
Sequel to Though None Go With Me, the short story I wrote two years ago. However, it was written in a way that you don't have to read the first story to understand this one.
Story is told in the perspective of GLENDA.
__________
you're an unbelievable breath of beauty
hair and arms and legs
the way you lean on
windowsills and
smile against pain
it seems like
you're constantly forging
onward soldier
while I stand by
and wait
for the storm to pass
the clouds to clear but
I've realized that
they'll stay
no matter how I close my eyes
and wish for
warmer weather
while you dance on ahead
kicking puddles astray
hands out
and no umbrella
you just let it
wash all over you
but
[Alright, I've decided to just go for it, even though I don't feel ready. But when it comes down to first drafts, who ever feels ready? "We all start the dance before we know the steps; we speak before we know the words." Part of this is going to be written as-I-go, on-the-fly, and I hope you'll be patient with me. And help me!
The beast of fear is drawing near;
Dear Lord what shall I do?
I'm weak and poor and harrowed here,
But I must turn to You.
My faith is small, my strength is gone,
I have no hope, no gain;
Wallowing here, I see the One:
He took my sin and shame.
My brokenness, my finite mind,
Is lost in His great love;
And looking up I see the cross,
With fear nailed up above.
He put it there, writ' with His blood,
And gave His all, for me,
So I could rest with peace of mind,
Knowing that I am free.
Looking out you are lost
sitting on the cliff
legs crossed.
Sea, fields, woods, plains,
marshes, mountains, rocky terrains,
They're all around
thickly covering the ground.
The sky above, outlined with dark storm clouds
and below, trees in clusters and crowds.
Here the world seems a sad place
The wind carries a lonely taste.
"Do you love me?"
"Why do you ask?"
"Stop it. You're silly. Do you?"
"Of course. You know I do."
"I just like to make sure you still do."
"Why would I ever stop?"
She chewed on the inside of her lip before responding.
"What if...I become ugly or sick?"
"Silly. I didn't marry you for your good looks or your health. I married you for your heart and soul."
"What if we can't have children?"
"I didn't marry you for children, either. I married you because you've got God as your King. Good enough?"
"Yes."
The fully loaded car was running and music was playing. Sunbeams reflected off of the windshield while the light danced around patches of grime left behind by grasshoppers and pesky birds.
"Let it go...let it GOOOOOO!!!!!!!!"
I think Gretchen purposefully put a Disney soundtrack in before I picked up the kids. She knows how much I detest that stuff.
Greg waived at his sister in the rearview mirror and tried to tell himself that she wasn't smirking at him.
"Prankster."
"What'd you say, Uncle Greg?"
