Thank you to those who submitted their response to the March writing prompt: Describe a brief encounter you had with a stranger that has stuck with you. For example, an encounter that taught you a life lesson, allowed you to discover something about yourself, or was just a beautiful/ugly moment you’ll never forget.
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Guy at a Gas Station
Homeless guy waves me over tonight in town. We’ve talked on a few occasions. He’s sometimes a genius and other times confused, but always kind. Gives me 2 bucks. I refuse. He’s says, “You gotta take it. Somebody gave me pizza and a big jug of Pepsi. I’m good.”
I say “No, man, keep it for tomorrow.” He says, “I can only take it one day at a time.” We agree. I give it back to him tomorrow morning in front of the Mobil station.
by Tom Fenwick
War and Peace
I grew up in Germany and when WWII was over I was ready to begin kindergarten. My Mother and I lived in a little town and I liked walking to school and back home. One day my Mother took me to a friend’s house where I saw her friend in a wooden casket so everyone could say goodbye. I was shocked because I believed people only die during War! “No,” said my Mother. “No, we all die!” It took me an entire year to adjust to this truth. Later I heard there was heaven and hell – and our souls will be there forever.
by Rosalinde Davis
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Lessons From A Soothsayer
One day I, a young woman in search of adventure, took a walk along the narrow cobblestone streets of Old San Juan. That day my youthful confidence came face to face with uncertainty. I recall mid-afternoon sun warming my skin, street vendors selling mangoes and papayas, but mostly I remember the wrinkled, toothless man who approached and placed his gnarled fingers on my arm. “Your eyes are beautiful, so bright. One day they’ll be like this,” he said as he tapped his brow, “faded and sorrowful, you’ll see.” Alarmed, I pulled away and watched him disappear. My reflection on a shop window beckoned. I entered, spied a gold ring with a vivid jade stone the color of my eyes. A perfect keepsake.
Over the years that lingering memory, hovering just below the surface of consciousness, enabled me to define myself. That meddlesome soothsayer was the first person ever to tell me, though in a lopsided way, that I was pretty, had assets worth protecting. He challenged me to remain positive through all of life’s adversity, to be content, find joy along the way, and most importantly to remember who I am.
Fifty years to the month after this unusual encounter, I didn’t recognize the image staring back at me in the mirror. Who is that person with faded hazel eyes? A second glance at my reflection in the mirror reveals spirited, happy eyes. Satisfied, I slip the jade ring on my finger.
by Jan Spaletto
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Frozen Red Hot Moment
i stand on the shore
of the Mediterranean Sea
around me rises
white city of Alexandria
all day i’ve engaged in small talk with
locals
eager to practice English
as if in a dream
i watch huge red-orange sun
sink slowly down
in my head i hear a
choir sing Alleluia
i do not want the young man
approaching on my left
to break this spell so
i point skyward say
Alleluia
he gazes at the conflagration
smiles nods says
Allah
together
we stand in silence
sharing this sacred moment
thirty years later
we share it still
Alleluia
by Trudy Kleckner
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BWW members: Look for monthly writing prompts in the News section of the BWW website. Submit your entries using information on the Contact Us tab.
