Why do they always put the numbers running the wrong way when I'm late? 76...78...80...88...Wait, go back, it has to be here somewhere. It's vital I find it.1
Move slowly, cruise past, it has to be there, they can't skip numbers... it's not legal. It's not possible2
Late, I'm so late. Why does this always happen to me when I'm running late?3
Let me see... south and east the map book is held the right way up, north and west upside down. I think that's correct or is it south and west right way...no it's definitely the first way. The directory is spinning like a gyroscope matching my eyes, which travel in different directions but don't see.4
"Twelve days late and a labour to kill a horse, she never had no consideration. It's not like she coulda got lost in the birth canal. Is it? I mean it's because of her. I never had no other children."5
Scanning for numbers definitely 80, 80a, 82, 82a, 88. What the fuck have they done with 86? I'm so late. I need to get there on time. I need to get there. Tears run freely.6
Looking right, left, left, tears winding down sniffing back, like thoughts in a maze with no way out. There has to be a way out!7
"Left, left, left right left, Get it right Clara. If you can't tell your right from your left how will you ever fit in with the marching group? Ok try again. Left, right, left right. No!8
You turn left, LEFT. It's a quadrangle, you can't get lost in a quadrangle. Well nobody on God's green earth could - except for you."9
Should I stop and ask directions? There's no-one about, just when I fucking need someone, the street's as deserted as a birth canal thirty minutes after the birth. 10
Stop the car at the end of the street. Get out and walk. Remember to breathe in and out.11
Now march, head held up, left, right, left right. Skip a bit, left, left right. Remember to breathe. Look carefully. It has to be here. It has to.12
"What I'm going to say is important and I'm only saying it once - so listen. This is left, that is right." 13
"You stupid bloody woman, you couldn't find your way out of a paper bag with directions and a compass! We're going to Hawthorne, not bloody Dandenong. Can't you tell left from right, this from that. You're bloody hopeless. That's what you are."14
Stop and squint, definitely no 86. Definitely lost – again. Tears flow great racking sobs shake me. Uncontrollable hysteria. Slide to the pavement uncaring, unseeing.15
A hand on my shoulder, gentle, tentative. "Are you alright dear?"16
Looking up I see a wizened old lady, someone who looks as out of place in this world as I feel.17
"I'm sorry, I'm lost. I need to find 86 Commercial Road. I can't find it anywhere."18
"Ah you want the clinic! You've made a mistake. Lots of people do. This is Commercial Way.19
I live here. Why don't you come inside? I could make you a cup of tea and we could talk. Perhaps I can help you?"20
Hours later, it feels like decades, I leave, calm and collected. 21
"Will you be alright dear? Can you find your way to the clinic now?"22
"I'm not going to the clinic. I've changed my mind. I was lost but now I've found my way. Thank you for setting me in the right direction. I'll be okay now."23
Sitting in the car wearing the charm bracelet, a relic of an older time I realise it's on my left hand, perhaps it's always been there.24
What did you think? Please comment!
Comments
1 - 11 of 11
-
While the message is narrowly focused in its intent (anti-abortion) the style in which you create this story is far wider. I really like the internal monologue and the manic feeling that is present. Certainly one of the better stories that I've read on this site. For me, the message is secondary to the style in which it is written--which is excellent....in my humble opinion.
-
Unbeliveable Piece Very Nice work
-
this is a masterpiece,remarkably done
-
At first I thought it was just a rambling, but I liked it. It was well placed out. Short, though.
Natasha -
cool, I've had things like that happen before. Then I just figure I'm where I should be for me.
-
Beautiful poetic story!
I love the way you succeeded in bringing across the confusion and fear so effectively! Very moving and direct!
Great writing!
Cheers! -
I guess just because of the nature of life, people,and time, everything seems to be a process of trial and error, even with a map, and unfortunately some people never find the way. So if you do in any form, be happy
-
great
things always seem to get worse before they get better....i can truly say that i have followed many wrons paths in life. hehe two wrongs dont make a right, but two rights make a left! anyways, the best path in life to follow is the one that appeals to you most. follow you heart. -
i guess you set out to go to the clinic BUT that wasn't where you were suppose to be! God had a plan on how to get you to the right place
i really enjoyed this piece... the way you took the ramblings of the mind and put them on paper is excellent! especially the panicky parts.
great job all around! -
excellent
Lost but the way was found,,,A very interesting poem. Seeing sometimes for the first time ....it has been there all the time.
Your poem says so much....worthy of another read.
Thank you,,,,,well expressed -
Sometimes we take the wrong path before we found the right one. I hope you found the right direction for you and GOD BLESS. wonderfull write you did an excellent job LAURA
Adding your comment:
1 - 11 of 11
