Friday Writings #189: The Most Important Step

 

“The most important step a man can take. It’s not the first one, is it? It’s the next one. Always the next step…” ~ Brandon Sanderson

Some years ago, when I first read those words, in Branden Sanderson’s Oathbringer, my answer to that question was, “The first step”. But after having to start over again and again and again… I agree with the character in the book. First steps are vital—if we don’t start, nothing ever happens—but what really makes a difference is taking the next step, the one that says, This is me moving foward. 

So, my dear poets and storytellers, for today’s optional prompt, I invite you to write poetry or prose which explores the same question: What’s the most important step a person can take? 

photo by Harris Vo, on Unsplash

Add the direct link to your response to Mister Linky. One post per participant, please. 369 words maximum (excluding title). You may share old or new pieces of poetry or prose, write to the prompt or to a topic of your choosing. Visit other writers, and take the next step: Let your words show them how their words make you feel. 

next week, we’ll invite you to write poetry or prose inspired by Summerween (or scary things that happen in the summer). 

Friday Writings #188: Telling Scars

 

“Scars are stories, written on the body.” 
~ Kathryn Harrison

The other day, while waiting to see one of my doctors, two boys got into an argument over which of them had the most impressive scars. They were both scarred on the face and neck (that I could see) and trying to figure out which would make the best superhero, by reason of scar placement. I had been having a rotten day—my body was in pain—but the scar/superhero debate made it all better. The boys look so animated, so happy, so willing to just be. 

Few things make me happier than seeing people making the best of the bad life has served them. And because I wish to cultivate that feeling, for today’s optional prompt, I invite you to find a scar on your body (or in your mind/heart), and write poetry or prose inspired by it (how it happened, how it makes you feel, what it means to you...). If you don’t have any scars (hey, it could happen!), then find inspiration in the concept of scars. 

Please, add the direct link to your response to Mister Linky. One post per participant. 369 words maximum (excluding title). You may share old or new pieces of poetry or prose, write to the prompt or to a topic of your choosing. Visit other contributors. Comment on their words. 

next week, we will invite you to write poetry or prose which explores the following question: What’s the most important step a person can take?