Retrieved on February 28, 2011 from
Each night he sits here, on this peaceful swing. Lonely. Pondering his connection to the universe. All is calm inside the warm house. He wishes that he had a home, a family. He swings, slowly, rhythmically. The movement is soothing. Calm. All is calm here, still, quiet. Nothing and no one comes near. Beyond him is the forest where life abounds, but he cannot see it in this dark. His light is so bright that he sees only the few feet that surround him. He swings and watches the light move across the wet grass. The solitude and stillness of night time at least brings him some peace. Though he is alone, he is less different now from the others who sleep and have only their dreams to keep them company.
During the daylight hours, he disappears. The old couple comes to sit together on this swing. He is so near to them, yet he feels nothing. The old couple look right through him, deep into each other's eyes. Sometimes, grandchildren run about the yard, and giggle. They don't see him either. Such happy sounds they make, yet he is filled with sadness. He wishes that he could share in their joy. If only they would notice him. If only he had a voice and could laugh with them.
He swings. It's so peaceful here in the night. He is tired. Swinging back and forth. Back and forth. He is lulled to sleep, to dream as they do.
This VSS (very short story) is the result of a writing exercise taken from the book Pen on Fire: A Busy Woman's Guide to Igniting the Writer Within
, by Barbara DeMarco-Barrrett. I can't recommend this book enough, by the way! I found a photograph that spoke to me, and for fifteen minutes wrote about what I saw in the picture. If you ever find yourself in the mood to write, but are lacking inspiration, try this exercise: Simply find a photograph, postcard or other image that intrigues you, set a timer and write a VSS about what you see.About the Photo: This very cool photo uses a technique called light graffiti. "Light graffiti, also known as light painting is a photographic technique in which exposures are made usually at night or in a darkened room by moving a hand-held light source or by moving the camera." Retrieved on February 28, 2011 from http://www.toxel.com/inspiration/2009/01/08/20-beautiful-examples-of-light-graffiti/
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