Thursday, May 26, 2011

The Poet

She sits there primly, quietly, a smile playing on her face. The smile is an almost permanent one, lips sloping upward at the corners. Not a grin or leer, not a false beam showing too many perfectly tended teeth. I imagine if you were the minister and woke in the morning, her sleeping beside you, the laugh lines holding her smile in place would crease into gentler canyons.

But back to the wife. She sits in the front pew, always, in the seat closest to the wall, settling in three minutes before service. I use her entrance as a clock for when to deposit the coffee cup, finish the conversation, and scan the sanctuary for my seat. I often choose the empty space beside someone new, someone of the female persuasion, for there is something quite delicious about the air between people strange to each other, something that makes my skin crackle alive with the possibility of touch. During the service hands brush against the other in opening the shared hymnal, when passing the offering basket. After the benediction, the smiles, the exchange of names. I mention I am a poet. She smiles - how romantic! – and the lure is set.

But today I sit three-quarters back on the other side of the room, the view to the front unobstructed. The minister strides past, black robes swooshing. All rise at the organ’s stridency. Before sitting she always touches her husband – his hand, his shoulder, the back of his neck. I almost imagine the feel of those dry, manicured fingers. Today is not different. After that caress he smiles and stands before us. She smoothes her skirt around her knees, shushing the children. A paragon of virtue: her daughters clean and polite, her words kind, her potlucks impeccable. The prelude begins.



***

Inspired by... life. The best way to survive turbulence is to aim straight through it. Here, a sketch, one of several characters that touch the life of The Minister's Wife. More to come. Peace...

19 comments:

  1. Effin' A.

    (That's southern for tell it sister)

    Holy cow, can't wait for more.

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  2. Nice. A very clear portrait of the woman.

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  3. Ooooh! There's more? Goodie!!!! Hey, that middle section, the description of people sitting close together, awesome. Really.

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  4. I wonder what happens to the person who relishes the touch of a stranger...I always felt sorry for the ministers wives - their lives/marriages are completely superseded by the needs of the church.

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  5. Yeah, I don't trust Linda to leave this scene unspoiled. Is the poet going to turn out to be a serial killer? No, you're not that blunt. But we'll see what it's a prelude to.

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  6. Tight and delicious. I look forward to more.

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  7. I liked the observations of this poet, and the clear yet gentle picture that emerged of the woman. Who is the poet? What are his intentions?

    I loved this line it says so much and yet leaves you wondering.... "I mention I am a poet. She smiles - how romantic! – and the lure is set. "

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  8. "I am a poet". Worst. Pickup. Line. Ever.

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  9. I love the description of the crackling air, but there's something sad yet focussed about this woman. Makes me want to know more about her.

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  10. Intriguing :) It is very true about standing/sitting next to a stranger - the air can become charged.

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  11. Not sure if it was written with this intent, but I got a very ominous vibe from this piece. A stranger who lies and watches a woman he barely knows. Creeped me out, but I liked it.

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  12. This was a very interesting piece, Linda. I'm intrigued by your poet and the minister's wife. A prelude indeed.....

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  13. No good can come of this at all, I tell you. No good at all.

    This poet, I'd give him the benefit of the doubt - except I have no doubt he's bad news riding.

    A very deft introduction to several characters, Linda. Looking forward to more.

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  14. Loved this, Linda, very intriguing! I have a feeling this poet might not be exactly one would expect when they smile at his "I'm a poet" pickup line.

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  15. What an intriguing glimpse into this story, Linda. I'm already chilled about what we're going to find out about these characters.

    Jai

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  16. Intriguing indeed! I can't wait for more Linda.
    I love how much sense of touch is weaved throughout this scene. Gorgeous and eerie at the same time.

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  17. Oh boy. I definitely feel deviance emanating off of The Poet.

    Watch out, Minister's Wife.

    Good for you, turning life's current chaos into art. I look forward to more.

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  18. A creepy character that you've painted with this poet. I have no doubt about his motives here, and the suggestive hint that there's more entices me to follow along.

    BTW, I gave you an award over the weekend. Stop on by to pick it up.

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