2nd Campaigner Challenge


I'm late to the party, but here it is.

Words that have to be used:

• include the word "imago" in the title
• include the following 4 random words: miasma, lacuna, oscitate, synchronicity
• If you want to give yourself an added challenge (optional and included in the word count), make reference to a mirror in your post.
For those who want an even greater challenge (optional), make your post 200 words EXACTLY!


Okay, so here goes my random off the top of my head prose:

TITLE: Imago, Awakened

“I am a larva. Soon, I will emerge and glide upon the firmament of heaven."


In moments of stress, I repeat this mantra until my breathing returns to normal, working in perfect synchronicity with the rhythm of what I imagine to be monarch-spotted wings folding and unfolding from the center of my spine.


Not much longer now and I will break free of this confining human guise, spread my wings and soar. But still, there is that vague miasma of doubt: can I truly fly?


I stood in front of the mirror and lifted my arms. I took slow breaths, filled my lungs with air. Oscitate--that was the word Father used when I was a child, as if by using archaic words he could reach that empty place inside me and calm my nerves.


So much for psychologists.


There is something missing in the internal clockwork of my being--a lacuna--a gap that can't be filled by joy or sensual pursuits. Only when I stand on the roof of the school and spread my gossamer wings, will people know what I truly am.


I am a Monarch, released from its chrysalis to soar, loosed from this mortal coil.



And there you have it. 200 words. Extra brownie points for using the word mirror.



I need a nap now.


Like me. (I just want to be liked.) I'm entry #172


If you have yet to read my--if I must say so myself--fascinating and rather long interview with debut novelist Elizabeth Richards, check it out below this post. (She uses funny British words.)


Image Wikimedia Commons

34 comments:

Mina Burrows said...

This is awesome, Ron! Very creative. I'm off to do my "like" now. :)

REINHARDT! said...

Go Ron! Great job!

K. M. Walton said...

I knew you would have a great entry!!! I am going to go tweet about it - it's that good. Fine writing, my friend.

K.T. Hanna said...

I just adore the last line!
"I am a Monarch, released from its chrysalis to soar, loosed from this mortal coil"
Great usage of the challenge words!

Michael Haynes said...

Well done! I like how even the toughest word -- oscitate, in my opinion -- feels like it fits naturally in your story.

I'm #42 (Douglas Adams, huzzah!) if you'd like to check mine out.

D.J. Kirkby said...

Oh, am I the only person so far to think this story was really sad? Heartbreaking! Great writing though...

Ronald L. Smith said...

Thanks guys and new visitors!

D.J., you're right. It is very melancholy, isn't it?

I guess I stretched the truth a little in my intro to this challenge. The writing WAS off the top of my head, but the IDEA has been brewing a while.

I think I will pursue this idea.

M Pax said...

You did a fantastic job of weaving those words in. You really grabbed my attention. Great work.

Sheri L. Swift, Author said...

Very nice little flash! ; )

Miranda Hardy said...

Great job. Good use of the words. Enjoyed it very much.

Stephanie said...

Great flash. It paints a compelling picture. I can see the narrator standing at the edge of a roof, ready to leap off.

Trisha said...

This is a great piece of writing - I can however imagine it being continued in a larger work! Or this being just the introduction to a really awesome work. Good job!

Ronald L. Smith said...

Thanks all. I really appreciate it.

Anonymous said...

Well done. Great use of the challenge words and it reads as if it's a piece of a longer work.

Stacy S. Jensen said...

Very nice entry. I've been fascinated by the work created with this challenge.

Jen said...

This is a beautiful piece of writing. You've done a great job getting those challenge words in seamlessly as well.
Mine is #3.

Unknown said...

I am a Monarch, released from its chrysalis to soar, loosed from this mortal coil.

Love that last line.
------

Join me at the Rule of Three Writers' Blogfest!

Maeve Frazier said...

Ron - This is terrific! Especially love the last line.

kjmckendry said...

Great job! I loved that you went with the butterfly theme.
I'm entry #183.

Suma Subramaniam said...

Awesome Ron! I love how you used Oscitate.

Best,
Suma.

Unknown said...

Hi Ron: I really enjoyed your take on the words. Good story. "There is something missing in the internal clockwork of my being--a lacuna--a gap that can't be filled by joy or sensual pursuits." I loved this line, and I like your voice. You have my vote.

Ronald L. Smith said...

Thanks everyone. I appreciate your comments and the follows. I will return the favor!

Leigh Ann said...

LOVE the idea of archaic words being able to reach inside us in a different way. Very moving.

Awesome work! I so admire you 200-worders.

MISH said...

I think that "oscitate" is the hardest word in this odd yet interesting collection , yet you fitted it in so that the piece flowed smooth and natural ! Great job !
My entry at no.#185

ruth.the.writer said...

Great job weaving the words into the story - it's seamless. With those words, a true feat! Love the story.

David P. King said...

That was excellent!

Loved how your character made a reference to psychologists.

Great job, Ron! :)

Kelly Polark said...

Wow! Well done.
I saw the challenge and didn't even want to try to attempt it!

Julie Farrar said...

You have me wanting the backstory on this character. Well done.
(#109)

F.E. Sewell said...

Love the last line!

And now I want to know what happens next!

Great job!

Susan R. Mills said...

Wonderful! So glad I stopped by here. Beautiful writing.

Elizabeth Varadan, Author said...

Interesting story! Well done! Beautiful use of the challenge words.

Arlee Bird said...

I like "vague miasma of doubt"--splendid way to use this word. Nice approach to the challenge.

Lee
Tossing It Out

the wild magnolia said...

Your word working is excellent, appearing to be done with the greatest of ease, a good read.

Good word usage and fun. Excellent.

#188

Christy Farmer said...

Loved it!