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Counting Clouds, by Angela Carlton

25/2/2022

 
Rub the essential oil on your hands, wrist, take the orange capsule, swallow that rich color. Let it seep in. Drink the green tea, eat the raw walnuts. Place your head on the sterile pillow, and remember when we mixed glorious cocktails in the blender laying out on the lime, green grass til our skin glowed.

We were unstoppable, then, weren’t we, remember? We would look on toward the endless sky, counting clouds, those fat wishes, snapping our fingers to the boom box, singing.

Still, your voice was so powerful, an alto, like velvet, brushing all over me until I was misty-eyed.

Now, your days are filled with chemo, hair loss, and vomit. You drift on and away with morphine as I bitch to a God who will listen.

Finally, that day came, they set you free, so I rushed around opening french doors to bring the greenery in and pushed up the windows for a breeze. Later, I made the hot beverage with the berry fruit tray.

There-there-there, lay all of your troubles down, that’s it, shut your eyes, and dream as we wait for another day, the sun to come out once again.
​
Abby Diamond
26/2/2022 02:18:00 am

So personal and heartfelt. Beautifully written as always.

Angela Carlton link
26/2/2022 02:25:30 am

Thank you, sometimes words are therapy.

Jim Bartlett link
26/2/2022 03:12:13 am

So well written, Angela. And while sad, I catch an upbeat tone of hope hidden just beneath.
Enjoyed this
Jim

Sue Clayton
26/2/2022 03:24:22 am

Beautiful. May the sun come out above billowing clouds for you to count.

Ashley Smallwood
26/2/2022 03:31:24 am

Very nice and true as we get through this day by day. Staying positive and hopeful. Words are therapy. Keep up the good work.

Brook
27/2/2022 06:21:04 pm

Memories are the hardest part when everything changes. You are so great at bringing the emotion out. It is a skill of a great writer. Thanks for this story.

Natalie
28/2/2022 12:25:12 am

I love the way you reach back in time and recall all of the wonderful memories. It always sounds like it comes so natural for you when reading your lovely stories. I agree with Jim in that the sadness is present, but also So much love, and hope♥️

Angela Carlton
28/2/2022 03:13:46 pm

Thank you again everyone for the wonderful reviews!

Greg Vander-Haeghen
28/2/2022 04:09:56 pm

Touching story from a master of her writing craft.

Johnny C.
28/2/2022 09:04:44 pm

Score another feather in the literary hat!!!!

Nancy Delavie
1/3/2022 12:21:22 am

There are no words to describe the emotional feeling of this story but fortunately there is a feeling of hope. Good job!

Megan
1/3/2022 12:33:57 am

Caught me off guard. I can relate to the "Dream" when I'm on the boat. I close my eyes and feel the sun on my skin. It tingles, my head clears and it's just me and the wind. My therapy. 💓

JM Subban
1/3/2022 08:36:58 am

Really resonates. Very touching.

Candace Arthuria Williams
5/3/2022 09:27:03 pm

You brought all the senses to life, Angela. And the full gamut of emotions. God bless you.


Comments are closed.

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