Can you bear with me through another writing assignment?
#Writing 101: Point of View
For today’s assignment, we are instructed to write a scene at the park. The twist is to write the scene from three different points of view. Here is the setting we were provided:
A man and a woman walk through the park together, holding hands. They pass an old woman sitting on a bench. The old woman is knitting a small, red sweater. The man begins to cry. Write this scene.
Today’s twist: write the scene from three different points of view: from the perspective of the man, then the woman, and finally the old woman.
It was a picture-perfect afternoon in late September. The kind of day made just for such walks like this that my wife and I had started sharing over the last few months. The crisp, but gentle breeze sweetly coaxed eager golden, copper and scarlet leaves to dance with it while the orchestra of cardinals and finches chirped a sweet tune. Cottony clouds danced along, while the sun bathed the scene in a glowing warmth. Our steps crunched on the crimson carpet underfoot, while my wife’s stride occasionally stretched to crack and smash plump fallen acorns, losing my grasp, but only briefly.
I thoughtfully breathed in the earthy aroma of Autumn, and sadly sighed out the grief of our “situation.”
What a pretty day! I sure am a lucky girl! Who ever thought I’d feel so happy and in love after 30 – – – ummmm – – – 30 – – – ? Oh whatever! 30 something years together.
I’ve always loved Autumn. Right??!? My favorite time of year. But why do I feel this funny ache in the pit of my stomach? It reminds me of something…… I just can’t remember what……. Oh well – who cares. I’m happy. I’m in love. It’s a beautiful day. These walks are so nice.
But, where are we??? Oh – it doesn’t matter really…. I’m with….. you know…… my husband….. yes – my husband.
Look at that sweet lady sitting on the bench. What is she doing? Look at the pretty red…… ummm……. thing……. she is making. How sweet!
I tug at my husband’s arm so we can go say “hi!”
“Why hello!” I respond, a bit startled, when I look up at the 50-ish year old woman with the most youthful, curious, happy/sad eyes. I am not used to even being noticed these days, let alone spoken to, while I spend my afternoons on this bench, passing the hours, reminiscing about the past, wondering how many more Autumn days like this my frail and tired body will experience.
Something feels a little awkward. The lady is unusually cheerful. The man seems sullen. His eyes are weary. They are as blue as the sky and clearly shine with love. I watch them intently as his gaze drops from the beautiful lady, whose hand he is holding tightly, to the ground and then to the red sweater I am knitting until they finally meet mine.
And in an instant, the sky blueness surrounding his attentive pupils grows cloudy, as if a rain shower is about to burst forth. A tear drips in slow motion from those deep, sad pools of blue down the mountainside of his haphazardly shaven cheek until it lands and disappears on the bright red ball of yarn by my side.
She will never remember this, he thinks.
She will never be able to do that. Such a simple craft and pleasure gifted to those who earn the status and wisdom of a brain that ages with its body.
How much more time do we have before she won’t even know me……..
Why does he look so sad, she wonders.
It’s such a beautiful day!
And we just met this nice lady who is……… what is it called? It’s on the tip of my tongue……. She is making something with red yarn, and it’s called………
Oh – well – whatever – doesn’t matter…
It’s such a beautiful day!
He loves her deeply. I can tell.
These old eyes can’t see a lot of things, but they can read the language of love. They can also feel the intensity of anguish.
My heart is heavy.
Why do the days have to be so long?
I wish I could give my time to this pretty lady.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
Oh, Jodi, I feel like I am in writing club again! I am so “enjoying” this journey you are on. I will never tire of your writing assignments! TFS:)
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Thanks for your always sweet encouragement, Cindy. Feel free to critique and help me grow in my writing. You can be my home-school teacher 🙂
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Jodi, that was not an easy assignment! I liked the description and the natural way you put it all together. I’m enjoying your Writing 101 assignments. Look forward to more!
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Thanks Christine. They are stretching me, and I am enjoying. I appreciate your comments. Feel free to critique and help me improve.
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The sub plots in your writing are powerful! I had to read it over a few times to get the flow. Reading each section brought it all together. The Writing 101 stretch is working! One caution in writing I got from a writing coach, watch the use of words ending in ly, try taking it out, and over describing with piggy-back adjectives. I always wanted to make sure I described something enough. The rule is show don’t tell. I’m still (constantly) working on that. A little humor there. Look forward to more Writing 101 posts.
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I so appreciate the advice! Thank you!! Keep it coming!
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That was AWESOME!! LOVE IT! I wanted to keep reading, didn’t want the story to end!
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Thanks for making my day with your comment! 🙂
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such heart warming imagery…n i liked how u jumped from one pov to another..its difficult to do and u hv done gr8!:):)
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Thanks for taking the time to comment!
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Heartbreaking. I began to understand what was happening halfway through the second dialogue and then the older lady’s point of view confirmed what I feared. Your last line ” I wish I could give my time…” is so powerful. Well done.
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I’m so glad it unfolded as I had hoped. Thanks for your feedback, as always, Barbara. I value it so much!
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Jodi, I have just “discovered” your blog – and I love it! Card-making is what first attracted me, but baking is a passion, and my life’s career has been “writing” in the public relations field. I feel I have found a kindred spirit. Appreciated your take on the 3 pov dealing with Alzheimer. You are very creative and your thoughts flow with ease. At first I was not sure if you were taking the course or giving it, and through this venue, I bet it’s a bit of both! I look forward to seeing what gem you have in store in your next posting.
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Wow, Marguerite – talk about making my day! Thank you so very very much for your kind words! Look forward to getting to know you my new friend!
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Your writing is never a disappointment..always enjoyable!
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Awh! Thanks Laurie!
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