Saturday, February 19, 2011

All I Can Offer

The sun sets over the western mountains. My thoughts briefly turn to home...a distant place, a fading memory. Centuries of war, the fears of men, the struggle for power over wealth and people have brought me to this place...where my power is limited, seemingly insignificant...power perhaps only in determining the future of my comrades on either side of me. I'd take a bullet for the man on my left. I'd catch a grenade for you on my right. In this senseless war, in this strange place, this is all I can offer. Perhaps it is enough.

Jenny Matlock
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21 comments:

  1. BookieFebruary 19, 2011 at 6:16 AM

    You are at it early this morning, Jeff. Nicely done and I too took the war route. Be interesting to see where all the prompt goes this week. Enjoy the end of February.

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  2. NonnaFebruary 19, 2011 at 8:45 AM

    Very well done !!!

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  3. CBFebruary 19, 2011 at 8:59 AM

    It would be so hard to have these thoughts as your only reality. Good job on this I enjoyed it.

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  4. Kelly SedingerFebruary 19, 2011 at 9:32 AM

    To live in a situation where one has to think about falling on live grenades...well captured!

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  5. mrs. cFebruary 19, 2011 at 9:53 AM

    Great story and I am so proud....under 100 words! All those out there that seem to be word counters will be so surprised that you can tell and terrific story with such a small amount if text!

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  6. TerraFebruary 19, 2011 at 10:19 AM

    Very nice, felt each thought. Oh boy, to think so many live this.

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  7. cj SchlottmanFebruary 19, 2011 at 11:34 AM

    Jeff, This is a powerful and disturbing and well written SC. It serves as a much needed reminder of those who put their lives on the line to protect ours. It was a wake-up call for me, personally, because I tend to stick my head in the ground when it comes to The War in the Middle East. Thanks, Pal.

    Namaste.........cj

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  8. UnknownFebruary 19, 2011 at 3:01 PM

    And for my father, it was sniper fire in the trenches of WWII. God bless all of our veterens. Perfect way to start us off!

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  9. JudieFebruary 19, 2011 at 3:41 PM

    Jeff, I read this first at 6:45 this morning, but was in a big rush. Now I have read it for the second time and, Jeff, you did a great job on this post. Very timely and very emotional!!

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  10. GemsFebruary 19, 2011 at 5:26 PM

    I love the way you took this completely away from the song itself and created a poignant piece for us.

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  11. Rawknrobyn.blogspot.comFebruary 19, 2011 at 7:54 PM

    This is very profound, Jeff. I especially like the way you conclude with a pithy statement: "Perhaps that is enough." Very evocative and thoughtful.
    xoRobyn

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  12. Susan AndersonFebruary 19, 2011 at 10:23 PM

    I really liked this, Jeff. I think you nailed it.

    =)

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  13. AmesFebruary 19, 2011 at 10:47 PM

    Loved this Jeff. You covered the cameraderie that men and women experience in wars. Profound!~Ames

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  14. TgoetteFebruary 20, 2011 at 12:18 AM

    Great job this week, Jeff! A very deep and thoughtful piece on a very emotional subject.

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  15. UnknownFebruary 20, 2011 at 5:07 AM

    Nice use of this difficult prompt. Reminiscent of The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane. Seamless and flawless is your text. And it is even under 100 words! Impressive!
    Congrats on a well done Centus!
    Best wishes,
    Anna
    Anna's SC week 42 Maisy-Jane

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  16. KatFebruary 20, 2011 at 7:46 AM

    This was a beautifully written post Jeff. It's amazing the powerful emotions that can be conveyed in 100 words. Well done, I just hope for a day when no one will have to make this decision. Kat

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  17. Nancy JaneFebruary 20, 2011 at 2:24 PM

    What a strong and beautifully written piece. A good reminder that there are men still honor bound to keep us free who need to make all of the difficult decisions that the job entails.

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  18. 21 WitsFebruary 20, 2011 at 5:17 PM

    Oh this was such a great way to take the prompt! Very nicely done!

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  19. Donna VolkenanntFebruary 22, 2011 at 6:42 AM

    Lovely. Introspective and powerful.
    Donna V.

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  20. AnonymousFebruary 26, 2011 at 4:43 AM

    Both heartwarming and heartbreaking. If only wars didn't happen...

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  21. JennyMarch 4, 2011 at 4:19 PM

    Oh no. You made me cry. Wow. This really touched my heart.

    Jeff.

    You are amazing.

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