A writer’s inbox is no man’s land. Hit the circular arrow button, but it is returned with a random blitz of reminders, unsolicited coupons, and forgotten app pleas. Landmines awaiting clicks buried cleverly with the purpose of killing time.
How long will this stand-off keep me in the trenches? A few weeks of twisting the arrow, and then one day I am bombarded, yet I stand, Commander of Magazines, and declare, “Let there be another word war,” and all the simmering submissions of the last few months come charging through, uncaring of how many nights were lost in the crossing.
A crusade of rejection, and as I sift through the corpses of my creations in search of a surviving sentence, I find that failure assails even the most armored of ink slingers. My dreams, now under water, await truth’s torpedoes, equipped with electronic trackers.
© khartless 2021, All Rights Reserved
Merril is host tonight for Prosery at the d’Verse Poet’s Pub. Tonight’s topic “Bombardment” was explored in exactly 144 words. Join us in sharing a shelling including the line “I am bombarded and yet I stand” from Adrienne Rich’s “Planetarium.”
Yard Sale of Thoughts 
Wow, K, this is a powerful piece. I love this, “A crusade of rejection, and as I sift through the corpses of my creations in search of a surviving sentence, I find that failure assails even the most armored of ink slingers” That’s so awesome and wonderfully written, my friend.
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Many thanks, Jeff. Before I saw the prompt, I was thinking how bombarded my inbox was recently with rejections. So, this bit of prosery was meant to be.
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All writers have to deal with the pain of rejection, and you capture that feeling acutely here!
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Thank you, Ingrid. Tell me it gets easier, or the skin grows another layer. I’m feeling the weight of it here lately.
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I think the skin grows another layer: I am now in a place where I can say ‘it’s their loss for not recognizing my talent’ 🤣 remember The Beatles got turned down by Decca 😉
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So true. Thank you, Ingrid. Letting the scabs heal and the layers form. 😃
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KH, this is so apt, and wise, and funny – all at the same time!
❤
David
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Thanks, David. Yeah, well, sometimes the silly has to slip out. I appreciate your comments.
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All I can say is, at least you’re brave enough to step into the ring!!!
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Thank you, Worms. It’s true. I know this dream’s worth fighting for, but it would be nice to tag in a doppelganger every once again. Ah well, maybe I can teach my daughter to check emails and soften the blows.
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Well I am totally chicken. Haven’t submitted anything so I respect you utterly
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Well, you know I’m a huge fan of your works, so I could only say you should join me in my misery. 😂
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😆🤣😂 sounds like a plan
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Wonderful and powerful piece, K. Truly enjoyed .💕❤️💕
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Thank you very kindly, Grace. Everybody who visits my little Yard Sale of Thoughts and leaves me positive notes, it makes a difference. Truly.
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I completely understand and feel the same way. Truly my pleasure, dear K.💕
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💜
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Write on.
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Thank you, kindly. And that I must. 🙂
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This is so clever and well-written. A very different take on the prompt. Thank you!
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Thanks, Merril. It was a good choice for right now when I think many are feeling bombardments of one kind or another. I try to remember that writings an outlet and that feel-good feeling of creating something that didn’t exist before you put it on paper.
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You’re welcome, and yes.
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A great write! “Ink Slingers” brought a smile and a chuckle.
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I must say, I think we are quite the clever group of ink slingers. 🙂 I’m so glad you liked this, Helen. Humor is part of the healing.
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Very powerful writing, right to the last sinking words…
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Those trackers. Yep, I’m learning to take on the truth of what can be improved, while trying to keep this writing boat afloat. I appreciate your comment, Ain. Thanks.
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Ink slingers … truth slingers … Love the terms.
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Thank you kindly, Beverly. Will keep slinging ink, and searching for truth.
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This is the most unique angle to the prompt that I’ve read. Bravo! I love it and I totally get it as a submitter myself.
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Thank you so much, Charlotte. I’m still reading through all of the wonderful responses myself, but I definitely don’t mind being bombarded with great prose pieces.
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Yes to all these great comments. Well done.
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Thanks, Bill. Cheers!
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I have never tried submitting anything… I would not be able to handle it… maybe I could handle a rejection… but I have seen the response of an editor, and that seemed even worse.
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It’s definitely rollercoasterish. I am overjoyed with a yes because I feel that tug of nos. Hope I’m becoming more rhino so I can take any comments or criticism that comes my way. I’ve learned a lot, so if you ever want to leap off a cliff and submit works, I’d be happy to share what I’ve learned. Thanks for commenting, Björn.
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So cleverly written – the slinging and the sinking! Sometimes I think I’ve got to be a bit of a masochist to submit …
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Well, there’s that. Tell me, does the skin grow thicker after being whipped for months or years? Thanks for your comments. Cheered me up instantly.
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Yeah, it is less painful each time – but I guess if it didn’t hurt at all we’d have stopped caring about our work? So, keep slinging that ink ✍ 😊
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