Sunday, November 21, 2010

The Kolam outside the front door

[This is a work of fiction.]

She takes a pinch of rice powder and allows it to trickle through her fingers. Her expert hands trace out the curving lines of the pattern that is etched in her mind. The kolam takes shape on the floor.For years, she has gotten up at the crack of dawn and drawn a kolam outside her front door. The complicated creations she displayed as a new bride gave way to simpler ones when her responsibilities increased.
How much longer will she be able to continue? Will people know she has gone when there is no kolam on her front door.



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A drabble is a story told in exactly 100 words.
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16 comments:

Sueann said...

To watch the creation of a Kolam is fascinating and beautiful!
Wonderful drabble!
Hugs
SueAnn

Anonymous said...

Rayna - This Drabble tells so much! What a beautiful focus on the power of creation. At the same time, what a telling statement of how life can take us away from that creation, and how it can be taken for granted. You've chosen a beautiful 'photo, too!

Mason Canyon said...

Rayna, you teach so beautifully through your words. Enjoyed the drabble. It says so much and yet leaves so much for the reader to wonder about.

Mason
Thoughts in Progress

L. Diane Wolfe said...

We all feel that way - will someone notice when we are gone?

Anonymous said...

Wonderful picture! And I love this Drabble... I think people WILL miss the beauty she creates every day.

Oddyoddyo13 said...

Such a sad ending, though nothing happens to her...this was gorgeous.

Natasha said...

@ SueAnn- watching anything take shape is a great experience.

@ Margot- thank you so much. I was not sure if all of that came though, but apparently, it has.

@ Mason- thank you so much. I always feel that when I think of a kolam, but...

@ Diane- worth pondering, isn't it?

@ Oddyoddyo13- that is exactly how I feel about it. Thank you.

Jemi Fraser said...

Wow - lovely images - so much work. Anyone who has seen those will remember the person who created them :)

Mary@GigglesandGuns said...

Rayna - It takes so long to read your Drabbles. They always take me to other places and times. Learning is such fun with a great teacher. Thank you.

Theres just life said...

That is a great picture. Your drables teach me so much. I always wind up researching more about what you are talking about.
Thank you.

Jane Kennedy Sutton said...

I learned something new here today - thanks. The sandpainting design is beautiful.

Cinette said...

You draw such beautiful pictures with your words. Thank you.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

That seems really sad...

Dorte H said...

An impressive story about a woman´s life in so few words!

dipali said...

The last sentence is frightening- if you are alone, if there is no one bearing witness to your life, who will notice your passing?
The kollam is beautiful, and such a lovely tradition, too.

Natasha said...

@ Jemi- except, they are commonplace in the part of India I come from

@ Mary- that is quite the nicest thing anyone could say to me. Thank you.

@ Theres just life- isn't that a wonderful compliment. Thank you.

@ Jane- it is, isn't it? My grandmother was an expert. I am just okay.

@ Cinette- thank you

@ Alex- it is sad, actually.

@ Dorte- thank you.

@ dipali- I often think that. Not today, but a few years down the line.

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