PHOTO PROMPT © Susan Rouchard
Norma Jean’s Ghost
“She vowed she’d discover the answer.”
“She never gave up.”
“The search was her passion.”
“Nothing would dissuade her.”
“She wasted her life.”
“She died childless and alone.”
“She was never recognized for her works.”
“She was one of sharpest minds of her time.”
“The future will look back at her and thank her.”
“She was cold and distant, like a dead planet.”
None of them knew her like I did; when she was a carefree young woman, open to love. Her honey-blond locks gleamed in the summer sun. Her ripe red lips soft and giving. Why did I leave her?
[101 words]
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields is the adventurous host of Friday Fictioneers.
Tao Talk 
No one can really know another, can they? And do we ever really know ourselves, for that matter? Even our inner perspective is always changing. (K)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wise words, my friend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The voice from before. What an interesting take
LikeLiked by 1 person
Neil, thanks!
LikeLike
To every person, there are two different sides. A very insightful write Li
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sadje, so happy you see that. Thank you, Sadje.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re very welcome
LikeLiked by 1 person
We are full contradictions aren’t we?
LikeLiked by 1 person
It helps define what it means to be human, I think. Sorry I’m behind on your posts. Been a busy week and it isn’t over yet. Hope you’ve been enjoying good weather and smooth sailing at work.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes it does!
Lisa no need to apologize…I totally get it because I’ve been there a lot. All British bands this week lol.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cool!
LikeLike
she was one of those individuals whose passion become obsessive.
LikeLiked by 1 person
She was a complex character, that’s for sure. Thanks for reading and your comment, Someone.
LikeLike
My brother is the Marilyn Monroe fan in the family.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glyn, I’m not sure why I chose Norma Jean for her name, but that’s the name the muse insisted upon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We can never truly know another person – especially if we only see the “celebrity” and not the person behind all the hoopla. Insightful write, Lisa.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dale, totally agree with you. Thanks for your faithful reading and thoughtful comment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is entirely my pleasure!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So often we feel like we know celebrities, but we only see such a tiny part of the whole. Good to know someone saw within
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jen, I agree. It looks like actors have the funnest jobs in the world, but I think it has to be very difficult to do, and then people only see the mask.
LikeLike
I like how the prompt took you to this, the real, private person that no one can ever really know – and of course, one of the most tragic examples of that in Norma Jean.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Iain, thanks so much.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good question. I don’t there is a right answer.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Athling, I think you are right. He may blame himself, but I hope he learns to forgive himself.
LikeLike
An influencer for the ages. She was probably the first “brand”. The public didn’t know the real her, just the image and echos of stories. We’ll never know the truth.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks much, T <3
LikeLiked by 1 person
She has become, in common memory, a real enigma. I like the narrative viewpoint you’ve taken in this. Very good.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Margaret, yes, she has. Thank you and glad you like the story style.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s always a tragedy when people go too soon. With celebreties like her, all kinds of myths wind themselves around the truth. She was a great actress, I really liked her. What’s true of the rest–who knows? I wonder if she’d been happier if she was born 50 years later.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gabi, I wonder also. Thanks for reading and your thoughtful comment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
She lived her life like a candle in the wind… If only they’d known the real Norma Jean.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed, Keith.
LikeLike
Dear Lisa,
We can “know” what we read in the tabloids, but I doubt that even comes close to reality. Insightful piece.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Rochelle, thank you. Too true.
Shalom,
Lisa
LikeLiked by 1 person
There are no winners when the world doesn’t see you as a real human being. Celebrities are more than their work. I enjoyed where you took the prompt, Lisa. PS: I’ve been adding Jade to my comments. Should it be Lisa? Either way both names are great. Happy Sunday, Izzy 😎
LikeLiked by 1 person
So true, Izzy. With celebs it’s a two-edged sword, as they want the recognition in a “fantasy world” where they pretend to be other people; yet the bargain demands giving up their privacy (practically speaking as far as paparazzi goes.) Thanks much, glad you enjoyed the story. As to my name, I prefer Li, but Jade or Lisa work. Just don’t call me late for supper ;)
LikeLike
We are many things to many people. You can only hope that the majority is favourable!
LikeLiked by 1 person
:)
LikeLike
I think it’s fascinating how we never really can know the people around us. Thought-provoking writing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Angela, thank you.
LikeLike
Oooooo this is beautifully done. You conveyed the entire relationship with that end line juxtaposed with all the other lines from the other people around her. Well done!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Laurie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I see what you did here. Never judge a book by its cover. As humans, we’re always looking to judge and categorize people. We scarcely fit into those tiny boxes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nobbin thanks for sharing what you see in the story. I just don’t like boxes, and even being outside of the box is a box.
LikeLiked by 1 person
we can love people but not be able to live with them. I’m sure he had his reasons at the time for leaving.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your thoughtful comment.
LikeLiked by 1 person