To hurt is to steal
— Bono and U2, from “Mysterious Ways”
on Achtung Baby
Morning Coffee Reflections
She drinks her morning coffee with them. He, an introverted creeper who preyed on babysitters and kept Polaroids of children in his sock drawer; who wigged out when one of his OCD rules were violated. She, who let whiskey give her permission to castigate, to slap, to pull hair. Both lashing out at their creations almost offhandedly between their distractions.
He with his lanky frame, avoidant eyes, ever-burning unfiltered Pall Mall hanging from his yellowed fingers. She with her auburn, ratted, Aquanetted hair and expressions that ranged between knowing smirk and malicious rage. Characters on a stage now, but then so full of dark energy and menace.
Each so oblivious to understanding that to hurt is to steal. Yes, together they gave their children the gift of life and admirably managed our triangle shell of survival. But oh, what they took from us.
[143 words]
I am today’s host of dVerse’ Prosery Monday. I say:
write a 144-word story using the given song lyric. Also, a reminder:
2026 Anthology!
Call for poetry submissions:
In celebration of dVerse Poets Pub’s 15th anniversary in 2026,
we invite poets from around the globe to contribute to our upcoming anthology,
Krisis: Poetry at the Crossroads.
Submission period: April 1, 2025 to June 30, 2025.
Check it out here!
Tao Talk 
What a miserable pair, Lisa; I wouldn’t fancy drinking coffee with them! You incorporated the prompt line so seamlessly – I had to look for it!
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Kim, you are appreciated <3 I wish you would have been there to say, "no thanks."
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You captured a very depraved set of parents, giving life will never be a reason to steal away from your children… you made the line work so well.
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Bjorn, perhaps the saddest aspect is that their childhoods were probably, almost certainly, worse. Parents often do not realize the shaping influence they have on their children. Some just don’t care. Thank you, my friend.
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The line fit too well…..the tale too well told, though the ending was a clever tiny twist….but really, so horrifying….yes…happens, more often than anyone would dare know. Poor children….tough one to read…
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Ain, your insights are always spot on. Thank you for seeing.
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Oooch Lisa, too close to comfort, too claustropobic to coffee. I hope you as author inhabiting this scene doesn’t choke your voice. Take care of thyself x
btw great plant pic to illustrate. I wish you hummingbird joy!
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Kathy, looking at it from a long distance and as actors on a stage really helps. Thank you, I will try.
The pic is an old horse feeding gadget out back. From my perspective it looks like an iron spine.
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I would not have coffee with those characters unless I was armed with a pick ax. Coffee must taste worse around them.
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Nolcha, they are usually tucked away in their compartments. I knew I’d bring them out for this story.
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So much that the world chooses not to see or do anything about. So many stolen lives…yet somehow (thank goodness!), some of those children survive and thrive, as you know. (K)
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Very well said, K. Some survive and thrive, despite their parents’ “best” efforts. Just finished watching a 24-lecture series on George Orwell. He is a perfect example of one of those children.
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They are all around us, but they don’t always discuss it–fir good Eason in many cases.
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<3
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So much stolen from the children. Heartbreaking read.
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<3
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Good if heartbreaking story, Lisa, and nice seeing you back! :-)
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Christian, I’m back only long enough to host the prompt and respond to comments on it. Then I fade back into the mist until July :) Thanks, my friend. Miss you guys!
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Time flies and July will be here in no time! :-)
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Masterful character drawing here, in just a few words. Those slovenly, depraved parents don’t deserve their offspring, and the fact that they got away (the kids) is a miracle. It’s evident that the scars still remain: “But oh, what they took from us.” But it’s also eveident that they are survivors and will persevere.
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Kim thank you so much for reading and your comment <3
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A very dark story of deranged people
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Sadje, “deranged” is a perfect adjective for them. Hoping they are resting in peace now.
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Hopefully! Thanks
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Funny how awful people can be so beguiling in the hands (or words) of a great writer.
Nice work Lisa
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Steve, you humble me. Thank you <3
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Not at all. Ten thousand hours and all that. You have a distinct style and a gift
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Brilliant use of prompt line. ✍️✨️
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Jay, thanks so much, my friend.
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The stage is dark, Lisa … no light in sight. A hard read, a must read however.
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Helen <3
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Oh, yay! I’ve missed seeing your posts.
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Liam I’m just back for this post and then am fading out again until July. Happy you have missed me :) Hope you’ve been doing well.
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I have met and had coffee with people who fit your description/story, sometimes the truth came out later, sometimes I knew, but it is a real trip when you do know. A powerful piece Li.
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If you only had to have coffee with them, you are blessed. Thanks very much, Paul.
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Ooh, shuuuder! Great images, hitting the creepy, painful bull’seye, Li!
Good to see you! Did you cut your hiatus short away from blogging….?
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Hey Stacey. No , but it’s been punctuated by commitments. This should be the last interruption of the break.
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Well, real life calls. We must answer. :)
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