You have reached a quiet bamboo grove, where you will find an eclectic mix of nature, music, writing, and other creative arts. Tao-Talk is curated by a philosophical daoist who has thrown the net away.
Bury me with the lies I told. –Alejandro Escovedo, from “Bury Me“
Final Kiss
We grew up as neighbors. Your folks and ours were best friends. Moms canning peaches together every summer. Dads on the same bowling league. Remember when we all got Stingrays with banana seats?
I remember it started in 9th grade, when we took theater class. When Billy stayed with orchestra. When Mrs. Hendon made us leads in Romeo & Juliet. When we had to kiss.
By our senior year, you and Billy were engaged. Marilyn and I were dating.
You and Billy married and had couples housing at university three hours away; Susie and I visited you two the first weekend of every month.
Everyone says he looks like me.
We’re 80 now. I could never have married. I miss Billy. I tend the lilies on his grave. Please, never tell Will Jr. Bury me with the lies I told. Farewell, my beloved Juliet.
I am today’s host for dVerse’ Prosery Monday, where we write a 144-word story using the given song lyric.
Thanks much, Dwight. I agree with you. With DNA databases, a lot of those secrets are coming to light. Sometimes I think it is best if they are laid to rest.
Sitting here staring at my monitor, after finishing your prose! Chills all over, Lisa. Secrets, lies, of commission, omission … deadly PS* thanks for the Glenn memory, I enjoyed his unique style.
Yes, it is. They’ve both been living a lie for far too long, and I think it finally got to him. I agree, there are a lot of surprises being sprung all over the place. There is a TV show out there that does just that.
Oh, a TV show that springs such surprises sounds pretty awful. It happens on Finding Your Roots, but it’s handled much more sensitively, and generally (but not always) it’s more distant ancestors.
But people also find relatives they do want to connect with.
We love Finding Your Roots.
Our older child once ran into Henry Louis Gates at the airport, and they were so star-struck, they couldn’t get a coherent sentence out.
There are some secrets that probably should go to the grave…
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totally agree, Bjorn
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A complicated love story with a sad ending, Lisa.
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Thanks, Kim!
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You’re most welcome, Lisa!
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An interesting story, Lisa. I imagine there are a lot more who are buried with family secrets untold!
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Thanks much, Dwight. I agree with you. With DNA databases, a lot of those secrets are coming to light. Sometimes I think it is best if they are laid to rest.
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You might be right!
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An entire novel in so few words. Bravo!
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Susan, thank you <3
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Great prompt and your story
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Thanks, Cheryl (?)
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It’s probably for the best. Sad though.
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I think you’re right, Nancy. Uncle just doesn’t have the same ring to it as Dad :(
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As others have noted, some secrets are best kept. And yet…(K)
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The angst of a secret that can never be told. Often one can’t pull a weed without destroying the beauty of the flower one is protecting. (Dennis Ryle)
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Angst is a good word for it, Dennis.
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A secret that should stay hidden
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Thanks for weighing in, Sadje. It’s a complicated situation for sure.
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Oh yes very true.
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A sad tale but yes, some secrets are not meant to be shared…
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Dale, thanks for reading and your input on it.
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Always my pleasure, Lisa.
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Beautifully told!
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V, thank you <3
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Sitting here staring at my monitor, after finishing your prose! Chills all over, Lisa. Secrets, lies, of commission, omission … deadly PS* thanks for the Glenn memory, I enjoyed his unique style.
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Helen, such a deep and complicated situation for sure. Thank you for reading and your impressions of it. You’re welcome on Glenn <3
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A very evocative story Li :D
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thanks!
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So sad, Li. I think there must be many such stories and secrets. Though now with DNA testing, they might not remain secrets.
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Yes, it is. They’ve both been living a lie for far too long, and I think it finally got to him. I agree, there are a lot of surprises being sprung all over the place. There is a TV show out there that does just that.
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Oh, a TV show that springs such surprises sounds pretty awful. It happens on Finding Your Roots, but it’s handled much more sensitively, and generally (but not always) it’s more distant ancestors.
But people also find relatives they do want to connect with.
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Ah, Finding Your Roots is the show I was thinking of. Then there are shows like Who’s The Daddy Maury Povich lol
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We love Finding Your Roots.
Our older child once ran into Henry Louis Gates at the airport, and they were so star-struck, they couldn’t get a coherent sentence out.
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HLG is a sharp cookie.
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He is!
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I loved how you weaved a compelling narrative into a beautifully evocative, wistful poem. Very well done!
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Zum, thank you :) What name do you go by, btw?
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The pain of holding a lie so long, for some an agony, a torch. (I remember those bikes) A powerful story Li.
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Paul, I know you understand, having counseled so many in crisis. Thank you.
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