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.
The hills so dry, so dense the underbrush, that where I pushed my way the giant hush was changed to soft explosion. --Yvor Winters, from the poem, “On a View of Pasadena from the Hills.”
In the Valley
When would I learn to keep my mouth shut, especially when trapped by persons, places, and/or things? For instance, in a Caddy rolling through Death Valley on State Route 190 on an early Sunday morning – with no hat, sunscreen, or water.
None of that mattered when Billy dissed you. Said you deserved it. Said you never had been worth a spit. I practiced my mindfulness like the doctor taught me the last time I was locked up, and it worked – until it didn’t.
I grabbed the steering wheel and veered us off the road while screaming, “I hate you! Die!”
Billy pulled me out by the hair, said, “No, YOU die” and fishtailed away.
It’s noon now. Not a car in sight. The hills so dry, so dense the underbrush, that where I pushed my way the giant hush was changed to soft explosion.
[144 words]
Sanaa (aka adashofsunny) is today’s host for dVerse’ Prosery Monday. Sanaa wants us to write an up to 144-word story using the given quote.
from Nat’l Park Svc website:
Hottest, Driest and Lowest National Park
In this below-sea-level basin, steady drought and record summer heat make Death Valley a land of extremes. Yet, each extreme has a striking contrast. Towering peaks are frosted with winter snow. Rare rainstorms bring vast fields of wildflowers. Lush oases harbor tiny fish and refuge for wildlife and humans. Despite its morbid name, a great diversity of life thrives in Death Valley.
Tao-Talk 
Very cool story and image, Li. ✨
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Nancy thank you <3
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Very welcome!
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I love the way you set the scene in the opening paragraph, Lisa, and the ending is so worrying. I hope she finds her way home safely.
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Kim, thank you. I’ve known people who wait until you’re trapped like that to start in on the verbal abuse. I hope she does also <3
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You’re most welcome, Lisa. I can’t think of a worse place than Death Valley to be dumped like that.
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That was a dark place to end with way too much light.
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I agree, Bjorn. I hope she finds a way out of that mess. Maybe a Sunday driver will happen along…
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This is incredibly dark and brooding, I hope she can find a way out of that situation. Excellent use of the line, Lisa! ❤️
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Sanaa, thank you, I hope so also.
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so nice 👌
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Wow. Lots going on here. Vivid and original. Very good.
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Thank you, Steve :)
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They call it Death Valley for good reason I’m guessing
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from Nat’l Park Svc website:
Hottest, Driest and Lowest National Park
In this below-sea-level basin, steady drought and record summer heat make Death Valley a land of extremes. Yet, each extreme has a striking contrast. Towering peaks are frosted with winter snow. Rare rainstorms bring vast fields of wildflowers. Lush oases harbor tiny fish and refuge for wildlife and humans. Despite its morbid name, a great diversity of life thrives in Death Valley.
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Nicely done Li. Tough spot to get pushed to your limit
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Thanks, Stew!
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A cleverly written and absorbing story – Jae
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Jae, thank you.
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Great contrast in the paths
Thanks for dropping by my blog, Lisa
much love
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Thanks much, Gillena, and you’re welcome.
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Wonderful ♥️
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Caleb, thank you :)
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Muted colours looking wonderful in that image. Love!
😊❤️
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Gia, I love that image also. Glad you do also.
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A very moving story Li
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Sadje, thank you. I feel bad for her, but if she makes it out alive, she’s better off without him.
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Very true my friend. 😍
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yikes – quite a different ending and powerfulk – wow — the hills so dry indeed
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Yvette, I’m glad it held your attention, thank you.
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Wow. A punchy powerful tale told wonderfully well. Brilliant, Lisa! 🤍
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Nina, many thanks and happy you liked it.
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You’re welcome, Lisa!
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Enjoyed this. Started with a captivating poem.
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Jude, happy you enjoyed the story, thank you :)
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Oh Billy, stop that shit. You gonna get yours one day.
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<3
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I want to read the next chapter, please. 👏
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lol! Thanks, Lesley.
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A great story Li, and bears a follow on piece in my view. The telling belies the tension which builds slowly like a pressure cooker.
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Thanks much for the feedback, Paul :)
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Loved what you did for this prose piece Li! Bravo! xo
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Thanks!
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