Independence
41July 6, 2014 by Melanie L.
One half a queen gained.
One pillow reclaimed.
Two bedrooms shed along with three dressers, a title, and winner of bread.
Despite the reduced noise of pattering feet, only on alternating weeks, physical losses have diminished spiritual pains.
Now my soul’s regained.
My Own Champion 
Really good direction with the prompt – you describe the reclaiming of personal space post separation without direct mention of it and I enjoyed the illumination of your theme as I read on. Quite a few people have made use of numbers on the grid this week. It’s a really effective way of reinforcing the meaning of each sentence. Good work!
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Thanks! I’m glad you liked it!
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I loved the message at the end in conjunction with the title. A lot is lost in divorce, but I liked how you focused on what is gained.
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Addition by subtraction. It all added up to a better life.
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Melanie, this is so completely beautiful. I love your comment that it’s “addition by subtraction.” That resonates so deeply with me. I also lost similar things and it definitely helped me gain so much in the process, so Happy Independence to you 🙂 May the years just continue to add more and more to your soul!
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Thanks! You too!
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Indeed, often less really is more.
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Well it was certainly true for me in this case. But not when it comes to cheesecake, less is definitely less.
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Oh yes. Agree.
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Love the sentiment, but love the internal rhyming even more : )
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Wow! Thanks!!
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Beautiful blend of pathos and pleasure. Loved it!
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That’s quite a compliment! Thank you!
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I love the rhyme, too. The wonderful balance of adding/subtracting, physical/spiritual. Beautiful!
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Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
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I agree, I love how you added and subtracted without…you know… adding and subtracting. 🙂 Very nice piece!
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Thanks, Jen!
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A very good way to tackle this prompt! The rhyme added an entertaining factor to it 😀
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Thank you!
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There’s something delicious about counting the things you can reclaim when a change occurs. Of course, change is also difficult. Thoughtful, creative take on the prompt.
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Thank you. And I have to say that you always have amazing word choices, whether in your own posts or in comments. Delicious is a unique but appropriate word for at least how it was for me and my change.
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I had to read this twice to soak it all in even though it made perfect sense the first time. The rhyming takes the edge off a tough subject. Loved it.
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Hmmm. That’s a very helpful comment. Thank you.
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I like how you reframe what many consider a negative and point out the positive. Nicely done!
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Thanks!
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I have three friends currently reclaiming their lives after long and bitter divorces. Your piece captures their relief very well.
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Thanks, and I wish your friends well. I had a short sweet divorce but some, like my beau, had long bitter ones. It’s very draining.
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What a redemptive ending line, and a lovely post in general. I’m so glad to have found you and especially love your blog name. 🙂
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Thank you, that is very high praise! You’ve made my day! Now I have pressure to stay on my game!
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Brilliant and evocative. A winner!
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Thanks, “S”
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It is clear to me that so much thought went into this to satisfy the prompt and it really is brilliant on several levels. The ending is so satisfying. The rhyme is just delicious icing on the cake. This published author marvels at your gift.
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Wow, thanks! That’s quite a compliment! Thanks for reading and commenting! I hope you’ll come back to visit again!
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I loved this one! It reminds me a bit of my own life after the end of a long-term relationship a couple of years ago. And that gaining that entire queen bed is just the start! 😉
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Go us!
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Oh I have been there and back again. For all the heartache, there is something so liberating, so strengthening in what you describe, isn’t there? And your piece is wonderful – you’ve captured so much detail, and a richness of emotions, in so few words (and rhyming ones at that!). Love it!
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Thank you! Yes, divorce was the last step I took in becoming my own champion. Thank you so much for reading and empathizing!
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[…] includes: GennaClaire at writeamuck for Addition and Subtraction; Melanie at My Own Champion for Independence; C.C. at Conscious Cacophony for Love Sequence Interrupted; Tracy at From the Laundry Room for Drip […]
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You know, by such thought provoking posts, you are actually enriching mediocre minds like me, thanks….wonderfully done! ❤
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Thank you! That’s very sweet!
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Reminds me of the last few lines from ‘Fievel Goes West’, where Jimmy Stewart’s character advises to the effect that “One man’s sunset is another man’s dawn”. (Sole possession of the remotes, you forgot to mention that but it’s important …)
Good luck~!
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