Madder Than a Wet Hen
“I’ll wear the prettiest dress I have today. Maybe the boy behind me won’t draw on my ears with his pen. He hurts my feelings, and I wonder if the ugliness at home follows me around. Surely, he won’t tease me with my ballerina dress on.” I realize I am talking to myself again, but I am my own best friend. I want to pick my nose as it calms me, but I stop. It is but another dirty thing about me.
As sand spurs stick to my bare feet, releasing their poison, their sting follows me like pain between the ugly words my mom utters. I sense, without a doubt, that I am to be subjected to a form of torture that crawls behind a mask of love. This unwanted evil watches like the eyes of a water moccasin on the pond’s edge, waiting for me as I swim. I tiptoe fearfully down the stairs, and the aluminum chair awaits. Without a word, she tugs at my waist-length hair to form a ponytail. The force of the brush is so hard that my tiny head bleeds.
To continue reading, please visit Masticadores Latinos English. Thank you for this publication, Mich, and Juan, for including me on one of the newer Masticadores sites, Masticadores Latinos English. This story is written through the perspective of a little girl. It happened to me when I was in the first or second grade. There are many new talented writers on this site that you may want to check out.
Many thanks to everyone for visiting, sending blessings and prayers for people in US and around the world that are getting hurt, losing their jobs, experiencing the horror of war, living in poverty and in pain.
Thank you Joni, your story evokes a raw, complex understanding of what it means to endure and recognize suffering, even at a young age.
You are so welcome Mich. I appreciate the kindness you show your writers every day. You have a way of making us all feel special. Big hugs
This beautifully written story yanks at my heart, Joni. 💖
Thank you Timothy for reading and your thoughtful comment. Isn’t it strange the things that stick with us forever. I think it was because I felt like I was pretty in that dress. Hope the family is doing well and that you get to spend time with them again soon. We really miss our grandkids but they are already busy in sports. Blessings to you and your wife. A great review by Diana on your latest book, “Five-Toed Tigress,” it sounds really interesting and provocative. 🤗
Blessings to you and yours, Joni. 💖🙏
Thank you so much Timothy. We appreciate that very much. 🙏❤️
Raw and heartwrenching, Joni.
Thank you so much for reading. You are a kind soul and I truly hope I can say that everyone’s journey is different and I still carry many a scar, my friend. We are still in the world moving forward and that must count for something, don’t you agree. Big hugs 🤗 and love. 💕
I felt this one, Joni. I was a kid who could never please anyone, too. It’s soul-crushing and leaves an indelible imprint on our psyche. All these decades later, I still feel like that little kid who was never good enough. Yon continue to amaze me with your literary deftness and agility, Joni. That last line will linger in my mind for a while… 😊🙏
Thank you, Mike, I so appreciate you reading that story. I will never forget that day as long as I live. While still in my slip crying on the couch, she got a cold glass of water from a pitcher out of the refrigerator because I was sobbing, and she threw it in my face. After that I had to go up put on one of my three remaining dresses, go to school, and put on that mask, acting like nothing had happened. It is written from a child’s perspective. Thank you so much for reading my friend. I also know what you are saying it is so true. ❤️🙏
Heartbreaking. 💔
Thank you so much for reading, it means a lot to me. Blessings to you!
I left a message over there.
Thank you Dawn, so appreciated and I will go over and take a look. So much going on right now. Big hugs, and thanks again
Heading over to finish reading, Joni. Hugs. And congrats on the publication.
Thank you, Diana, as busy as you are, I appreciate you reading my work. I will head over, thank you so much. We have a four-day trip coming up, and we are going to read it in the car going down. I am excited. Have a blessed week.
Hugs, my friend. Happy Reading.
🦉🦉❤️❤️
“As sand spurs stick to my bare feet, releasing their poison, their sting follows me like pain between the ugly words my mom utters.” Gosh the poetic anguish is palpable. <3
Your words mean a lot as your work touches my heart so profoundly, as do your translations. Thank you for reading me on Masticadores Latinos English. Many blessings. ❤️ U.