By Tess Devine
My mother was almost 27 when I was born.
And her mother was almost 27 when my mother was born.
I am now almost 27.
And while I am not a mother, I feel as if I’m sitting in a quiet, empty room with only a tick, tick, ticking clock on the wall to keep me and my quiet, empty womb company.
No matter how much I try to ignore it.
Because, honestly, I really don’t want to hear it right now.
The room and the silence residing in it makes tick, tick, ticking sound so much louder than it is.
Very tense. You convey the anxiety perfectly.
Tess, after reading your blog, the autobiographic tone of this piece makes me worry about you.There’s nothing significant about your mother and grandmother’s ages for child bearing. My mother was 47 when I was born and my father was 57. Your life will be your own—time wise. Let it be.
The Creeks teach us to expect a long and happy life. I hope you look ahead with that kind of optimism.
Your writing tells us that you have so much talent and creativity. Let it take flight on the wings of happiness, not anxiety.
As to the writing, yes, as Jacci noted, you conveyed the anxiety perfectly.
Oh, and congratulations on your forthcoming graduation.—Benita
A well crafted beautifully written piece.
Another thoughtful short from Tess Devine! Love your use of repetition, and the arresting image of just a woman sitting alone in a room with a ticking clock. Great symbolism. Keep up the good work!
how about this for a tic? you got 10 more years of great odds of child bearing potential! no rush! It is really hard in Missouri when literally every single one of my main high school pals have 1 OR 2 kids not before the age of 25. But other people can’t make your path for you, forge ahead on your own!