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101 Word Short Stories

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Sesame

October 11, 2020 5 Comments

By Dreena Collins

The first time, you were my little seed. Five weeks old. Just a sesame, they said. I knew you were much more.

From poppyseed to blueberry to kidney bean, that autumn you made it through a riot of shapes and colours. I laced a nest of fingers around my belly; thought I kept you safe.

I was wrong.

This time, I stay as still as you allow. I curl into a ball, bedbound, and count the minutes, hours. A knot of prayers inside my hands.

My little mango, twenty-three weeks. Sweet. Plump. Almost ripe. Almost.

I need you to reach twenty-four.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Cathy Cade says

    October 11, 2020 at 9:02 am

    Poignant and well-revealed.

    Reply
  2. June Rogers says

    October 11, 2020 at 12:24 pm

    Beautifully rendered through the metaphors of seeds, etc. for pregnancy. Makes you want to know if he/she made it! Bravo!

    Reply
  3. SK Sadge says

    October 11, 2020 at 4:09 pm

    Beautiful! I like how the title reminded me of “Open Sesame.” The idea of treasure worked perfectly for me. Although it probably wasn’t the main intention, I thought it fit the context very well. 🙂

    Reply
  4. Ifinedo Anastasia says

    October 12, 2020 at 7:25 pm

    Love the symbolism

    Reply
  5. Liz M says

    November 26, 2020 at 3:11 pm

    Poignant without unnecessary sentimentality – nicely done

    Reply

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