By Richard Mansbach
The woman opened the front screen door wielding a scrawny broom and stepped with delicate but determined care down from the porch onto her sorry excuse for grass. She was shoeless and her mealy complexion lent her an aura of impending death, but her eyes radiated defiance to that possibility.
“So, you are lining up like jackals, and you can’t wait to turn my house into a high rise. Not today, boys!”
She swung the broom in great arcs while advancing on the hard hats crowding her cracked sidewalk.
The well-groomed reporters framed it as a Goliath versus David morality play.
I love the movement in this piece. It really grabs the readers attention from the first line. Character, plot and that climax. Incredible to think this piece is only 101 words long. And that last last is low-key hilarious.
I loved the story. I hope she put the broom to good use.
I love the way the author paints a distinct visual picture of this woman and her surroundings. She’s defending a small parcel of home and land but with the fervor of defending a country. The reader can easily visualize her strength and determination.
This paints a very vivid picture with great economy and humor.
I felt like I was beside her as she swung her broom. Beautifully written to feel her determination in so few words.