By Douglas Kolacki
One person cut a scar, a vertical one, slashing straight down. Not on the skin where it’s visible, but inside, branded in the mind.
Others added additional scars, a horizontal line starting from the first, and another one below it following the same track—an F. Then, beside that, a vertical and a horizontal, the letter L.
So it went, for years, more letters forming, until the whole message emerged: FLY SOLO. STEER CLEAR OF SOCIETY, BE CAREFUL AROUND PEOPLE.
Should they ask why I do so, or criticize my solitude, I’ll point to the message and say: You wrote that.
Wow, that’s deep – and so simple. I know people who carry this kind of scars – but few can see the message cut into their own psyche’s as clearly as this story expresses.
This is very good. I like the concept and the way it is written.
Profound.
You portray the complexity of how our experiences with other humans shape us in a simple and poignant way. Many people would definitely identify with it.
Yes, a poignant picture. Great title. Great finish. You pulled this all together in this tiny space.