Happy Saturday everyone.
Today I am joining in with “What Pegman Saw,” which is a weekly writing challenge based on using a Google Streetview as the prompt. Using the location provided, we are invited to write a piece of flash fiction (no more than 150 words). Here is the photo prompt:
Bright White Cloud of Light (word count: 150)
Looking at the ceiling felt surreal.
Drowsy, foggy mind.
Felt like I was inside a drawing from M.C. Escher
My arm was gently lifted.
I wanted to speak, but no words came.
Eyes shut and my head succumbed to gravity and fell limp.
Paramedics talked back and forth as if I couldn’t hear them.
Their speaking grew quieter.
“Anything broken?”
“No.”
“Diabetic?”
“No.”
“Hey – she turned her head. Ma’am, can you hear me?”
“Ma’am?”
Suddenly, a sharp pain in my arm jolted away the bright white cloud of light.
Warmth surged through my body and my neck felt strong again. Eyes opened, slowly.
“Ma’am, you had a fall. We just gave you an IV.”
Unable to yet speak, a half-smile was followed with a groggy, puzzled look.
I was NOT in a drawing from M.C. Escher, I was visiting a client at the hospital, but now I needed help.
__
Author’s Note:
I have never passed out like this, but once when I had blood drawn (in 2001) I almost did pass out – and I saw that bright cloud of light.
However, thankfully I was better right away (without an IV). And I am also very thankful to all those first responders and people who help us – the many we sometimes take for granted until we need them, eh?
When I first saw Pegman’s image of the library, the weird perspective from the camera made me think of M.C. Escher’s “Relativity” drawing.
__
and then I thought of this:
and then this:
“Don’t go into the light… Don’t go into the light….” lol
If you’d care to join in, the info is here and today’s location is here. This week’s prompt is Baltimore, Maryland – and I am using the photo that was featured (and used by other bloggers already). This week the photo was from the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University
__
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
A surreal poem!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks a lot (and I replied to this once but it is gone??)
LikeLike
I’ve passed out twice (actually, one time I was knocked out). On one occasion, I saw a bright, white light, and on the other it was violet.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nicely done. I know that feeling a little too well.
LikeLike
(EN) I’m not an avid reader( I was) .I’m “visual” now and I like your fiction because I can See each scene and,of course, because of Escher(art).Well written in my opinion Y
(IT)Non sono un’accanita lettrice(lo ero).Sono visiva ora e mi piace la tua fiction perché posso vedere ogni scena e,ovviamente,a causa di Escher.Ben scritta a mio parere Y
LikeLike
Great poem. I love the works of MC Escher.
LikeLike
Dear Yvette,
MC Esher’s art is amazing. I have passed out before. You’ve captured the feeling. Nicely done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
What a fascinating take on the prompt, Yvette. I cannot say I’ve ever passed out, so I’ll take your word for it 😉
It does have that distorted look of the Esher drawing….
LikeLike
This photo does have an MC Esher feel to it, I agree.
LikeLike
Hi Y, there is a distance here, a grogginess, which you reflect in tone as well as story. The dialogue really brings things into focus, before things become somewhat slurred again. Great job.
LikeLike
I have never passed out but I think this really captures it well! I can see what you mean about how the location evokes the work of M.C. Escher!
LikeLike
That is interesting to know how one feels when passing out. I think it depends on the cause as well. When I went under, every thing just went dark and then nothing…
LikeLike
An imaginative take on the prompt. You’ve created a trance like experience in a poem, well done. I have never passed out – now I can sort of imagine it.
LikeLike
I can see how the lines of perspective in the picture bring up Escher and the Escher picture begins the spinning as he plays with your idea of what is up. We were there with you, slumped in your stroke or brief faint. I found myself reaching for the smelling salts!
LikeLike
I liked this, Yvette. It was interesting and clever.
LikeLike
I love the direction you took with this. It sorta took me on a visual journey. I truly appreciate the way you incorporate art. Little meditation, this. Really like it.
LikeLike
You’ve written a fascinating description of someone who has passed out and her confusion on slowly coming round after treatment. I like your unique style of writing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your short, blunt sentences add to the feeling of confusion. Well done.
LikeLike
I hate that feeling! Happened once to me many years ago.
LikeLike
Nicely done! 👍
LikeLike
Oh I am glad this story is not autobiographical! It has only ever almost happened to me, once. Bit scary! That film poltergeist had a profound effect on a generation, I think! When I hear those words, “Don’t go into the light,” or people talk about near death experiences of seeing, ‘the light,’ In think of that scene!! It was hard to forget!
LikeLike
Superb
LikeLike