~1986 ~ Susie’s Journal ~

(303 words, 2 minutes read time)

12-13-1986 (transcribed from my old diary)

I begin this totally fictional, free-form journal on my sixteenth birthday. Consider it my personal, uncalled for, rant on the world. Papa suggested it. It’s an alternative to the trap of poetry. Here, I will write without doubling back, proofreading, or second guessing myself.

I go from here without worry of rhyme or form. A rash, fluid journey with no purpose or deep meaning (unless those things just happen to happen).  It’s for no one and no reason at all. It’s for, as Gladguru might say, “whatever…” And it’s kinda fun when there’s no reason to return…

But about that later.

~~~~~~

To be honest, I did make some minor changes. Spelling and punctuation corrections. They are hard to ignore with my father perpetually looming in the back of my mind over every word I’ve ever written. And that’s a good thing. He’s the one with the National Book Award in the den.

~~~~~~~

Oh, shit! I forgot about that midnight deadline! My first three submissions failed to send as  PDFs attached to emails. Now I know what dad meant when he told about MAILER DAMEONs. I guess I’m back to SASE, if it’s not too late. That way seems more personal anyway. Let’s see what happens…

I’m still not keen on all of this computer stuff. I should take a class.

~~~~~~

I’ve found a stray cat in the woods near Hyde Park where papa is hiding. It’s so sweet and soft. Totally cute, and certainly not feral.

I put posters up on the bulletin boards at Safeway and Smith’s, and some more around town on telephone poles.

Honestly, I hope nobody responds. I feel we’re already becoming attached. Bonding as they say.  I think we might be like soulmates.

 I’m calling her Reyn.

~ SDW

>~~~~~0~~~~~<

-dalton

9-10-26

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