Creative Writing

Some of you know that I have led several creative writing workshops at a nearby women's prison. It's actually something I did for the first time as a community writing class at Drake and then ended up writing a major paper on my senior year. Even after devoting 2 semesters to the concept and act of writing I was still intrigued and was able to continue the workshop with a fellow graduate and friend.

It's one of those things I appreciate when it's over, but there are those weeks in the middle of it where it seems like too much time and effort and I wish it were over. Last Tues was our last week. We present a book of the women's writing from the class to the women and celebrate our writing. So tonight, since I don't have to go to workshop, I'm going to share a few of my favorite pieces with you. The only thing I ask is that you keep in mind the few parameters we have on the writing that is done in this class. It is always treated as fiction, and any comments are positive, because writing is fragile like a newborn and this writing has not been revised.

HAIR

Water pools in the hollows of my clavicle, trickles between my breasts, and slides down my spine. Slowly I run a brush through my clean hair, carefully working through the snarls, forcing it straight. I grab a towel and squeeze the ends letting the final drops of water land in the sink. Then I swing it loose, admiring the gentle curls that fall down my back, each spiraling brown tendril with a mind of its own. I dig in the basket for the bottle of mousse and shake the shiny purple tube before tipping it upside down and releasing the fragrant, white fluff into my cupped hand. Dividing it in half, careful not to spill the contents on the floor, I start sliding it through my hair like frosting.

THAT NIGHT

That night nothing mattered but his hand holding mine, filling my heart with unquenchable joy.

That night I didn’t care that my hair was windblown and my cheeks flushed with excitement making me look like a little girl.

That night we were together for the first time, discovering each other and enjoying every moment.

That night I kissed him with a passion I didn’t know or understand, my lips holding his, never wanting to let go.

That night the stars showered down pinpricks of light that danced in our eyes and covered any fears.

That night I fell in love, head over heels, crazy for you, forever. That night.