no shades of grey

Tiny, nestling in my palm lay a dainty flower. A flower that till sometime back had proudly been on a stem along with many like her. Dancing in the breeze, smiling at the sun, she was proof that all was well with the world.

The flower consisted of 2 main parts – the corolla and the stem. The corolla, is similar to the human torso. This one had 13 yellow petals each having self coloured stripes on it. You may assume that they would all be alike, but you are mistaken. Each petal has its own unique identity.

Some with brown beauty spots, some with black birth marks yet others half torn. In the centre was embedded a cluster of pollens that the Casanova bees would lay their feet, antennae and wings on and disburse in far off places thus transporting this flower to new locales. No wonder mommy said “beware of the playboys.”

Holding this entire corolla is the stem akin to the human trunk. Pale green in colour, it broadens on the top as it supports the petals. The green here is very light almost creamish.

Holding it between my thumb and middle finger, I turn the flower round and round. But I am sure, it would rather have been on the stem flirting with the breeze and preening at the bees.

(An assignment of Writestuff Writing Club – A community for writers who meet every alternate Sunday to discuss their work and learn more about writing and also to sharpen their writing skills.)

Activity: write a story/poem using the words highlighted in bold:

I was speeding on the highway. Had to reach the port on time lest the ship sailed without me. Shouldn’t have ordered sizzlers for lunch. It always takes me time to work my way through all that crackle and steam. But mixed chicken grill is my weakness. The slightly sauteed sausages, barbequed chicken and salami accompanies by flavoured rice, creamy corn and mashed potato is just too delicious to refuse…almost begging me to order it. Watch your calories babe…those love handles will soon turn into a love seat. Oh! damn. Right now just watch the road. No fun in having a swanky car and ending up having an accident.

Somehow I reach the port. Huffing, puffing and panting, I clear through the formalities ans set my foot on the ship. The ship that will sail through for a week and take me away from this hustle bustle. Mesmerised, I move to the deck and watch the waters awaiting the movement of this mammoth machine. I switch my mobile phone off. It’s going to be only ‘me’ and ‘my time’. Funny how relaxing this simple act felt. As though someone has cut the umbilical cord binding me to the real world.

(An assignment of Writestuff Writing Club – A community for writers who meet every alternate Sunday to discuss their work and learn more about writing and also to sharpen their writing skills.)