Writing group picture-based writing prompt. There were two photos, side-by-side on the Zoom screen.
Theme: Relational Mindfulness, which loosely means empathize and understand. Free form, edited for typos and that's it.
They show me two pictures,
On the left,
a Valentines helium heart in the dumpster
On the right,
three people,
At work?
It looks like they know each other,
but how well
The older man is gesturing, talking.
Trying to making a point?
No clue what he is saying.
Is it related to the balloon,
still inflated,
slowly losing air in the dumpster?
Is it a couple with their boss or a co-worker,
listening to advice
or admonishment?
I don't like to assume I know what's going on
when I watch from a distance
not hearing a word
just interpreting facial expressions
and gestures.
So, instead I make up a story.
The balloon could be a metaphor
for love
losing air,
being thrown away
against its will.
An intentional act.
Did the young man give the balloon to the young woman
unwanted, so she threw it out?
Or vice versa?
Did the older man see the balloon and throw it out
because office romance is discouraged?
Or are the two pictures not at all related
And I am relating them because
That is what I was told to do?
Which could be a metaphor
for what I am conditioned to do.
Assume.
Arrogantly assume I understand the situation,
Without regard for what is really going on
or the feelings of the people involved.
© 2023 Sue Schnitzer
