Down in Flames
We go in different directions down the imperturbable street, but how long can that be true? We carry the same signs, chant the same words calling for justice in a world too long without, but your way is far different than ours. They may be louder, but your words ring hollow. Your goal is to incite, giving you the freedom to wreak havoc while others pay.
Even then, your motives are clouded. Is it anarchy, a wish to overthrow the establishment as so many claim, or is it merely an opportunity to loot and vandalize, damn the very people we march to protect? Actions such as yours only solidify the hatred in the narrow minds we try so hard to change, guaranteeing our defeat.
You throw your first flaming bottle, a window breaks, and I know the streets will never be the same again.
This bit of flash fiction is my response to Prosery Monday: Different Directions, presented by Merril at dVerse Poets Pub. With Prosery, the challenge is to write a piece of flash fiction with a 144-word limit. Included in the bit of prose is to be a complete line from a poem. For this prompt, the line to be included is “We go in different directions down the imperturbable street,” from “An Aspect of Love, Alive in the Ice and Fire,” by Gwendolyn Brooks. My flash fiction also meets the additional challenge of hitting the 144-word mark, exactly. Other entries can be read here.
Image source: foxbusiness.com
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That tossed flaming bottle changes those imperturbable streets.
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I can understand in theory the rage of people who are being oppressed, but not those who are infiltrating protests to cause damage and harm. It seems that there have been many peaceful protests lately.
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Such a sad state of affairs. Nothing is gained by destruction such as this.
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I think the looters have no agenda but to steal, too ignorant to know (or care) the damage they’re doing to their own neighborhood, and their own people. They put a proverbial knee on the neck of their own. I hope the massive reaction this time will have a positive effect.
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It is hard to understand. You’ve expressed the questions about the conflicting motives behind these awful actions that I wonder also.
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My sister-in-law in Oakland says it’s well-known there that most of the destruction comes from outsiders bent on causing trouble, each with their own agenda that has nothing to do with whatever cause is being protested. I think they have discovered that is true here in NYC too. If it’s indeed righteous anger, it’s totally misdirected (let’s put the police violence into that category too). (K)
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It seems like the police response is all or nothing, and that needs to change.
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As has been pointed out by so many, they are being asked to do work for which they have no training.
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Starting with the prompt line means it drives the prose, and this piece is expertly driven, Ken. It’s of the moment and has a circularity that emphasises the message. When history repeats itself, it loses its way. The question is so pertinent: Is it anarchy, a wish to overthrow the establishment as so many claim, or is it merely an opportunity to loot and vandalize, damn the very people we march to protect?
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Thank you, Kim. Yes, any way you look at it it does a disservice to the cause.
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A perfect telling of the age we are living in. Excellent Ken!
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Thank you, Linda.
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Ah yes the equation of hatred and defeat, is not unsolveable. The end results everyone knows
Have a good week. Stsy safe
Much💖love
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Thank you. 🙂
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An excellent take on the prompt and an excellent poem depicting the motives people have for protesting and marching. I had to take my poem about the marches down. It seemed to come across to harsh. I like what you have done here.
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Thanks, Dwight. As much attention as this situation deserves, it’s still a delicate topic.
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Yes, with very strong opinions about it!
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Thought-provoking. We are in a time where we must question in order to know if what we think we see is actually what it is or an action from another party to cast blame. A sad time.
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Thank you. Only change can compensate for that sadness.
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And I very much hope we achieve that change! 🙂
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