Short Story: Manipulation

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About this Short Story

I haven't been very active on here for a while and i never really got started properly! So hopefully i can contribute and read a bit more in the future. When I wrote this I reckon I was channeling Orwell's 1984 a wee bit, but it's definitely open for interpretation.

  • 67 Words
  • 6 Comments
  • 97% Community Rating
  • 503 Views

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He leans in carefully,

no need to intrude

A simple observation is all that's necessary

For the moment.

There's too much fun to be had

in relishing the excitement of your mind and body

unconsciously oblivious

To the fact that soon

you will be a puppet

but not on a string

They have no usage for inferior props

why should they

When the mind is far more effective.

And what's more,

Invisible.

Perfect.

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Jay Leffew said "The title is so important here, because this is written with so little hint of the reality that you could actually miss it if you weren't fully awake. That, however, is the cleverness of this piece; the menace most definitely is there, and the title wakes you up to it. I too needed to read twice, and my skin began to creep. Well done."
10 months ago
Catriona Muckart replied saying "Thank you :)"
10 months ago
Diane Dickson Guest Editor said "I read this little piece a few times and to be honest each time it became more and more sinister, how strange. I hope you do continue to post your work. Cheers - Diane"
10 months ago
Catriona Muckart replied saying "I like the fact it took a few reads. Thank you :) Cat."
10 months ago
James McEwan said "Catriona, this short moment in poetry has ambiguity of meaning and uncertainity of interpretation. But then good poetry in my opinion can be like this. The reader is left to find their own meaning, which does not have to be the same as the poet. I will suggest this is an interlude of mutual flirting and I am uncertain as to who is manipulating who! He may have been drawn in perhaps and subtly invited in, ' no need to intrude'. Then like a puppet without a string suggests willing participation but still maintaining control. My view only. James."
10 months ago
Catriona Muckart replied saying "That's really interesting, I wasn't thinking of that kind of dynamic when I wrote it but I like that interpretation a lot. Thanks! Cat."
10 months ago

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