May 2018 75-Word Writing Challenge — VICTORY TO CAT'S CRADLE!

[The Judge]

To be – veiled – or not to be


“The charge against you is proved, being in public with your face uncovered.”

“Women must be veiled, but I’m a man.”​

“You were designated female yesterday.”

“I don’t understand.”​

“Of course not. You’re female. Your intellect is weak.”

“My body – ”​

“Irrelevant.”

“But why?”​

“Because.”

“‘Because’ isn’t – ”​

“Oh, but it is.”

“This can’t be – ”​

“Emotional. Hysterical. Female.”

“But – ”​

“Silence, woman! Now cover yourself.”

“No.”​

"Refusal is a capital crime."

"What?"​

“The veil, or a shroud. Choose.”

 

[TheDustyZebra]

Journey to the Center of the Self

I battled a curtain of gossamer cobwebs, nearly falling out of the boat. Coming out the other side, I felt something missing.

More webs, more pieces wrenching away.

“What is this?” I grabbed the ferryman.

“It strips you of all worldly identities, to expose your true self.”

Ripping, tearing, holes in my soul: no longer a son.

Brother.

Father.

Writer.

Now I know: I am nothing.

That’s a relief. I’d thought it would be worse.

 

[Mr Orange]

Beyond


You creep down the hall,
Dark, dank and cold.
Floorboards creak,
Wind whistles,
Whispers in the air.

Shadows move, someone moans,
A waivering figure through the veil.
Your heart beats faster and faster,
A face, in rictus, a piercing shriek.

You scream back, in shock, and terror,
Hands over eyes, against the wall.
Hands that are pale. Cold. Indistinct.
Dark comprehension; you are beyond.

You sob, ethereal.
An answering scream.
Terrified.

 

[Ursa major]

This challenge is now closed to new entries.

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POLL -- May 2018 75-Word Challenge -- READ FIRST POST!​

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[The Judge]

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