Update 2/24: Reformed blurker Atiqah came up with a new one for me: “So beaten and yet so strong.”
That made me laugh – ruefully.
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Legend has it that the king of succinctness, Hemingway, was once challenged to write a story in only six words.
His response?
For sale: baby shoes, never worn.
A new book, Not Quite What I Was Planning, asks famous and obscure writers to pen a six-word memoir.
Although, Cursed by Devic; blessed by God and Broken in body; growing in spirit both fleetingly came to mind, what really summed it up for me right now is:
Soaked, bracing for the next wave.
Everyone has a story. What’s yours?
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12 comments
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February 21, 2008 at 2:12 am
Hayah
I heard this theme on radio on BBC world service. Its a good idea to make a blog story out of, think im gonna start asking everyone to think of their 6 word biography
…..erm….and figure mine out as well.
February 21, 2008 at 4:44 am
Brian
Amazed, alive and passionately aware.
February 21, 2008 at 6:45 am
Haleem
Married, now lazy, waiting for weekend.
February 21, 2008 at 9:57 am
maximus mercury
I loved the story by Hemingway – I think I’ve read that before… I tried hard to do a *fiction* thing, like in a writing class and here’s what I have:
La ilaha illallah, he breathed finally.
My six word memoir might read:
Dreamed, faltered and bumbled on living.
February 22, 2008 at 10:02 am
Zahra
“soaked, bracing for the next wave” is gorgeous. i can’t think of one for myself- all the ones i like have 7 words! doh!
February 23, 2008 at 6:02 am
Kate
Imagination, procrastination. Flirtation, stagnation. Supplication, consolation.
Sometimes it reads like this:
Comfy shoes, big purse, will travel.
This was a fun and thought-provoking exercise. Thank you, Baraka.
February 23, 2008 at 8:25 am
Baraka
Salaam all:
Hayah: Do share when you come up with your own!
Brian: Close – at 5 words!
Haleem: Lol
MM: Excellent short story!
And I know it feels that way sometimes, but from your insightful and intelligent comments, bumbling is the last thing you’re doing in this life, insha-Allah!
Zahra: Thanks – and let me know when you do think of your own!
Kate: Oh, can I ever relate to your first one. I’m constantly caught betwixt and between.
And, your second one is so lovely & true that it made me smile!
Warmly,
Baraka
February 23, 2008 at 3:04 pm
maximus mercury
thanks Baraka! It’s very kind of you to say so…hope you have a great weekend!
February 24, 2008 at 11:43 pm
Hayah
Right now it would be –
living the journey. awaiting and awaited…
*phew* finally…
February 25, 2008 at 5:55 pm
Baraka
Salaams:
MM: Thanks, I hope you’re doing well too!
Hayah: Thanks for getting back to me!
Yours is lovely. “Awaiting and awaited…” reminds me of the Beloved awaiting our return to Him. Insha-Allah may it be a blessed one for us all.
Warmly,
Baraka
February 26, 2008 at 12:22 am
Hayah
Thank you dear!
June 19, 2008 at 10:16 pm
~W~
“soaked, bracing for the next wave” is awesome. What was the picture you had with it?
I would love to write a six word memoir, but my mind is rusty and foggy right now.
I enjoyed the video:)