Brought to you by the Write…Edit…Publish team and inspired by Please Read the Letter by Robert Plant and Alison Krauss – a break up song and a moving plea for understanding at the termination of a relationship.
This month’s host is L.G. Keltner
The song was first composed and recorded by Robert Plant and Jimmy Page and appeared on their album Walking into Clarksdale in 1998.
Rerecorded by Plant and Krauss in 2007, it was well received by critics and won the Grammy for the Record of the Year in 2009.
There could be many possible ways to treat this prompt. Who’s going to write that letter? And who’s it addressed to? Will you let it remain a letter or update it to a text? Or even a voicemail message? And what’s it going to be about – what’s it going to say?
You could use this prompt for a straightforward break up flash – a dear John/Jane letter.
Or a note to self on the loneliness that comes with the realization that the initial promise of a relationship will not, for some reason or other, materialize. The yearning for someone or something elusive, unreal, ethereal.
Or maybe nothing to do with a breakup. Just a story that speaks to the sense of some unfinished business between two people, not necessarily romantic. Maybe a letter from a former student to a teacher… work colleagues…social media ‘friends.’
See what we mean? – just so many possibilities! Spin your own version of Please Read the Letter, we are waiting to read it…
My submission for this challenge is a re-edit of a 2017 WEP prompt,
taken from The SHE Chronicles, a series of third-person memoirs.
Tagline: An old letter triggers a torrent of bitter memories.
Her eyes swept over the familiar contents of her mother’s room.
Theirs had always been a contentious relationship; the strains softened by decades of physical distance.
Now it was over.
The 92- year-old woman had passed away peacefully, and it was time to sort through her belongings.
“I’m an orphan” seemed like a silly thought for a sexagenarian, but that was her new reality.
When her father died in 2011, she knew the next few years would be even more stressful, and so they were!
Between her mother’s ailments, medical expenses and discontentment, she had experienced high levels of anxiety.
Finding the right home had been a challenge. She lived over 4100 km (2500 mi) away and therefore needed a facility with one on one, 24-hour care. Fortunately, she found such a place; a large bungalow in a lovely neighbourhood with space for six residents.
The owner and caregivers were all dedicated to the well-being of their charges, and it gave her some peace of mind. Her mother, by contrast, was miserable, and bombarded her daughter with phone calls, complaining about every little thing.
The street was too noisy; the food was terrible, she couldn’t go out when she wanted, etc. It was only in the last two years, bedridden and suffering from dementia, that the old woman became appreciative.
Feeling a mixture of relief and sorrow, she opened the first drawer.
Damn that packrat mentality! Her mother kept everything, from old receipts to newspaper articles.
Cleaning out the house had been a nightmare, but this would surely be easier. After all, it was only one dresser and a closet.
Among the useless flotsam were several documents of historical and sentimental value; birth, death and marriage certificates, report cards, even her old baby shoes!
Best of all, she was delighted to find a large box of family photos, many she hadn’t seen before, going back to the 1920s.
Once again, she was keenly aware that everyone except her was gone. Who would go through her belongings when the time came? There were no children to pass things on to.
Her task completed, she checked the drawers one last time. There was something jammed in the back of the middle one. It was a letter from her father, dated Dec. 31, 1960, addressed to her mother!
“In view of yesterday and also the several times in recent days I have spoiled things through drinking, I hereby pledge to you, in writing, that I shall from this day forward not touch alcohol again. This pledge is given so that you may have a better chance for a happy life and so that I will not lose my self-respect.”
Stunned and tearful, she read it again, flashbacks cascading over her like giant angry waves. All of those ruined weekends and holidays; a little girl cowering in the corner as her parents reviled each other!
If only this letter had fulfilled its promise! Yes, there had been peace for a few months, but chaos inevitably returned, over and over again. It was not until 1987, after a serious accident, that her father took his last drink.
Her parents had separated several years before, and this brought them back together. He spent five months in the hospital and rehab to regain the use of his shattered right leg. During that time, he swore off alcohol and cigarettes.
To his credit, her father’s resolve never wavered, and life became more pleasant than it had been in decades. Not that her mother was ever truly content. A perfectionist mindset prevented that. There was always cause for complaint!
She shook off the bitter memories, folded the letter and added it to the “keep” pile. Why did she want to hold on to this reminder of her dysfunctional childhood? To drive home the point that she had overcome her disadvantages?
Or could it be a compassionate connection to her late mother, whom she hadn’t felt close to in decades? The answer eludes her.
“Please read my letter and promise me you’ll keep
The secrets and the memories we cherish in the deep”
Word count: 683
FCA
Tagline: An old letter triggers a torrent of bitter memories
For some outstanding writing, click HERE to see what the other participants are offering.
**WEP TEAM**
Denise Covey-Founder/Host / Yolanda Renee – Co-Host / L.G. Keltner – Co Host
Nilanjana Bose – Co-Host / Jemi Fraser – Co-Host / Olga Godim – Badges
Nick Wilford – Judge / Lee McKenzie – IWSG Liason
PLEASE READ THE LETTER #WEP #WEPFF June 2022 #WritingChallenge #dogladysden #creativewriting #memoirs Click To Tweet
Cheers!
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Dog Mom and (retired) Canine Innkeeper in suburban Toronto, Canada, known as The Doglady. Former corporate workaholic. Writer, photographer, digital creator. Animal lover, music fanatic, inveterate traveller. Eternal hippie/rockchick. History, literature and cinema buff. Hockey and soccer fan. Dedicated night owl. German/Canadian binational, multilingual. Let me entertain you!
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64 thoughts on “PLEASE READ THE LETTER | #WEP JUNE 2022”
I imagine it was cathartic to write this. Thank you for sharing something so deep.
I wrote a humorous piece for the June WEP prompt (it isn’t adult, though some may mistake it as such at first, depending on your hobbies).
And I’m contemplating my favorite book worlds for the IWSG July prompt (I’m co-hosting). Any thoughts?
Over at Operation Awesome, we’re gearing up for our Pass or Pages query contest with July’s family saga genre. Know any writers who might want to enter?
Thank you, J. 🙂 Finding that letter brought back a slew of long-repressed memories. Writing about it definitely gave me a sense of closure.
Your entry made me smile – lots of double entendres for those of us with dirty minds! 😀
Book worlds? I’m not into fantasy genres and mostly read non-fiction, but I did like Ann Rice’s Vampire Chronicles.
Operation Awesome? Sorry, I’m not familiar with that, but I’ll check it out.
Thanks for reading my entry. Cheers!
Definitely fits the prompt. Lots of strong feelings here.
Thank you, Jamie. Yes, many intense feelings, for sure.
That is a bittersweet letter it touched me. Reminds me of my relationship with my mother – she wasn’t really complaining as always stating “the absolute truth” such as I talked to God last night and you are wrong. Are you familiar with the song “living years” by Mike & the Mechanics. My mom was already gone but my sister said it was her song to our mother.
I was stunned to read it and amazed that my mother kept it all those years. I wonder if she ever showed it to my father again, to remind him of his broken promises? Mothers and daughters often have difficult relationships. Can’t argue when God says you’re wrong! ? I remember the song and the lyrics definitely fit.
I loved seeing the letter in longhand. That made the message even more poignant. I’m imagining your reaction. Thanks for the great entry into the WEP.
Thank you, Lee! Finding that letter triggered a torrent of memories. Writing about it has been cathartic.
A love story always has its good memories. Sadly those good times can be obscured by years of failed promises. An abyss so opaque the light can’t penetrate only words on a sheet of paper can make the darkness clear. Really well done!
Thank you so much, Yolanda! Yes, years and years of failed promises, but it turned out fairly well in the end.
It’s never ‘just a letter’ is it? There’s so much more behind it, before it and after it. Thanks for sharing this.
So true, Kalpana! Thanks for reading my story.
This bitter-sweet memoir took me along with you as you traversed through your past and present Debbie. So well written. And the photographs you’ve chosen to add with the story made the whole experience of reading ‘complete’ for me. Thank you.
Thank you so much for those kind words, Arti! As a visual person, images are as important to me as words. I’m glad you enjoyed the story. 🙂
Thank you for sharing your memories. I miss my father, who died in November of 2010, but our relationship was not a peaceful one. He was very obsessive and perfectionistic and I was a bit of a mess psychologically speaking. My mother has become a bit easier to deal with in the past few years, but she can still be a bit of a judgmental ass. She just turned 83. I live 125 miles away from her and try to visit a couple of times a month. She’s still independent enough to live alone, but I worry.
I can relate – my mother was the neurotic, perfectionist narcissist. My father and I had a good relationship after he quit drinking and I miss him. May your mother live a long life and cut you some slack! You are a wonderful daughter to worry about her and visit as often as possible. My parents lived in San Diego and I’m in Toronto. Helluva commute! Thanks for reading and sharing my story.
A poignant and touching story, Debbie! I feel sorting through old photos and letters may be helpful in gaining closure. Your story reflects what many children endure living in a dysfunctional home. I love the handwritten letter and how it lends to the timing of your story.
Thank you so much, Eugenia. I was definitely looking for closure when I wrote this. It has been cathartic. 🙂
Bitter memories, but hopefully going through these photos and documents helps in coming to terms with a difficult past. I hope it did for you.
Yes, a torrent of bitter memories. Writing about them has been cathartic, though. A release, of sorts. 🙂 Thanks for reading my entry!
There is a certain charm in corresponding via letters written in cursive. But it seems the art of hand-written letters is falling by the wayside. So sad. I’ve noticed that many of my students are in awe of those (a handful) who can write in cursive.
I love your post – sincere and really moving.
Thank you for sharing, Debbie.
It shocked me to learn they no longer teach cursive writing in schools! It’s a new world out there. 🙁 I’m glad you enjoyed the post. Thanks for coming by!
Loved this Deb and the song. Hand written letters are a forever gift, and sadly not used as much these days. With cursive writing going by the wayside, sadly, there will be less. And writing in block letters (to me) does not give the same impact. 🙂
Thanks, Deb! 🙂 Yes, handwritten letters are a fading art and make wonderful keepsakes, although finding this one really threw me. Writing about it has been cathartic.
As I read, this reminds me of the kind of family life my husband came from. Wow…
My sympathies to your husband! Not an easy childhood, but I believe the old adage: “Whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”. 🙂
I love the hand-written element to this wonderfully moving post 🙂
Thank you, Damyanti. Unfortunately, handwriting is becoming a lost art.
Your response to the prompt is very moving and well written.
Love,
Janie
Thank you so much, Janie! ♥ High praise, coming from an editor. I’m chuffed! 😀
Reliving old memories can be difficult, and growing up with alcoholism in the family is an awful thing. Thank you for sharing such a powerful entry with us.
Thank you, Laura! While my childhood was no picnic, writing about it has been cathartic.
I always grieve a little for the children in an abusive relationship. Well done.
Nancy
Thanks, Nancy! 🙂 Yes, the children are always the forgotten ones.
This is so poignant Debbie and I would say it takes courage to read some of those old letters and write about them too.
Thank you, Sonia. Reading the letter still makes me sad, but writing the story was cathartic.
Hi Miss Debbie,
Wow, what a touching story. For sure you took off and ran with the prompt. I like the ending because it leaves two questions to be explored. I’m sorry you had to suffer through a broken childhood. It leaves lifelong scars. It’s amazing the things people save that mean a lot to them and surprise family when they die. Our mom had saved every birthday, holiday card or letter from family. There were boxes of them. We had them cremated with her. Thanks for such a well-written and moving story.
Thank you, Lenny! Writing about these memories has softened the bitterness, but I still don’t know the answer. Possibly “yes” to both. 🙂 It must have been interesting going through those cards and letters that your mom kept. Nice idea to send them all off with her.
It would have been nice if my Dad would have gotten to that point…
Sorry about your Dad. Thanks for reading my story.
Yes, some letters could be much more bitter than others, as the memories they trigger might not be happy ones. Well done!
Thanks, Olga. 🙂 Finding that letter was a bit of a shock.
This is moving and lovely, with some close parallels to my own life. Thank you.
Thank you, as well! And I’m sorry you were similarly affected.
What a beautiful song. Your poignant missive, the memories within, call to mind echos of footsteps in a long-abandoned home. It must have been liberating for you to set those memories free.
Thanks, diedre. I love how you put that! And yes, it was liberating to write it all down and let it go. 🙂
Beautiful, Debbie. This is replayed over and over in many families.
Big hugs to you, my friend. ♥
Thanks, Sandee. 🙂 Yes, I’m sure many people have experienced similar and even worse childhood trauma.
Hi Debbie – I feel for you, as I understand … both the family, and the lack of children – it’s one of the things I’d like to talk to both my parents about – with my present maturity … but it’s not to be. I’ve rationalised things in my head … and adjusted to what happened etc … I hope you will too – cheers Hilary
Thanks, Hilary. These memories are resurfacing as I get older, but writing has proved to be cathartic. 🙂 No regrets about not having children, though (apart from that one thought). It was a conscious choice.
This hits hard! I’ve worked with many students who’ve hard childhoods. Those memories are deeply embedded. Overcoming the difficult situations is a huge victory!
Thanks, Jemi. You are right – the memories are deeply embedded and surfacing more as I get older. Thankfully, writing about them has been cathartic.
What a moving story you have written from your heart, Debbie. <3
Thanks, Jane! 🙂 Writing it was cathartic.
You defintely nailed the brief, and took it in an unexpected direction. When my mum died, I found a letter I wrote to her 53 years earlier, when I was 7 years old. She had kept it all that time.
Best wishes, Pete.
Thanks! 🙂 Finding your letter after all those years must have been a surprise. I hope it was a lovely memory.
What a beautiful poignant tale strung around vivid imageries and a lovely song to boot.
Loved it – the writing and the music both.
Have a lovely week ahead dear Debbie. <3
Love.
Thank you so much, Natasha! ? They say true stories are the most interesting ones. Wishing you a lovely week as well!
Hi Debbie! Lovely to read this. It stuck with me last time and somehow seemed more poignant this time. Really suits the prompt. So many emotions. Nowadays with emails replacing paper letters, I wonder what can be found in the deceased’s belongings?
Thanks, Denise. I did a bit of editing and added the image of the sad little girl. That probably made the difference. 🙂 You pose a good question! Hopefully, there would be a list of computer passwords somewhere. Thanks for reading my entry and for running this excellent challenge.
I think I remember the 2017 prompt, very moved then and also now. Handwritten letters have a meaning far beyond the words. Great take on the prompt. Thank you for sharing this poignant entry.
Thank you, Nila! I did a little editing to improve the flow. I’m glad you enjoyed my story.
Wow, Debbie, you poured all of yourself into this. It’s very touching, sad, and powerful. Every word had me captivated. Thank you. It’s a wonderful contribution.
Welcome to The Den, Robyn. 🙂 Yes, I laid it all out there. It was cathartic but still makes me a little sad every time I read it again. I’m thrilled you found it captivating! Thanks for coming by.