Lisa of dVerse Poets asks us to include sequentially these words from Bono of the Irish band U2, in a piece of prose no more than 144 words excluding title: to hurt is to steal
Steal away
He faulted her for "Practising Full Emotion", the book she had left in Prominent Places for him to notice. He stared with hard eyes, uncomprehending, when she wept on the acid green sofa, so copiously its fine herringbone wool might shrink.
He ordered her upstairs as she sobbed upon the cold tiles of the kitchen that he'd chosen four years previous. He locked the empty nursery, the frilled cot mothballed in space.
He conducted business with neither glee nor gloom, arriving back at seven prompt, except for Thursdays. Then he, implacable, drove her to Gospel Choir, for Therapeutic Socialisation as prescribed.
He waited outside in the Jaguar, its motor purring to disguise the singing. To avoid the uplift of hearts held captive.
I ask you: is to feel joy as difficult as to hurt is? To "steal away, steal away, steal away to Jesus"?
© Kathy Labrum McVittie 9 June 2025 (144 words)
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writingpresence 
I love how you split the phrase, very clever! Now I need to shower to wash off that creepy man.
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thank goodness it’s only a story…
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Kathy, a richly textured story with many questions answered but many still waiting in the wings. It feels like he is spilling his darkness all over her. May the torment end soon.
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She is coiled up ready to spring, new voice preparing to scream a sharp defence…
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❤ Been reading about symbolic snakes lately and admire them for their attributes. They've been given a bum rap for way too long.
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❤
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What a nasty piece of work that guy is, controlling and well-practised in gas lighting. You split the prompt line expertly, Kathy.
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let’s hope that the choir members rally round and support her re(dis)covery
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Oh yes! Choirs are usually close and supportive.
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And often have a complement of bass baritones.
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That was one creepy guy…. and he will not change so it’s better to leave if possible.
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She did, and found comfort (and a child) with a baritone and a bus pass.
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Kathy, “its motor purring to disguise the singing” is such a devastating image—something about that contrast between machine and human ache really grips me. The whole piece moves with an intensity that feels almost surgical in its precision…
Much love,
David
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I really appreciate your insight here David. Your choice of “surgical”… So and “human ache”. Now let’s breathe, soften eyes…
Kindly love, friend
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Sick individuals like that too often own Jaguars. Leaving them should be a given, but I know that is so easy to say. The fact he takes her to choir is typically evil. Not good at all.
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Actually the choir is her get-out route.When she is ready, she goes off with a baritone.They manage to hold compassion towards the Jaguar Man, who has many issues of his own to resolve.
And – remember this: it’s only a story! Although stories carry their own mythology…
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poignant 😞 well scripted story Kathy!
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thank you Dawn!
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The imagery in this story is so rich and profound! I’m glad you gave us the relief in the comments about Happily Ever After with the Baritone.
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Kind of you to say this, Kim! Glad you dug into the comments – I find the dialogue there is often as creative and grounding as the original write.
I love the interactions, and the huumanity shared therein. I know you find that on your own brave and tender site too xxx
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