This is my 99 word response to Rochelle Wisoff-Fields weekly photo prompt. Thank you, fearless leader, for keeping our minds working – whether the prompts be old or new.
Masala watched yellow sand swirl through the air – a thousand dervishes waiting to scour her delicate brown skin. Last night Papa told her she must go to the village well – alone. The five mile walk didn’t worry Masala. Thirst and the men from the neighboring tribe did. She fingered the puckered scar on her cheek – a reminder of the last time she’d encountered them. Masala began to walk.
Steam filled the bathroom while Annabelle worked pre-shower moisturizer into her ivory skin. Hot water left gushing, she stopped to study the enormous pimple on her forehead. OMG! What would Ronald think?
Up From the Ashes 
First world meets third world and water poverty.
Good piece.
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Thank you! The world’s water situation is worrisome. Yes? Glad you stopped by. Alicia
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It’s all a matter of perspective.. very effective.
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It truly is. But our perspectives need to change pretty quickly. Thanks for reading and leaving a comment, Bjorn.
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The inequalities of the world is astounding. Good message in the story.
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Thanks! I’ll get off my soap box one of these days – or not.
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The world summed up in 99 words. You really have succeeded in putting that pimple in its place. Well done. Powerful stuff.
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Thank you, Sarah. In the beginning I had Annabelle’s stories first, Masala’s next. My husband suggested switching them. Therefore the pimple is in the proper place. Thanks for reading.
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Love that juxtaposition. And such a good reminder.
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Thanks!
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Dear Alicia,
Your two very different women give us pause to evaluate what’s important and what’s not. You’ve said a lot in a few words. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you, Rochelle. This started out a much larger story written in a writing practice I attend on the first and third Fridays of the month. The tale may have lost a little during the whittling from about 300 words to 100 but the meat is still there. I appreciate your taking time to read and comment.
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after reading it twice, i finally was able to connect the dots. a thought-provoking story showing two worldviews in conflict.
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Thanks for taking the time to read my story twice and not giving up! Alicia
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How frivolous we can be. An excellent piece.
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Thank you for the very kind comment.
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great! contradictions of world today – a very real picture we should be waking up to.
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Oh, I hope we wake up sooner than later. Alicia
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I like the two contrasts – you really make a point here.
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Thank you very much for reading and leaving a comment.
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Nice comparison of “first world” and “real” problems.
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I think many of us who “have it all” forget how hard it is for those who have so very little. Thanks for reading.
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Great juxtaposition of these two women. A good way to make us think.
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Thanks, Claire!
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I wonder how the dermatologists make a living in the third world. Almost as rare as cosmetic surgeons?
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Interesting point. Alicia
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Great story! Nan
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Thanks!
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Thanks, Nan.
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You did well with your whittling. You’ve left the most important parts.
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What a lovely comment, Dawn. Thank you.
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Yep, we should always count our blessings, to use a corny phrase, but most of us don’t. We take for granted what others would almost kill for. For a moment, in reading this piece, you get it all in perspective.
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I’m glad it worked, Perry. I try to count my blessings, but I’m sure third world people wouldn’t think I do a very good job.
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I didnt get this first read – i wasnt paying enough attention to realise the names changed! Once I did, it all fell together 🙂 A nice switch in perspective, brings home the things we take for granted.
KT
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Thank you for taking the time to read it twice. I appreciate that.
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Quite a contrast between those two worlds. We had running water when I was a child, but it was sulfur water and unfit to drink. We carried our drinking water from a well that my grandfather had dug. When you have to carry your water, you learn not to waste it. Great story, Alicia.
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My parents grew up during the dust bowl – my mother on a farm. They absolutely had to save water. Mom and Dad taught me to save water like a “flat lander” and I do my best. Thanks for the insight into your childhood. Alicia
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I really enjoyed the Ken Burns documentary, “Dust Bowl.” He really has a way of making you feel history. I still practice water conservation too.
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Great idea and nicely executed. Well done.
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Thanks, Sandra, glad it worked.
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Your story reminds me of the locally made water heaters here. Great perspective.
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Thanks very much. Where are you?
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I live in Lucknow, India.
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Yes, that, exactly that. We don’t know how priviledged we are.
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Thank you! Indeed we do not.
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Water is worth soap boxing over so keep it up. I thought the piece and it’s message were very clear in a few short phrases.
Well done,
Tracey
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I really think it is. Unless things change quickly, we’re going to be in a world of hurt. Glad you stopped by. Alicia
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What a wonderful piece, Alicia. It serves as a reminder some have to walk miles for water under threatening circumstances. So scary. First world problems seem pretty trivial. Great story and writing!
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They do seem very trivial. And I remind myself that often when I start to whine over truly unimportant things. Thanks for reading and leaving such a nice comment. Alicia
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The things we take for granted…
Powerful piece.
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I know! Then when the lights go out for an evening or the hot water tank breaks we think the world has stopped. Thank you for reading.
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It would be cool to read the story of these two worlds colliding.
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Perhaps they already are!
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Amazing the different perspectives of life generally and water specifically are depending on where you live. The first is chilling. The second seems self-absorbed by comparison but given the different circumstances understandable.
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Not understandable for long, I hope. Thanks for reading and responding. Alicia
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Well-written and thought-provoking piece. “What’s important?” – it’s a matter of perspective, and some perspectives are more inward-facing than others
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Oh, yes they are. Enjoy your day TRG, Alicia
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Strong contrast, Alicia. If a person’s never experienced a water shortage and the dangers of some tribal people of the third world, they don’t even think about it. They feel insulated against such things. Well done. — Suzanne
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I think that insulation is slowly shrinking. Soon water will be as costly as oil used t be and probably will be again. Thanks for reading. Alicia
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Very evocative pictures of the two girls – the contrast is most telling.
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