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I’m a keen gardener, always pruning, weeding, cutting and sowing. I think of myself as an intelligent grower of things. But I’ve made mistakes. Planted something in the wrong place, or even something I should not have planted at all.

That’s what I told myself yesterday as they dealt with my misplaced seed; a kernel of life that will never bloom, grow and flourish.

I will never name it Rose, Lily or Jasmine; or possibly Rowan, Florian or Hollis.

My seed, having just germinated, is gone. Nipped in the bud.

I will take more care with my planting next time.

11 comments add one below

  • avatar

    D.M. about 9 years ago

    I've planted so many items of regret. 'Wondered if you meant this both literally and metaphorically. Good one!

  • avatar

    T. Willemann about 9 years ago

    This may be just a quaint little story about tending gardens, but if that’s true why does it stay with me? Why do I keep going back to read it again? There is something more at play here, right? Something dark and … sad?
    Either way I’m with D.M. - it is good!

  • avatar

    Julie about 9 years ago

    Thank you D.M. and Thomas.

  • avatar

    Julie about 9 years ago

    Hmm... I'm trying to write a further comment, but Drablr isn't letting me post it.

  • avatar

    Julie about 9 years ago

    Yes, you are right, Thomas. There is more at play here. The subject is abortion, but I wanted to write it without actually mentioning the word abortion. It is written from the woman's pov, but could, I suppose. be that of the 'seed's' father.

  • avatar

    Julie about 9 years ago

    Why do I keep getting invalid comment? Weird.

  • avatar

    Julie about 9 years ago

    Let's try this one more time.
    The clue is in the sentence - Are there flower names for boys?

  • avatar

    Julie about 9 years ago

    OK, it's working for me now. I will therefore stop having conversations with myself and go do something productive, like write another drabble!

  • avatar

    T. Willemann about 9 years ago

    As mentioned, this got me thinking (actually abortion crossed my mind just a few words in) and I really like it. However, a few words seem to indicate a male rather than a female ‘gardener’, and I think the text would have been even stronger if you had made it clear that your protagonist is female. Whether or not an actual hint (to abortion) is needed, I’m not sure; I think you could have done without it. Maybe the hint should have been a last sentence twist… Either way it’s a good drabl!
    PS. I seem to get more Invalid Comment’s when I use mobile devices…

  • avatar

    Julie about 9 years ago

    Thanks for your thoughts, Thomas. I might look at it again at some point as I think you're right that it would be better to be clear about the pov character.

  • avatar

    Julie about 9 years ago

    I've reworked it and given it a male pov character. It is, I hope, an improvement on the original drabble.

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