March SOLC–Day 28
Bitter Chocolate
I remember an early Easter morning
at my grandparent’s house in Florida.
My sister whispered to me,
“Go look for your basket.”
I was uncertain, hesitant.
“Go on, ” she urged.
So I did.
Not pausing to wonder why she didn’t.
Blinded by my sweet tooth,
eager to see that grass-filled basket
filled with a tumble of toys and treats,
I searched until
Eureka!
I found it!
My laden basket
hidden behind a heavy curtain.
I knelt and my small hand reached out,
grabbed and unwrapped
a miniature chocolate bunny,
popped it into my grinning mouth.
Chocolate for breakfast!
Treasure in hand, I turned
to see two dark polished shoes
planted in the plush carpet,
long creased pant legs attached.
Slowly I rose
basket dangling in my hand.
I looked up, up, up to see
my grandfather’s face,
stern and frowning,
disappointment writ large.
“What are you doing?”
he rumbled.
“You’re not supposed to look for your basket yet!”
In an instant
my delight melted
as completely
as the chocolate in my mouth.
It left a
lingering,
bitter
taste.
As I’ve written and read slices this month, I’ve been thinking a lot about memories and how to write them. I’ve decided that being true to the emotional truth of the moment trumps the actual details. This memory was sparked by all the Easter posts yesterday. The broad strokes of the moment are accurate though the details might be off a bit. I still remember that moment though, and the plummet from delight to shame.
Nix the comfort zone 
I enjoyed reading the Easter memory slices too. You always are able to brilliantly capture the details and the emotions in your writing. I do agree, that emotion should trump details. I could feel how the naughty little girl felt as she searched and found her Easter basket. Hope she learned her lesson!
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Wow, you wrote that scene so vividly. I know the feeling of being “blinded by my sweet tooth” and loved that line!
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Your statement that “I’ve decided that being true to the emotional truth of the moment trumps the actual details” is a really important one to hold onto as a writer and to even teach the students in front of you. You did a beautiful job of creating a memory slice. Wow.
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Wow, i love how you captured this memory! I felt like I was right there in the story with you! Great slice!
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You are right about sticking to the emotional impact of the memory, never mind the “exact details.” We remember because of how we felt at the time. Details fade, but our feelings remain to be experienced again.
You captured what it was like for you at that time. Loved it.
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I’m a big fan of “emotional truth.” It reminds me of the importance of the “spirit of the law” over “letter of the law.” Your phrase “Chocolate for breakfast!” captures the dream of all kids! Again, you “took” me to that Sunday morning. Siblings!
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I hadn’t thought of this in terms of “letter of the law” and “spirit of the law.” Very true. Thanks, Dan!
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“Not pausing to wonder why she didn’t.” This line says it all to me. I have a similar memory at Christmas when I went to look at the tree before I was supposed to. Excellent.
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Beautifully captured – the turn in emotion was perfectly crafted.
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Sometimes I think it’s sad that we remember the times when we felt sad or embarrassed, much more than the great times. I suppose that’s human nature, but still. . . You wrote this so vividly, and I felt sorry for that little chocolate-loving girl.
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Thanks, Linda. It’s surprising how those feelings resonate through the years. I think you’re right–the sad and embarrassed ones seem to do so more than joyful ones. I still felt a sting of shame as I wrote this. My grandfather was a difficult man to disappoint.
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You captured the essence of this memory and I could feel the emotions of that little girls. Isn’t that what writing is all about? Loved seeing the “polished shoes and looking up, up, up…” Awesome!
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Your are absolutely right! “Being true to the emotional truth of the moment trumps the actual details.” Such an important understanding, especially for writers. Thank you for sharing this memory, even if it’s bittersweet.
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You have really captured the moment here. I felt like I was right there with you through the search, the discovery, and the reprimand. One of the things I love about reading books is the way you can see inside a character. By knowing their true intention you get a glimpse of something that might have otherwise gone unnoticed. You capture that inner feeling and emotion in your poem. The title words perfectly with your message.
When you said, ” I’ve decided that being true to the emotional truth of the moment trumps the actual details,” I paused to consider your statement. I’m going to be pondering that for awhile.
Cathy
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great post! I love when you say “Eureka!” and show your excitement but like you said, it disappears just as fast. Great writing and yes, you did capture the emotions of this memory!
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