A Tale of Two Cities
Madame DeFarge
knit away
lives of all those slain
she smiled while knitting
that devious dame
with glee and little shame
a nefarious time
1775
Today much the same
Who’s knitting our lives?
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Oh, those Trifextra Trixters . . . the challenge? Re-write a famous story in our own words – in exactly 33 of those words. Oh, my!
You may ask – why Tale of Two Cities – a young friend of mine is reading it with her sophomore class at Kenai Central HS. She is having a tough time of it, as are her friends. My encouragment to continue reading, to read it aloud, to compare the times, seems to be falling on deaf (aka teenaged) ears.
I need to re-read it. It’s been well over 40 years . . . but I remember Madame DeFarge and her knitting . . . and I compare her devilish glee with today’s politicos. Someone knitting away while we languish/die? Yeah, maybe.
And – it took over 100 words to explain my 33 word piece. Yeesh!
Posted: February 17th, 2012 under Moose Nuggets, trifecta, words.
Comments: 11
Comments
Comment from Carrie
Time: February 17, 2012, 8:57 pm
It’s been so long since I read A Tale of Two Cities that I can’t remember much. Regardless, I love the imagery you crafted with your poem, especially the ending
Comment from Rachel
Time: February 17, 2012, 9:03 pm
I remember having quite the time reading that book too! I remember being a bit fresh and asking my teacher come on was it the best of times or the worst? I liked your take on it though!
Comment from Dana
Time: February 17, 2012, 10:22 pm
As always, beautiful!!! Love how you “knitted” this story so well!
Sheesh, I really need to read that book… that’s the only book that hubby can quote but I can’t. ACK! ;-D
Comment from megan
Time: February 17, 2012, 11:37 pm
I feel like I should have read this book, but don’t remember a thing about it. Your version will do quite nicely. 
Comment from natalie
Time: February 18, 2012, 9:17 am
Perfect last line! Who is knitting our lives?
Comment from kelly garriott waite
Time: February 18, 2012, 6:42 pm
Who’s knitting our lives? Terrific thought.
Comment from The Gal Herself
Time: February 19, 2012, 6:10 am
Thanks for your final 100 words. I haven’t read the book because it’s always scared me. Now could you do the same thing for Moby Dick?
Comment from Tara R.
Time: February 19, 2012, 7:08 am
Sadly I’ve never read this novel. Now, I’m intrigued and will have to track down a copy at the library.
Comment from Trifecta
Time: February 20, 2012, 5:56 am
Thanks for linking up, Barbara. I like this a lot. You took on one of the classics here and did a really good job. I think I also remember Madame DeFarge with a pistol as well? But given how she died, I think it’s better to remember her with her knitting needles! Hope to see you for the weekly challenge.
Comment from Lance
Time: February 17, 2012, 8:16 pm
great last line and a heckuva spin’
like it a lot