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!
great last line and a heckuva spin’
like it a lot
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
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!
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
I feel like I should have read this book, but don’t remember a thing about it. Your version will do quite nicely. 🙂
nicely done!
best,
MOV
Perfect last line! Who is knitting our lives?
Who’s knitting our lives? Terrific thought.
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?
Sadly I’ve never read this novel. Now, I’m intrigued and will have to track down a copy at the library.
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.