13 Comments
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JK Mill's avatar

Oh my God. One of the most powerful things I've read, ever.

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Author Michele Bardsley's avatar

Wow, JK Mill! Thank you for such an amazing compliment. I'm honored.

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Vince Roman's avatar

Haunting

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Author Michele Bardsley's avatar

Thank you!

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Artemis's avatar

This is both horrifying and beautifully written

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Author Michele Bardsley's avatar

Thank you so much, Artemis!

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Taylor Stephens's avatar

A beautiful symphony of pleasure and pain 🖤

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Author Michele Bardsley's avatar

Thank you!

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K.C. Knouse's avatar

Beautifully written, Michelle. I liked the way you related women's torment to the ocean's rage: kindred spirits. The tone changes dramatically with the entrance of Grant. Whereas Alice sought the ocean as a savior, she accepts Grant as her punisher. Neither will fill her empty soul.

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Author Michele Bardsley's avatar

Thank you, K.C.! Who she is alone is different from who she is with Grant. She's torn between identities. Neither one feels right. I think that's why she seeks to be nothing. Because even though joy is gone, so is pain.

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Bradley Ramsey's avatar

This piece is the epitome of poetry and pose intertwined. Every line leaps off the page, and it flows with such grace that it demands your attention until the very end.

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Author Michele Bardsley's avatar

Thank you for such high praise!

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Bradley Ramsey's avatar

It is entirely deserving of every word. Awesome piece.

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