The gravestone—
purchased 30+ years ago after her parents’ burials
—has been waiting for her.
Her husband’s final date was added in 2005.
Her own expiration date will appear there soon.
In stone.
hooking up with the talented peeps of Trifecta again. constructive criticism always welcome.
Grim but well-written.
ReplyDeleteDeath is one of the certainties of life. (One most don't choose to think about until the end is near!)
ReplyDeleteWell done, Death is indeed a certainty.
ReplyDeleteKatie atBankerchick Scratchings
It is one of life's surest things. This is creatively dark and sad but extremely well written 33!
ReplyDeleteI am very afraid of dying, I do not want to. I have so much more to do, to see, to be.
ReplyDeleteBut of course, I know I don't have a say...and these words you crafted, were a well written reminder of that.
Ugh - tomb stone waiting for us indeed.
ReplyDelete"Expiration date" - this makes it feel like a premonition. Nicely done.
ReplyDeleteI like this very much! The sense of inevitability is almost profound. Great use of the prompt!
ReplyDeleteNow, there's something I don't own.....my own tombstone with my own name on it! Thank goodness for that! My wife is the queen of pitching things out of our fridge that are even one day past the expiration date. Thank goodness, again, that I don't have a pre-ordained expiration date or else, I'd have to watch my wife, very, very carefully. :)
ReplyDeleteI find it morbidly relieving how me and my family are conforted by our own plots and eventual headstones. It's like grim comfort. you conveyed this so well in your 33.
ReplyDeleteThe words "expiration date" makes it sound so business-like very nicely written!
ReplyDeleteMy folks died four months apart, so I can relate. I agree with Joe2: "Expiration date" is a good term. Kind of like you get used up as you age, you know? Dark 33 and well done, Christina! Amy
ReplyDeletehttp://sharplittlepencil.com/2013/03/09/stone-cold-trifecta/
Expiration date... carved in stone. Serious and deep!
ReplyDeleteI remember going to visit my grandmother's grave with my grandfather, standing there in shock as I read his name - sans "end" date - next to hers on the gravestone. Brrrr.
Well written. Highlights what short lives we live. The gravestone will wait, however long it may be.
ReplyDeleteLast night I saw Beasts of the Southern Wild. That family's explanation of death suited me just fine--mainly that it happens and that we don't need to fear it. I hope to have an ounce of that courage.
ReplyDeleteThe "expiration date" caught me as well. I also feel as though she is ready. Well written!
ReplyDeleteI think 'expiration date' was the clincher for most of us. The gravestone of a family and realising your name will be on there... leaves me thinking there is something to be said for being cremated!
ReplyDeleteThe last line makes it seem so final.
ReplyDeleteA lot of people have a stone carved for them already, only the date waiting, well penned.
ReplyDeleteGreat post & I really like the idea of having an "expiration date"-how morbid,some would say but then its a fact:-)In India,for Hindus,(I am one)there are no graves,so no grave stones.This is how cremation takes place- the body is burnt on a funeral pyre & the ashes are immersed in flowing water-preferably holy river(like Ganges).
ReplyDeleteheART-WRENCHING-I KNOW SO MANY...beebeesworld
ReplyDeleteHaunting. Well done!
ReplyDeleteThis is sadly beautiful
ReplyDeleteMost people don't take a practical view of death preparations, but your protagonist's pragmatism seems to have left her desolate. Well done!
ReplyDeleteExpiration date. I like that.
ReplyDeleteThere is so much power behind this piece. So dark and sad.
ReplyDeleteher own expiration date . . .
ReplyDeleteoh, indeed. My daughter and I have been talking about our final endings lately. She wants me to write my obituary, etc.
I'd really rather just live each day. :)