Closing out the 2014 Mormon Lit Blitz's third quarter....
Today's Piece: "Platinum Tears" by Marianne Hales Harding
This poetic essay, or essayistic poem, jumps right in to a major recurring dilemma in Mormonism.
On the one hand, we believe that meaning comes through commitment. On the other, we know that in this world, serious commitment can cause serious pain.
What do you do with that?
What is the role of grief in the healing process? What are its limits?
Is Walmart acting in some way as a sacred space here? What is it doing and how is it like or unlike other places?
Merrijane says:
ReplyDelete"I think her essay has themes in common with my poem, but she deals more specifically with one of the biggest rejections of all. Divorce is especially painful to recover from in a culture that expects, counts on a family lasting forever. I also have my "sacred" places where I feel free to cry--the bike path, my car. Not quite as populated as Wal-Mart, but public. Maybe there's a hope that someone will see and help mourn with those that mourn."
Wow. I think I'll be thinking about this piece for a long time. Platinum commitment, platinum tears. I might have to rethink my opinion of Walmart.
ReplyDeleteI found myself wondering if it would be more painful to see that ring again, shiny and new, with no more promises engraved in it, or to sell it as scrap metal to be melted down and reforged. And, to continue with her metaphor, what that would mean for her heart.
ReplyDeleteWow! You stuffed a story into 260 words. Well done!
ReplyDeletePerhaps Wal-Mart is Mormonism's church away from church since our buildings usually aren't open on weekdays for contemplation or prayer. You're right, anything goes in those sacred aisles.