Call it narcissistic, but I know my blood runs in their veins.
I lived my life and tried to do well, to be someone memorable, brave, kind – but now it’s nearly over and I realize I just stumbled through the days. I could have accomplished so much more. The creature that is fear – fear of failure, insignificance, loneliness, and of death – whispers, “I am the creature that smells your darkest thoughts.” I beat it back, but its still there.
Then I hold my grandchild and life whispers, “She could be everything you’re not and more.” I am reborn in that wriggling body of life and possibility. And it doesn’t matter that I’ll never be great, because she already is. A grandchild is hope and promise with love and joy sprinkled on top. Somehow I will go on, even when I’m gone.
Picture of me with a granddaughter, Taisy, and you can see my late husband’s arm and hand in the picture. He was touching his heritage. We miss him so very, very much.
Copyright ©2026 Lisa Paul. All rights reserved.
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For this Prosery Prompt, I’ve chosen the following line
“I am the creature who smells your darkest thoughts”
From “Jaguar Song.” Read the entire poem here.
This is the line you must use for this Prosery prompt!
A Little Bit of Everything, With Love 