Transgressive Thursday

Goodbye Honest Abe

Hello wrath of a sad Joker

That day we met the sun was shining so bright and so very promising for us. I thought to myself, why look here at honest Abe. My, my, how his eyes are set with such an honest twinkle of blue! Your voice was as calm as a clear stream, gently lapping at the rocks. Look at him, he wouldn't hurt a fly, said I.

Remember how we held hands and kissed in the moonlight? We melted together like a grainy sand sculpture in the rain. You dared to say those three frightening words, “I love you”, to a very faintly smiling, fragile me.

It was then that Joker appeared from the shadows. He was slowly shaking his head, with a silencing finger held up to his melting, red crayon lips. He was already watching you.

I said, “be very, very, sure, my dear”, because my strands have worn thin, threatening to snap. I couldn't be held accountable for what might happen, should you become careless with my heart. A broken heart can become a broken mind, I warned.

Remember the chuckle that escaped from your lips? But the Joker was not smiling one bit. You reassured me I was the “one”, caressing my leg for a mental distraction. But Joker was taking notes, and he thought it was all so suspicious. Never really believing or trusting you, Joker crossed his arms defensively.

Silly you, carrying on with the charade, your bent knee promising loyalty, that you didn't even possess. Alongside the river, you presented a sparkling ring. The last theatre presentation you shall ever direct and act in. Quite the production you created, there by the calm waters of our favorite place. I heard the echo of Joker clapping, in the back of the dark auditorium, that has become my mind.

Yes, I accepted the offer, even though I knew it was all a ruse. Together we forged ahead as one entity, walking the unknown path that they recklessly call “a future together.”

Marriage, children, and a home, came all too easily. We interacted with the misty figures they call, “a loving family.” Your work was stable but my, the hours were long! I would watch the clock after I put the kids to bed, as it became longer and longer. Joker stood in the doorway, shaking his head at me. Tsk, tsk, no good…no good…he mouthed, wagging a purple, gloved finger.

I watched out the window, at the reflection of a storm brewing between us. The clouds in your once honest eyes rolled slowly in. Your calm voice became tumultuous and booming, like thunder. My heart sank and a dark shadow formed ominously over my reeling mind. A tornado wrecked all the good thoughts that had feebly attempted to grow in my head.

I closed my eyes as Joker entered the room. I saw the faint glint of a shiny axe. He was angry and so, so sad, because you hurt his little heart. Shame on you, honest Abe.

This time, it would be me on the smiling end of this pain, sir. This time around, it will be you and only you, that pays the toll of the sad Joker’s wrath. Just you.

I will be wonderfully fine and maybe even dandy, this time around. With my heart coming out the other side of this bloody mess, fully intact. Without so much as a scratch!

That, my dear, is how your body ended up, at the bottom of the river. The Joker’s messy red smile grows wide, as he whispers the words, “In pieces…in several pieces…”

Another tale by Ripley

And one by Michael Williams

Receive redemption for your sins.