Summary

The website content reflects on the concept of fantasies, particularly a homecoming scenario, and discusses society's evolving perceptions of fantasy and aging, with a nod to the late Raquel Welch.

Abstract

The text presents a fictional homecoming scene where a man encounters a woman in a diaphanous robe, embodying a classic fantasy. It then transitions into a commentary on the nature of fantasies, questioning the relevance of such scenarios in contemporary times. The author, Carolyn Hastings, uses the recent passing of Raquel Welch to illustrate the fleeting nature of beauty and the inevitability of aging, emphasizing that fantasies are often rooted in youth and perpetuated by media portrayals. The piece also serves as a response to a writing prompt from "Paper Poetry" on Medium, inviting readers to explore their own fantasies and contribute to the conversation.

Opinions

The author suggests that the traditional fantasy of a woman waiting at home in a seductive manner may be outdated, belonging to a bygone era like the 1950s.
Carolyn Hastings expresses that the loss of youthful appearance is universal and that the entertainment industry often typecasts and undervalues individuals as they age.
The piece humorously acknowledges the potential for readers to interpret the written words in various ways, disclaiming responsibility for the reader's imagination.
The author indirectly criticizes the societal pressure to maintain youth and the unrealistic standards set by the portrayal of sex symbols in media.
Hastings encourages readers to engage with the "Fantastically Fantasy" writing prompt, indicating a belief in the value of shared creativity and diverse interpretations of fantasy.
The text conveys a sense of gratitude towards the readers for their support and invites them to subscribe to the author's email list or become Medium members through an affiliate link.

Fantastically Fantasy

Homecoming Welcome

I’m told it’s every man’s fantasy

diaphanous robe dry martini in hand lips double-dip glossed and ready waiting at the front door

briefcase in hand five o’clock shadow musk of a man almost home shutting the door on his ho-hum workday

his key turns releases the bolt knob firm in his grasp

a vision in dolly pink drops his jaw

“The kids aren’t here,” she purrs over the rim of her tipsy glass

licks the gloss on her lips with her tongue

he picks up his jaw drops his load on the floor “I think I’m in the wrong house!”

Disclaimer: I am merely the joiner of words; I take no responsibility for how you, the reader, may interpret these words or how they may imagideo in your mind.

Besides, this is not my fantasy!

…although, I do have it on good authority (erh, that’s open to conjecture!) that a playful, homecoming welcome like the dolly pink vision et al is every man’s fantasy, give or take.

…that maybe true if you happen to be trapped in a 1950s timelock!

Guys, if you haven’t noticed, we’ve moved on from there! 😅

To put this into some form of context, my source of male enlightenment had been reminiscing (possibly fantasising) about Raquel Welch in her heyday. For those not up with the news, the 1960s-70s screen siren passed away last week at the age of 82.

She, like so many sex symbol heartthrobs both male and female, suffered from having been typecast very early in her movie career. The passage of time and the push-pull of life did what they inevitably do; they took their toll on her looks and with it, her box office bankability.

I’m not being bitchy — or catty — just honest.

Losing our looks will and does happen to us all — for some, sooner than later. The reality is, we can’t stay young forever no matter how much we try or how much we believe in the fountain of youth.

Sorry guys, if I’ve burst your fantasy bubble! 😜

From left: former US First Lady, Nancy Reagan (age 64); Raquel Welch (age 45) and Raquel’s second husband André Weinfeld (age 38) — why is he wearing sunglasses for a state dinner in The Blue Room at the White House? 🤷 Photo taken on October 8 1985. Public domain: source

Fantastically Fantasy

I was prompted to write this piece by a male acquaintance who will, for now, remain anonymous. 🙄

It also happened to coincide with Paper Poetry’s Fantastically Fantasy month-long prompt.

Others have contributed to the prompt already, including Toni Crowe who reveals her humanitarian, superwoman 🦸‍♀️ fantasies in Over and Over, and her desire to fly her own dragon 🐉 in Air Travel, while William J Spirdione entertains a mystical fantasy in his yard with A Unicorn is Standing. 🦄

There is still plenty of time to let your fantasies free and join the prompt. The prompt announcement and details are here —

Fantastically Fantasy

Let the imagination and illusion take control and flourish in your poetic enchantments.

medium.com

Calling on a few of you by name but, of course, everyone is welcome — Raine Lore | Jenine "Jeni" Baines | Nikolaos Skordilis | Margie Willis | Joseph Lieungh 🙏 ✨

Thank you for reading and for your fantastically, fantastic support. 🙏 💕

✨ If you like what you’ve read, please consider — 👉 Subscribing to my email list 📩 👉 Becoming a Medium member using my affiliate referral link ✨