When the gift strips away independence,
Makes you feel less like yourself;
You can become weighed down, unsettled.
Not intentionally of course, but yet
There are times kind acts ruse;
Hidden expectations cling, nip and sting.
The debt of gratitude or grace
Can become a burden of obligation,
Uncomfortably born from need, uncertainty, weakness.
The undertone may not be deliberate
But there it is, stilting conversation;
Altering the cadence of friendship, family.
And so you bide your time.
Nodding your acquiescence to the situation,
Until the opportunity arrives, is created.
The weighted gift returned – and now
Without a doubt, you can say
Yes, finally! That debt is paid.
* Photo credit to Natashi Jay
—
It’s been so long since I last published a post, I could actually hear my WordPress account creaking as I logged in and began typing. 🙂
It’s good to be back in the swing of things.
This Six Word Friday post is inspired by a bizarrely heavy play on the word “paid”. Head on over to Melissa Camara Wilkin’s blog to read how others have woven their own meanings into the word.
14 Responses to “Six Word Fridays: paid”
ayala
So good to see you again, I missed you. Hope all was well and you returned with a great write. 🙂
melgallant
Ayala,
It’s good to be back! Can’t wait to circle back and read yours and everyone else’s thoughts on the word this week’s theme. 🙂
Adrienne
Hmmm…so interesting. I find that those who give like that (*cough*mymother*cough*) always feel owed…no matter what they’re given. But she’s probably colored my perspective on this…just a tad!
Love your writing, so I hope you keep posting!
melgallant
Hi Adrienne,
LOL – there is always someone in our life who feels owed…family or friend. It’s hard to be in debt to them literally or figuratively. Thanks for your comment – it made me smile. 🙂
Keia
I love your six word Friday post. Very interesting and thought provoking how you used the word paid.
melgallant
Hi Keia,
Thanks. I was struggling to come up with a theme for this one. The first lines I created are the last lines so I worked backwards on this one. 🙂
Molly@Postcards from a Peaceful Divorce
Missed you! This was thought provoking as always. I’m glad that you got that debt paid. Some debts weigh more heavily than others.
melgallant
Thanks Molly, it’s good to be back!
Brook @2bdancing
yeah, some gifts come with strings attached, not just ribbon.
melgallant
Brook,
Good point – I forgot about the ‘strings attached’ analogy. Wish I’d thought to use it! 🙂
Melissa
Expectations can be killer. Payback can be too, come to think of it!
melgallant
So true! Payback gets you every time…
Kate B
Superb. Read it several times – exquisite description of how so many of our families operate.
Well done.
melgallant
Thanks Kate!