Welcome to the Wakefield Doctrine (the theory of clarks, scotts and rogers)

This is the Wakefield Doctrine’s contribution to Doug’s new(ish) bloghop the Min-to-Min for this, the somethingth of February.

Only two requirements placed on those of us driven to write: it must key off of a specific phrase, idea or prompt word and it cannot exceed two hunnert an pfity words.

So, head over to there. Reading the stories is fun. But, if you’re so inclined, why not write one and link it to the ‘hop. It’s a very collegial bunch of writers there, you will feel comfortable. (though, maybe it best not to say anything about who you heard it from, ya know?

This week’s prompt

Spy Balloon

Marie Sophrosynée did not cry.

Her only child, Dieudonné, stood before her in the living room. To fortify her resolve, Marie looked past her son at the room that had been their refuge since the loss of a third of their family. The photo of the family as a whole remained on the mantle, a man in uniform, a woman in love and a child that made them whole.

Marie hated and loved the photo, but endured both as it was the last remnant of a life destroyed.

“And, they said, because I am of legal age, I could enlist right there, with the other boys.”

Dieu, (as Marie preferred), stood with an awkward pride. His mother’s glance towards the mantle did not go un-noticed. But he heard the Sergeant’s last words, after securing binding signatures from the very young men in his office, spoken with the invigorating confidence, “Don’t talk more than you must at home, lads. Just remind them that you are making them proud citizens of the State.”

Marie Sophrosynée, sensing with the corrosive wisdom of a mother’s love, that to cry or to clutch at her son might leave a vulnerability, like Thetis at the rivers edge, smiled and put her hand on his head in painful benediction.

The recruiting poster he held, fell and unrolled on the floor.  Florid colors and cartoonish lettering:

“Your Country Needs You. Train to Be a Spy Balloon Pilot.! Protect Our Freedoms! Sign Up Now!!!”