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.
This week’s prompt word:
CANCELLATION
‘I’m sorry, this is not the appropriate department for what you wish to accomplish. Please, consult the directory on the wall or, download our app’.
The man felt the folded-rectangle of paper deforming the pocket of his jacket and moved closer towards a large brass wall plaque covered in letters, words and numbers; oddly the information was in both intaglio and bas relief. ‘So anyone can read it,’ the thought became a certainty to the man, but was of as little context to him as the opening of a convent door to an infant lying in a midnight-basket.
Looking down at the paper, now, somehow, out of his pocket, the only intelligible words were: Petition for Cancellation of Probable Future.
…
“We have reason to be optimisticas we’ve realized tremendous improvements in the efficacy of treatments for your type of cancer.”
The physician smiled with the professional pride of a salesman demonstrating the newest features of a car that he was certain his new customer simply could not live without.
Somewhere, outside the office, the man heard a voice, ‘Reminder. Unless altered, all fates are final at the end of business today’.
*
About clarkscottroger
“…the thought became a certainty to the man, but was of as little context to him as the opening of a convent door to an infant lying in a midnight-basket.”
I can’t quite put my finger on it. Why that line stood out.
A well penned piece, Clark. Profound, it gives one pause to consider. Life.
thanks
Well done.
thankee, Miz M
‘Reminder. Unless altered, all fates are final at the end of business today’. Well, that could go either way. Great piece, clark.
Appreciate it Doug… glad you’re keeping the ‘hop going
I think, Clark, at the risk of sounding pompous and judgemental, that this is the finest piece of writing I’ve ever seen from you.
It raises so many questions, and leaves the reader – well, this one, at least – pondering the meaning of Life, the Universe, and Everything.
thanx c
highest of compliments (invoking one of my favorite writers and all)
Sorry, just getting round to reading this, Clark. Events irrelevant to writing kept me preoccupied last week.
That’s a profound piece, tightly written, yet provoking so many questions.
C. E, told me I needed to go back and read it. I’m glad I did.
thanks, jenne
(All too familiar of late with the intrusions of the ‘real’ world on my fave diversion)