I looked forward to another treatment of the plight of the Indians in North America with the same lack of enthusiasm.
A factor that made this different was that my wife and I had combined our creative talents (mostly hers) to create a group she named, “The League of Old Men.” The title sounded familiar so I looked it up and found this book with a similar but not exactly the same title. Turned out to be a short story of only twenty-three pages. I read it aloud to her today.
London addressed a terrible loss of life amongst both Indian and the White man with a casual, unemotional review of the numbers and few specific incidents.
At the same time, readers are drawn into the profoundly emotional story of the old man who created his own holocaust as he and his comrades delivered death to the invaders without remorse or prejudice.
In the end, the judge carries out his own duties as proscribed by law and his broken heart represents the conflicted emotions of the conquerors of the new world.
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The Back Story:
The reference in the first sentence was to my disinterest in Schindler’s List when it first came out. I didn’t see it for several years after its theatrical run.
The “League of Old Men” came from the back of several chairs I’d purchased at a church garage sale. Bob took one look at the lettering, “L.O.O.M.” and thought up the name. Then I asked, “Who are they?” Then she told me.
[NOTE: I read her this story and wrote the above article about it on April 7. She died on April 27.]
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22 responses to “My return to Weekend Writing Warriors”
chellecordero
June 24th, 2015 at 16:07
Your writing is filled with emotion that just pulls the reader in and doesn’t let go.
It’s good to have you back.
Eden
June 21st, 2015 at 23:45
Haven’t met you before, but… I must go back and reread some prior snippets now, Chip. You created quite an emotional dialogue of “what-had-been”s
elainecsc2013
June 21st, 2015 at 21:11
It’s nice to see you back. Did you know that you can do 10 sentences now?
pmillhouse
June 21st, 2015 at 17:57
I enjoyed reading your snippet, Chip. I sensed it was filled with underlying emotion and tougher truths we writers struggle with.
FCEtier
June 21st, 2015 at 20:46
Thanks for stopping by. Yes, very emotional.
P.T. Wyant
June 21st, 2015 at 13:58
Good to see you back, Chip.
FCEtier
June 21st, 2015 at 20:46
Thanks! Good to be writing again.
Karen Michelle Nutt
June 21st, 2015 at 12:03
So glad to have you back, Chip. Been thinking of you. Enjoyed the thought provoking snippet. When you referred to ‘London’, do you mean Jack London. Just curious. 🙂 Have a wonderful Sunday!!
FCEtier
June 21st, 2015 at 20:47
Yes, Karen, it’s Jack. I know Jack! LOL
Aine Blaze
June 21st, 2015 at 10:53
Nice snippet. Welcome back. I’ve been away myself. I was so interested in the story I did’t realize it was your 8 until I went back and reread. Very interesting.
Sarah W
June 21st, 2015 at 10:49
Hi, Chip! I’m glad you’re back–your snippets (fiction and nonfiction) and articles are always thought-provoking and offer opportunities for research binges and the exploration of my own opinions.
(Eventually, I hope to establish a L.O.O.W. of my own 🙂 )
FCEtier
June 21st, 2015 at 20:48
Thanks, Sarah. Nice to know I’m motivating someone to do something.
siobhanmuir
June 21st, 2015 at 10:29
Welcome back, Chip, and so glad you bring this memory to life to share. 🙂
Daelyn Morgana
June 21st, 2015 at 00:49
Welcome back. Interesting snippet this week.
Linda Hamonou
June 21st, 2015 at 00:09
Welcome back. Nice snippet!
Teresa Cypher
June 20th, 2015 at 23:14
I’m so glad to see you back, Chip. You’ve been in my thoughts…
I followed this snippet back to the original post on your blog. I was curious if your mention of “London” was Jack London–which, indeed, it is.
A good post. 🙂
FCEtier
June 21st, 2015 at 20:49
Thanks, Teresa. For weeks, I felt like an emotional paraplegic. It’s a slow process, but I’m making progress. Returned to work this week.
Iris B
June 20th, 2015 at 21:04
Good to have you back. Great 8 today.
Connie Flanagan
June 20th, 2015 at 18:53
Glad your back. Commented on the original article.
FCEtier
June 20th, 2015 at 20:21
Thanks, Connie. I appreciate your interest.
Author Charmaine Gordon
June 20th, 2015 at 18:01
Thinking of you, Chip, with admiration and fondness.
FCEtier
June 20th, 2015 at 20:21
Thanks, Charmaine, that means a lot.