Doreen's Fantastic Article

Doreen registered online for a writing practice 'class' where she gets an exercise every week and after submitting it to a mailing list, she'll get her critiques from others. For this week, her assignment was as follows:

In 300 words or less describe a single moment in time--a snapshot without using dialogue or action. Can you "show" the story behind the image? Try not to "interpret" the picture, instead describe it. Let the reader decide what all this adds up to. Remember to show, not tell.

So here's the piece she did that really touched my heart:

The pews are beautifully decorated with pink and cream roses, ribbons curled and threaded around the sweet blossoms. The bouquets line the aisle. Near the entrance, dozens of roses have been tumultuously thrown together to cascade down the sides of the pew. Green leafy foliage intertwines with the brown vines of the arch, here and there tendrils gracefully fall through.

Under the arch, his posture is straight, shoulders back. His immaculate black suit is complemented by a deep purple corsage on its lapel. Elbow crooked, his hand is turned inwards to rest on his jacket. The glint of his glasses partially hides the creases near his eyes, the shadow of a smile on his face. Although they are to walk forward, his head is turned and he has eyes only for the daughter by his side.

In her heels, she just reaches his shoulder. Her arm fits snugly through the crook of his arm. The long sweeping bouquet of lilies seems weightless in her lacily gloved hands. Nestled among bright green leaves, the big blooming flowers spill over her billowing ivory gown. Her jeweled choker sparkles in the light. Beneath the long white veil, her hair has been pinned and teased into many perfect ringlets leading up to a tiara. A single lock of hair playfully peeks out, framing her face as she smiles and looks ahead.

Written by Doreen Betty Ferns