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SHE: a short story in verse
Note: This short story is an experimental work of fiction written in verse. Page count: 30. Word count: 1500.
A girl’s brief encounter in limbo, following a suicide attempt, after being sexually abused by a priest. God in limbo is represented by She. She has been misinformed about how faith is advocated on Earth, and sends the girl back for another chance at life, in the belief that she must repent for her sin.
This story explores the notion that it is blasphemous for religion to be institutionalized, because no matter what one believes, there will always be something or someone that contaminates its worth. The only faith anyone needs can be found within one’s own heart and soul.
*Disclaimer: This story is not in any way a direct criticism of religion, or a representation of the author's beliefs, but simply a creative exploration of the concept.
A girl’s brief encounter in limbo, following a suicide attempt, after being sexually abused by a priest. God in limbo is represented by She. She has been misinformed about how faith is advocated on Earth, and sends the girl back for another chance at life, in the belief that she must repent for her sin.
This story explores the notion that it is blasphemous for religion to be institutionalized, because no matter what one believes, there will always be something or someone that contaminates its worth. The only faith anyone needs can be found within one’s own heart and soul.
*Disclaimer: This story is not in any way a direct criticism of religion, or a representation of the author's beliefs, but simply a creative exploration of the concept.
30 pages, Paperback
First published July 5, 2014
294 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Bell
76 books497 followersJessica Bell is a multi-award-winning author/poet and singer-songwriter who was born in Melbourne, Australia.
In addition to having published a memoir, five novels, three poetry collections, and her bestselling Writing in a Nutshell series, she has been featured in a variety of publications and radio shows such as Writer’s Digest, Publisher’s Weekly, The Guardian, Life Matters, and Poetica.
She is also the Publisher of Vine Leaves Press, and a highly sought-after book cover designer. She currently resides in Athens, Greece, with her partner and son, and a pile of dishes that still don’t know how to wash themselves despite her consistently teaching by example.
For more information visit: iamjessicabell.com
In addition to having published a memoir, five novels, three poetry collections, and her bestselling Writing in a Nutshell series, she has been featured in a variety of publications and radio shows such as Writer’s Digest, Publisher’s Weekly, The Guardian, Life Matters, and Poetica.
She is also the Publisher of Vine Leaves Press, and a highly sought-after book cover designer. She currently resides in Athens, Greece, with her partner and son, and a pile of dishes that still don’t know how to wash themselves despite her consistently teaching by example.
For more information visit: iamjessicabell.com
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
July 11, 2014
Jessica Bell has created a true work of art with her new short story in verse, SHE. It gives us a glimpse into the mind, into a traumatic moment. I had to read it twice, and I think I might pick it up again one more time.
I loved how if I read the stanzas in succession they had one meaning, and if I read each line separately there was another. Such depth and feeling involved in such a tense subject, but Jessica never gave her opinion she simply showed a moment in time.
Some of the concepts are so contradictory. It really made me think. “Stigmata and release”; “Father John’s labyrinths”; “in a slither of sun in the snow.” I had to focus and at the same time let the words wash over me. That is exactly why I liked it, because it wasn’t easy.
I loved how if I read the stanzas in succession they had one meaning, and if I read each line separately there was another. Such depth and feeling involved in such a tense subject, but Jessica never gave her opinion she simply showed a moment in time.
Some of the concepts are so contradictory. It really made me think. “Stigmata and release”; “Father John’s labyrinths”; “in a slither of sun in the snow.” I had to focus and at the same time let the words wash over me. That is exactly why I liked it, because it wasn’t easy.
October 17, 2014
Bell is a wonderful poet and I like how she tried something new, a short story in verse. The words and story are both powerful.
December 16, 2017
Impressions
It's about a person that lifes in someway bad circumstances. The reader follows her path and wishes and fears. It is not all abouth fait, it is also about daily live. At the end is something that makes everything mostly clear und so sad, because of this reason I say no more.
I translatet it in german my motherlanguae. Not a beautiful german but engouth to see the story. It is a Little difficult to me talk about it. The story ist good, by reading twice you cann feel her emotions und understand what happend. I think everone should read it twice.
I like some picutres and comparison the Autor made by words, ashes glittering in the sun, such things.
It ist verry short with 28 pages, but it is all that I needed in there. Costs 3,75 Euro.
It's about a person that lifes in someway bad circumstances. The reader follows her path and wishes and fears. It is not all abouth fait, it is also about daily live. At the end is something that makes everything mostly clear und so sad, because of this reason I say no more.
I translatet it in german my motherlanguae. Not a beautiful german but engouth to see the story. It is a Little difficult to me talk about it. The story ist good, by reading twice you cann feel her emotions und understand what happend. I think everone should read it twice.
I like some picutres and comparison the Autor made by words, ashes glittering in the sun, such things.
It ist verry short with 28 pages, but it is all that I needed in there. Costs 3,75 Euro.
October 17, 2014
A stunning short story in verse by Jessica Bell.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews