I've been taking a creative non-fiction writing class with Andi Cumbo that's been a fantastic way to learn about different writing styles and to get good feedback on my own writing. One of the recent assignments was to write a lyric essay. This type of essay is still prose writing, but it has an emphasis on the particular use of words to give a more poetical style. There are many ways to accomplish this goal and I couldn't even begin to describe (or understand) them all. My essay for this assignment was very short, but I liked it and thought I'd share it with you. This version is my first draft and doesn't include Andi's suggestions for more detail, but that's just the way it is.
My Daughter, I Understand
You rage. Tears streaming, you stamp your barely woman-sized foot. Mute with frustration, you storm off to your room, remembering at the last moment to not slam your door.
Minutes later, sniffling, you emerge, hunger drawing you back to the dinner table. You snuggle into Papa’s lap, forgiving, forgiven. Smiling radiantly, you take your seat and eat.
Storms of hormones race through you, evident in your newly budding breasts and your emotional pendulum. Losing control over your once familiar body, you struggle for control over small pieces of your life, fighting against parental authority.
My daughter, I understand. You are ten.
