Shrunk to Fit - 5. Life Lessons

A life lesson we never know how valuable something is till it's gone, then it's too late to treasure it we can only miss it. You know how to get a point across without dragging out a story.

39 minutes ago, Mancunian said:

You know how to get a point across without dragging out a story.

Thank you! I don't have much option though with these. We're given an exact word count which has to be met. Word choices are very important.

I Loved how well this was written.

There are so many factions and governments around the world who want to keep the people ignorant so they can more easily control the population. The easiest way to keep people ignorant is to destroy schools (either literally or with massive funding cuts that effectively end up with the same result). Patriarchal societies have under-educated girls for centuries to prevent change (ie overthrow of male domination; logic and reason over tradition and superstition).

I was an indifferent student. I remember being happy when there was the prospect of a teacher’s strike cancelling school (although my conservative parents would have forced us to cross the picket line in any case). And I went to school when California’s education system was still well-funded and still considered world class – the effects of Proposition 13’s devastating tax cuts had yet to take effect when I graduated.

A 'day in the life' story in less than 50 words. A harsh lesson in reality in some times and some places. Excellent piece!

Yeah... harsh. A boy's hope and dreams die, but human spirit can reignite from the smallest ember. Well done, northie.

13 hours ago, droughtquake said:

I Loved how well this was written.

High praise! Thanks, drought.   And yes, denial of (free) education is still an effective weapon unfortunately.

8 hours ago, Geron Kees said:

A harsh lesson in reality in some times and some places.

Still too many times and places.  

6 hours ago, Headstall said:

but human spirit can reignite from the smallest ember.

Yes, against the harshest of regimes. Sometimes...