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Waiting for White Smoke

How I Became A Villain...

By Kendall Defoe Published about a year ago 1 min read
Waiting for White Smoke
Photo by Hoyoun Lee on Unsplash

Hero or victim; victim or hero...

I have never been able to settle on one side or the other. For those of you who hate the Earth, and feel that you should strip it, rob it, spoil it with your products and your greed, I am your enemy, and you feel my wrath when I force you to inhale, inject or consume the waste that you've given the world.

For those of you who love this planet, and realize that it is the only one we have, you have nothing to fear from me. I see you recycling, reusing, sharing, growing your little gardens, planting trees, and teaching the next generation to care about the world we have to share. You understand my methods and understand why I do what I do.

And how did I end up here? The usual sad story of a man who cared too much. I was at a protest against the building of another nuclear plant, found myself being manhandled not by police, but by private security hired to harrass us, and thrown into a reactor. There was not even an inquiry into my disappearance when the love of my life demanded I be found and returned safely. The police simply did not care; the media had other things to worry about. And I had my role to play.

So remember: that roiling and boiling cloud of smoke you see at a factory or plant might not simply be the spew of polluters wanting to make a quick buck. It might be me, plotting and taking revenge, preparing for the latest victim of White Smoke.

Stay tuned!

By Jaroslav Devia on Unsplash

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You can find more poems, stories, and articles by Kendall Defoe on my Vocal profile.

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About the Creator

Kendall Defoe

Teacher, reader, writer, dreamer... I am a college instructor who cannot stop letting his thoughts end up on the page. No AI. No Fake Work. It's all me...

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Reader insights

Nice work

Very well written. Keep up the good work!

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Comments (8)

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  • Sarah Danaherabout a year ago

    Such an interesting origin and fighting for such a cause.

  • From an ole tree huggin', dirt lover breathing clean and green in Sweden, this was TOPS!

  • Testabout a year ago

    Oooo! Nice building of the tension and great way to draw us in/ leave us wanting more!! Great work Kendall!

  • Oooo, I wish I could be his assistant hehehehe. Loved your story!

  • Sid Aaron Hirjiabout a year ago

    Nice take on this one

  • Andrea Corwin about a year ago

    Oh!! White Smoke! I am loving this❣️❣️❣️

  • Lamar Wigginsabout a year ago

    Nice!!! The ending felt very dramatic. I would route for him. And thank God I recycle, lol.

  • Lana V Lynxabout a year ago

    Nice take on the challenge, Kendall!

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