S̶e̶r̶i̶e̶s̶ ̶F̶i̶n̶a̶l̶e̶
Exiting the big picture...
cold water to the face invigorates
your next role.
box cars, all containing secrets
of how you became a punchline
and how you won't be the last laugh.
mirrors only remind you
of a script in desperate need of
refinement.
quick, look away!
peering into stranded eyes
may draw you into a
self-spiraling binge...
*
dry your hands and exit the lavatory...
discard all prescribed solutions; opiates are the real imposter...
lock all the doors in your mind, trapping every untrustworthy thought...
power on the espresso machine; indulge the scent of urgency...
quarantine yourself from the tendency to care; sentiment is only there for the raving reviews...
pour three fingers of liquid courage over ice and set aside...
walk to the master bedroom that hasn't been slept in since discovering the heavy cost of truth...
pack a small bag without being too particular about wardrobe etiquette...
shred all photos except that one of you from the last time you were happy — place in your back pocket...
quit wondering who will be first to notice you're gone; their critiques conspire to disparage...
reset your mind to factory settings, erasing all forms of illusion...
project into a secluded future that doesn't involve being anywhere near life’s casting calls...
bypass the want for last looks or reminiscing; possessions don't care or make you whole...
now, grab the iced courage and consume every drop, appreciate the burn as it dismantles an inkling to regress...
And remember, to leave your favorite light on so neighbors won't assume a suspicious narrative...
time to exist in a frame where the arc is no longer important...
walk to the front door—
open it—
walk through—
inhale the freeing, night air
feel your bones decompress
with every justifiable step,
increasing the distance between
encore and grief...
denouement complete—
roll credits...
About the Creator
Lamar Wiggins
Creative writer in the Northeast US who loves the paranormal, mystery, true crime, horror, humor, fantasy and poetry.
"Life is Love Experienced" -LW
LDubs
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Outstanding
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Top insights
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
Expert insights and opinions
Arguments were carefully researched and presented
Keep reading
More stories from Lamar Wiggins and writers in Poets and other communities.
The Cost
There is always a cost. Not the dramatic kind people imagine, not the cinematic sacrifice that earns applause, but the quiet, relentless toll that transformation demands. The cost begins long before you rise and continues long after you land. It threads itself through every choice, every boundary, every refusal to return to the version of yourself that once made survival look effortless.
By Elisa Wontorcik4 days ago in Poets
Day 4 of Quitting
If this is how sobriety feels, maybe it’s better to go through life a little buzzed… this, along with other hits like, I want to kill myself, I wish I was dead, and I’m going to throw myself off a bridge have been the only thoughts on rotation these past few days. I promise myself that if, in a month, I still feel like this (‘this’ meaning despondent, full of rage, and simultaneously numb) I can go back to smoking. Until mid-February though? Nicotine is off the table.
By sleepy drafts4 days ago in Longevity
Comments (58)
Congratulations on your well deserved win… fascinating take on the challenge. I especially like: “ And remember, to leave your favorite light on so neighbors won't assume a suspicious narrative... time to exist in a frame where the arc is no longer important... walk to the front door— open it— walk through— inhale the freeing, night air”🤩
So unsettling but so good! 👏 👏 👏
congratulations on top story-- bleak, cold and removed, yet part of a new start.
Congratulations on Top Story! 👏
Congratulations, Lamar!!! Great depiction of taking that first step of courage to break free!
Congratulations on your win Lamar!! 🎉🎉🎉👏👏👏
Definitely a winner. Moving. My favorite line (among many) : "reset your mind to factory settings, erasing all forms of illusion..." ✨
Wow and congratulations!!!
Excellent work, my friend. Congrats on the well-deserved win.
Oh, this is marvelous...and in it I began a story with the line: reset your mind to factory settings, erasing all forms of illusion... Why they throwing all the mulah at choo. bummer 🤷♂️. Congrats...😍way 2 go.
Congratulations!!! 🏆🏆🏆
Congrats this is a great poem
My gut was spot on, Lamar, returning to congratulate you on your win. I am so happy for you!
Do all people wonder this? "quit wondering who will be first to notice you're gone; their critiques conspire to disparage..." I loved this line!! reset your mind to factory settings, erasing all forms of illusion... The finale photo was amazing. Many congrats on the win here!
A very well deserved win!
Very nicely done. My favourite line is: "quit wondering who will be first to notice you're gone" Congratulations on the win!
Many congratulations, Lamar! I love the opening to this piece. So compelling and the metaphor is working soooo well. I was so happy to see your name at the top of the list!!
Oof. This immediately drew me in with a relentlessness that wouldn't let go. Fabulous job, Lamar. Well deserved win!
I suspected this might win when I read it, so I’m happy for you though not surprised! Congratulations!
Well done 👍
Congratulations on your win🎉🎉🎉
This is brilliant, Sir. I love every nuance: the words, the imagery, the storytelling, the formatting choices you made. I'm surprised & honored to be in your company. Congratulations. ⚡️💙 Bill ⚡️
🏆 Please allow me to be so-o-o-o very proud of You!!! 👏✍️💙👏✍️
Whoop! Winner!!!❤️❤️💕
Wooohooooo congratulations on your win! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊