Charmed Chaos
Musings on Life, Love, and Linguine-Poetry & Writing
Limbo
I am not sure when the moment came where I ceased to be. I recall being ill, feeling feverish, and I remember my mother calling my name from far away. At that point I lost touch with reality and blacked out.
Now I find myself unable to communicate with those around me, for they cannot see or hear me. I scream at the top of my lungs to no avail and still nothing. During the times I get frustrated, the lights in the room begin flickering. But, alas, no one makes the connection that it is ME.
I’ve given a lot of thought on why I am in limbo, trapped here in this place and time. I prefer keeping in mind even the possibility that existence has its own reason for being. But if that is the case, does non-existence also have a reason?
©2021 Linda Lee Lyberg
Author’s Note: Come join us at dVerse Poets Pub for Prosery. Merril is hosting and has given us the following line we must incorporate into a 144 words or less story. The pub opens at 3PM EST. Here is the line: “I prefer keeping in mind even the possibility that existence has its own reason for being.”
— Wisława Szymborska, “Possibilities”
Linda Lee Lyberg is a wife, mother, artist, published poet and author. She resides in Mesa, AZ with her husband Pete (aka The Big Viking) of 24 years and their latest rescue, Jackson “Jax” Lyberg. Linda writes various forms of poetry, as well as short stories. You can read more of her works at: charmedchaos.com and view anthologies containing her work here: Amazon Author Page
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37 Comments on “Limbo”
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Charmed Chaos 
Oh my this is well written. What came to mind immediately was a person in the throes of ALS. This horrific disease has hit a number of my people related to people I know very well. A parent of a work colleague; a son of a cousin; a spouse of a fellow teacher when I was working. And the man who started the Ice Bucket Challenge is from Boston and was always a beloved individual here in New England. I imagine this must be what it feels like if this disease progresses far enough before death. And yes….so many individuals must decide at what point existence is valuable. This is why we have health directives, right? A very powerful write.
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Thank you so much Lillian.
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This is so powerful! The closing question gave me goosebumps. Indeed, does non-existence also have a reason? What lies beneath the thin veil that separates the living from the dead?
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Thank you kindly Sanaa.
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Wow, Linda! This is so chilling and powerful! You did a wonderful job of incorporating the prompt line, and the final question just echoes. I really like this!
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Thank you Merril. It all just fell into place- love it when that happens.
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It’s a great feeling!
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Oh wow, Linda, such a great spin on the line. You take the line a step further which is even better!
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Thank you so much Lisa!
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You’re very welcome.
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This is an excellent use of the prompt, to examine a chilling scenario! I hope such scenarios are not actually possible, but who knows? I love how you examine the no-man’s (or woman’s) land between life and death.
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Thank you Ingrid!
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Being left in limbo is one very special part of hell, but it still exists a small hope of moving on. Maybe ceasing to try to make yourself heard is what is needed.
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Perhaps so. Thank you Bjorn.
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Good and ponderable question, you left us with
Happy Monday
Much💜love
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Thank you.
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Now that is an interesting question, right there!
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Thank you.
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You are welcome. You turned the entire concept on its head. We live in a world where non-existence is a thing not to be construed – our belief systems cannot handle the thought of nothingness and create such remarkable mythic structures in which we can reside after existence falls away.
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A chilling piece, Linda, which not only gripped my imagination but also made me wonder what it must be like to be a ghost trapped in limbo. Most ghost stories only see if from the human point of view. I can’t imagine screaming and nor being heard, let alone seen, and the frustration must indeed be powerful to make lights flicker. The final question packs a punch.
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Thank you Kim.
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OOOH… nice twist at the end. What a nightmare that would be. Greato story!
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Thank you!
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My oh my Linda, this has me feeling trapped. Well written.
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Thank you Rob!
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Love the flip at the end.
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Thanks.
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Chilling question!😱 Enjoyed your take on the prompt!
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Linda,
aaaaah… this is so clever. I love how you turned the question back on itself in the final line. Amazing.
❤
David
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Thank you!
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It always, takes some time, for people to realize that they’re, dead, because death usually, comes at us hard, leaving, that, everlasting, impact…
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Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet.
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WOW !! this is so good ! you’re truly talented keep it up 🤍
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Thank you.
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Oh it’s as if you’ve breathed life into “non-existence” making it more concrete, more to ponder….hmm…and this scenario gives me chills, a claustrophobic state of in between two worlds. Very effective.
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Thank you!
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Still waiting for your follow, i will consider it as if you are granting me an honor
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