March Year of the Ox Writing Prompts : ) 25 words or 100 words exactly

Happy New Year!  It’s the Year of the Ox and time to write.  Again : )  This month, every piece should be about an ox.  No no no.  Just kidding.  This month’s prompts are below.  The length requirement this month is either

exactly 25 words

or

exactly 100 words

Your choice.

The following prompt possibilities are all taken from Bamboo Ridge:  The Hawaii Writers’ Quarterly, No. 44, Fall 1989, Last Quarter.

* * * * *

From “Inaka/Country Girl,” by Amy Uyematsu

No question he’s a buddhahead —
those thick bushido eyebrows,
his straight black hair combed high and back,
a casual wisp against the pale forehead.

(24 word excerpt)

* * * * *

From “Mother, May I Stay,” by Epi Enari Fuaau

She stood over me and swung the broom of the palm-frond ribs against my legs.  I squirmed around but I got hit on my back as well.  She pulled my hair, kicked my legs and slapped my face.  When her big toenail dug into my shins, a loud howl escaped me.  That angered her even more.  “”Uma!’ she shouted.  “Uma lou gutu!”  But I couldn’t stop crying.  It was so damn stupid of her to expect me not to cry when she was hitting me so hard.

(87 word excerpt)

* * * * *

From “Back to Duck Eggs,” by Cherylene Lee

“Your mother and I have taken care of you kids.  Maybe she’s not too bright upstairs, but you can’t ask for a better mother.  Maybe I’ve been too strict.  We tried to give all you kinds what you need.  Have you ever wanted for anything?  I don’t know how long it will last, but everyone has to earn a living.”

(60 word excerpt)

* * * * *

From “Laundry Woman,” by Adrienne C. Tien

Lok Su walked past the customer who waited for her to weigh his bag.  The young woman had left the door slightly ajar and a draft filled the room with bitter cold air.  Lok Su swallowed down the lump in her throat.  As she pulled the door shut, she felt a sudden thankfulness for the warmth of the laundry.

(59 word excerpt)

* * * * *

Or as always, you can write about whatever you’d like.  Remember that your entry must be exactly either 25 words or 100 words.

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