Friday Writing Essential Prompt 2/15/2013 FWE-Balance

Nobody spoke to my mother when she balanced the checkbook. She would clear the dining room table and spread out her documents. After adding deposits not credited and subtracting outstanding checks, if it didn’t balance even by one cent she went to work, talking out loud if necessary. She would subtract the columns on the bank statement in case the bank’s machine had made a mistake. Only then would she hunt for errors in recording check and her subtractions in the checkbook.

Years ago I met a physician who was unable to balance his obligations to his patients and practice on one hand and his wife and family on the other.  When I met him, he had found that balance but his kids, who were now out of the nest, all hated him.

When I was a teen carrying a canoe and gear over a portage, at times I had to balance on a log which served as a bridge over a creek.

By now you’ve figured out the prompt for FWE February 15. Write prose or poem, fiction or real, about balance. Use balance as a noun or as a verb or both. Or just imply balance without actually using the word. Include “FWE Balance” in your title and tag with FWE. Be certain to post to Gather Writing Essential. I will appreciate posts by February 21. After that I anticipate that our lovely Andrea will be back moderating Friday Writing Essential.