Cuts bleed and sometimes require formal medical attention. Scrapes are inconsiderate, making the patch-up process unnecessarily difficult. Sprains and broken bones simply cause suffering. But bruises, these are the wounds that tell stories.
Bruises are chameleons. They begin as pink or red, don a bluish tinge, shift into purple then transform into various shades of yellow and green before finally fading away.
Bruises generally only hurt when pressed, but they remain a visible memory of pain. If you experience something traumatic, say a beating or a car accident, a bruise will show the world how you’ve suffered. Consider it the ultimate witness; a bruise cannot lie and may even help you obtain justice.
Best of all, bruises make great writing prompts. Where did you get that bruise? Oh, that came from smashing my knee into the coffee table while hurrying to answer the door for the UPS guy. What? I didn’t want him leaving my new computer in the rain.
This one? This bruise I picked up when the power went out, and the cat stepped right beneath my feet as I was walking down the stairs. Instead of stepping on her, I let gravity guide me. Right into the banister.
The bruise on my shoulder? That appeared while rappelling down a well to save a little boy. The rope swayed with our combined weight and I hit the wall with my side. Kid’s fine though.
To be honest, I have no idea where this bruise came from. It’s possible I’ve started sleepwalking again, and dreamed I was a vigilante or superhero. I imagine the fighting was pretty intense. You should see the other guy.
(Note: A writing prompt on The 10th Muse inspired this post.)
–Photo by Mensatic