Swanky Storytelling—Lifelines

Have you experienced the magic of The Moth? Occuring regularly in 28 cities all over the world, It starts with a StorySLAM—a local open mic that provides the venue and a theme. Contestants have a five-minute limit to wow the judges, and if they’re lucky they’ll go on to the GrandSLAM and maybe even the crown jewel, The Moth Mainstage. Over the years they’ve expanded their storytelling empire to include massive community involvement including support for Black Voices, Economic Mobility, LGBTQIA+ and more.

Then there’s the merch. That’s where today’s set of stories begins. I’ve attended Moth events and really enjoyed the way the speakers interpret the themes. When I saw The Moth Presents: a Game of Storytelling while shopping for a gift, I knew I had to have it. I bought it “for my writing group” in a shared custody arrangement (A bit selfish on my part? Yes!). I graciously allowed one of the other members to take custody first. When it (finally) came back around to me, I was ecstatic. In the span of a few short weeks, my notebook has exploded with delicious wordplay and vulnerable vignettes. Each time I’ve opened the deck, truths have come tumbling out and I’ve been compelled to share with the people I’m with. It’s been so validating and wonderful and satisfying.

This is way the card is set up. On one side there is a main theme. This one was Lifelines. On the back: three separate prompts that you can choose between or take on all. I chose to write all three.

A time you couldn’t make it on your own (4 minute prompt) | I could not stop giggling as I wrote this, reliving the situation in my head.

The slick mud, the giant gap, and the size of the terror ripping open my chest. I looked backward and Julie was there, ready to do anything to get me up the hill and over the sinkhole. She pushed unsteady hands straight into my buttcheeks. Joe, from the top, shook his head, grabbed my hand, and pulled me over. I looked backwards as Julie hopped over the sinkhole with more confidence than I would have given the situation in her state—slightly drunk and 60+. But she made it.

A time you refused someone’s help (4 minute prompt) | This one came from a long-ago place deep inside and felt a bit hard to read out loud.

If it’s an offer, I rarely refuse. I’ve been trained to always need my twin—a second set of hands—to conquer a situation. I want to say I take pride in my independence, but there is a strand of DNA inside me that tells me it only counts if the other 50% is present and accounted for. Someday, I’ll refuse the offer and actually mean it.

A time you saved the day (4 minute prompt) | This one took the longest to conjure, and I had to pull back my perspective to think about what saving the day can look like when it feels small but means the world.

The hug made all the difference. Who knows what kind of harsh dystopian world would have been born out of hate if I hadn’t taken your arms gently in mine, wrapped them around my waist, and brought you to me so that you could feel my heart beating. I wanted you to know that love is present whether you feel it at this second or not. It, I, will never let you go.