|
|
|
|
|
 Samsara In Hinduism & Buddhis, it is the eternal cycle of birth, suffering, death, and rebirth. Depress To make sad or gloomy; to press down. Mowing Cutting grass, grain, etc., mowing the lawn. Also, to destroy or kill indiscriminately or in great numbers, as troops in battle. (Thanks to Dictionary.com) In this story the character is obsessed with the upkeep of his lawn. I am using the idea of expanding suburbia and people’s desire for more and more material goods in order to feel they have a high status. The idea of a perfectly manicured lawn and big house that looks good on the outside to other people are most obvious in this short story. The “spirits” in the grass represent nature, as well as less fortunate people who are ignored while one strives to “beat the Joneses”. People who are hurt by the perfect lawn are children, who may play in the grass after it has been treated with harsh chemicals. Pets are also hurt this way, not to mention native plants and insects who are killed by the chemicals or simply can’t find anywhere to grow and live. People who are down and out suffer, as time and money that could be spent helping them is spent on ones own status instead. Chemicals used on lawns seep into the water supply and hurt aquatic life or enter human drinking water. So, in my story, we see the main character working on his lawn and competing against his neighbors. He uses many means to kill the “spirits” but ultimately succeeds in killing himself, as he wastes away into a pile of dust which returns to the soil. The grass returns and so does he, as he has become a blade of grass - which is cut down by someone else. Initial concept sketch the grass dude |
Katie at RandomTabby dot com
