The Space Between the Lines

We've probably all heard the expression that some things are better left unsaid.  Just think about that time you were in the middle of a conversation with a new friend when suddenly, they were at a lost for words as they stood there, staring into the middle distance, you came to attention, waiting and wondering what is not being said, rather than what is said.  All that intrigue.

I would like to take this idea one step further.  There are things that are left unsaid, but not gone.  Rather, if we allow them to settle, somewhat dreamily floating into the invisible corners of your story, your essay, your memoir---well, then something magical happens.

The magic is the space in between, the unspoken words, the sentence you deleted, the part of the picture you painted over, the dance step that you did not do, but rather remained motionless.  

No matter, because somehow your audience still feels the invisible presence of those words, that image, that unfinished tango.

I thought about finishing my little brush and ink picture above, but you know what, I am going to leave it just like that.  Unfinished.  And that's because, I trust in your imagination to fill in the blanks.

And this is your creativity prompt for the week.  Begin a painting or a story or a poem or a song or a dance and then stop when it's still unfinished.  When the paint is wet and the feet are itching to move, when the words are hanging in the air waiting to take flight.  Yes, leave that last line hanging in the air so that your audience can imagine...

And for your prompt, here's a unfinished sentence:

"Sally left the party early."

Have fun!

Love, Jamie