I guess it’s a sign of how busy things have been, that I never put the word out about my entry in SMITH magazine’s Six-Word Memoirs on Jewish Life. For those of you not in the know, six-word memoirs supposedly have their origin in a six-word novel Hemingway was challenged to write in barroom bet. Here’s Hem’s hexograph of heartbreak: For Sale: Baby shoes. Never worn. Launched in 2006 by Larry Smith, the six-word concept has taken off like all those superlatives — a rocket, a firestorm, hot cakes…
It’s a deceptively complex challenge to encapsulate a memory, joke, observation with not even a handful of words. But narrowing something down to its essence, enables you to say volumes. The results can be fantastic. And funny. Poignant. And gut wrenching. Some of my favorites:
Seeing God’s face in your face. Rabbi Laura Geller
Everything with us is a question, why? Mark Rosenblum
Thanks for the blue eyes, Cossacks.Lisa Brown.
So go visit the site, or better yet, buy the book. Tears, wisdom, laughter. What a deal!
My submission: Living on LES. Zayde would plotz.*
* Translation: I’m renting an apartment on New York City’s Lower East Side. If Grandpa knew he would have a fit.
And OK, what about a six-word contest right here?
Quick! Six words on menopause.
All the ones you mention above as your favorite examples from the book are super, but I think your own is the very best by far. You managed to combine contemporary insider-speak with classic mamaloshen – absolutely brilliant
Brilliant! Well thank you, my friend. I did laugh out loud when it came to me!
Couldn’t help it. Thank you again and always….
Very cool! I’ve been doing the six-word memoirs in my workshops at the ROPL and the students love them!
I’m sure the exercise brings up a lot gems .
Sure sign the end is near.
End of life? Or end of all that goes with what preceded?
Maturity finds me in a flash.
Heather! Thank you for starting my morning with a great belly laugh!
And thanks for being a part of this site.
The beginning of and the end.
Hot,hot but not to trot!
Ed
Was this one approved by the Missus?? Hysterical. Literally.
Swing set. Disco swinger. Mood swings.