How odd. As a matter of fact, I had pondered her idea numerous times but just wasn't getting anywhere with it. After lots of thought, I put it aside and figured I'd come back to it when I was feeling more creative.

Strange that it seems to have seeped out of my subconscious without my even realizing it.

I liked it, MBC. Thank you.:)

You make it sound like finding suicide romantic is an impossibility for "us", when in fact, the most famous romantic story in the history of the written word includes suicide.

So?

Are we really supposed to see suicide as romantic? I can see how not being able to live without each other is- but not suicide.

I am glad MBC appreciates all feedback- I fail to see why I need to justify not finding it romantic.

If we're talking about "Romeo and Juliet", I must say that my perception of the story has changed from when I was a teen to now as the mom of teen girls. Now, I think the story only proves a kid should obey her parents.

I felt that way about it even when I was a kid, but then even then I didn't have much tolerance for the romantic dramas teenagers create for themselves.

That said, I can see the potential for romance in suicide, though it would always also be tainted by tragedy. The two certainly aren't exclusive of each other.

Picking up on this, Motorboat Cruiser- what if you amplified the tragedy in Stanley's suicide by giving him a grown child and some grandchildren who will find his frozen body? They're back at the farmhouse, maybe. Or a dog! A faithful farm dog that Stanley leaves back in the farmhouse when he goes out to die. As it is, you only have death - winter, old age - and brittle textures - hard wood, crunchy snow. A little contrast, maybe?

Maybe it's personal experience- which of course means we are going to see this through that lense-

I find suicide to be selfish. A man who loves his wife, but is more than willing to abandon the rest of his living family to join her in death is not romantic to me. It's selfish.

It hits a nerve- so that is MY reaction to the piece.

I think all of us perceive things differently because we are bring different experiences to our current state of perception. Writing hits us all at different levels, which is part of it's beauty and fun.

As for justification.....this is a discussion board and therefore we discuss things.

I understand discussion boards-please don't be condescending.