Chloe Oliver
Chloe Oliver of Foxworth writes a weekly community column for the Marion County Informer.
By Chloe Oliver
I used to read stories by Edgar Allen Poe. His tales were often filled with terror and suspense. As a child, I remember that Vincent Price was the star of many horror films, many of which were Poe classics. The video shelves are now replete with movies that strive to elicit fear, horror, panic, dread and alarm. These movies invoke our hidden or worst fears. Many people enjoy watching this film genre that often involves the macabre.
I enjoyed watching “Misery.” In the film, James Caan’s character, a writer, was held captive and tortured by one of his fans. When I first saw the film, it was just entertainment. No more. I think that I may be living my own horror film. I too, am a captive of sorts.
I am being haunted by a demonic,psychotic and possessed, monster. My days are filled with fright and dread. I am even stalked in my dreams as I have visions of my demise. After all, this demon has already tried to cripple me by injuring my back and knees. It won’t take much more to finish me. At the very least,I may be left a gnarled creature. Maybe I should try to feign death.
Fear has left me nearly homebound. If I leave, the monster will surely overtake me. I can’t shop at the store or go away overnight because of fear and wonder of what this monster is doing.
Now, he has an accomplice. I doubt that I can win between the both of them. Who knows if others will join in the crusade against me? I tried to pawn them off on the neighbors and friends-all to no avail. It is me they are after. It is me that they want. They will not be happy until I am completely consumed or destroyed. Why?
Some say that it is my own fault and that I brought it all upon myself. Maybe it is true. I did once love the monster and his friend. I tried to attend to their every need with tenderness. To think that I once adored them. Hah! Now they disgust me. I am filled with revulsion. How could I have been so foolish? I suppose you should never dance with the devil. Now, I battle day after day as I try to keep them at bay.
I am sure that the reader will wonder why I do not contact law enforcement. Like some supernatural character in a horror movie, the monster and his friend are beyond the reach of law officers. It’s as though they respond to some hidden or unknown power.
Rain fuels the monsters’ desire. In sunshine and shadow they grow in strength. Now, the only thing that slows them is the deplorable heat. Like a vampire’s Achilles’ heel is the cross,so cold and frost is to the monsters. If I can make it till the first frost, I will get a reprieve. Until then, I am still vulnerable for attack.
As a last resort, I tried to counsel with family and friends.They don’t care or understand. In fact, I believe they think that I am paranoid, melodramatic, delusional, or neurotic. I think they want me to see a psychiatrist. Images of “The Little Red Hen” now flood my thoughts as the monsters’ tendrils continue to envelope me.
I will try to hold on until the monsters are gone. At that time maybe I can write a book about the experience. These are the titles I am considering: Devil’s Dirt, Green Beasts, My Garden’s Misdeeds, The Self – Punished Gardener, The Far Side of Horticulture, The Tiller and the Old Woman, Fool’s Feast, or Attack the Monster Tomato Plants and Killer Squash: How My Garden Got the Best of Me. Now, if I can just figure out what to write on my tombstone.
But, boy are the fruits of this “green monster” oh so tasty;)
Very clever Miss Chloe!!! I have yellow monsters by the name of squash attacking me each and every day. Skip one day of beating them back, and by the next day they are the size of my leg. Tell Big John to get on the ball!
Um. I’m sorry, but I just don’t get this one. What am I missing?
Thanks.
Thanks for a good laugh! You had me going. I was wondering what booger was attacking you, little did I know that veggies could be so ruthless lol.
To Formerly known as concerned:
You must have never had a garden my friend. The writer is describing how she is being overtaken by her garden, and as an avid gardener, I can attest to that. Gardens have to have constant attention and can feel like it literally takes over life. She is essentially humorously exaggerating having a garden.
Oh. I got the garden thing. But I don’t see what any of this has to do with the King novel. In fact, I didn’t see the writer of this mention or give King credit. Maybe I’m just terrbly protective of writers, especially great ones like King. Sure, “Misery” was a movie. But it couldn’t have been a movie had King not written it.
To formally known as concerned :
The article was not about “Misery” or Steven King or any other author. She used the film “Misery” to introduce the fact that she figuratively felt captive by something, just as the character in the movie was literally captive. It’s okay if you aren’t snapping too fast enough to ‘get it,’ but egad the above rant about the author crediting and movies from books is asinine.
I disagree. King wasn’t mentioned, and that’s wrong in my book. Isn’t it great we can agree to disagree. I don’t think your opinion is asinine. I’ll fight tooth and nail for you to be able to voice an opinion.
First of all, you are right, everyone has the right to their opinion and to voice it. That does not negate the fact that the opinion can still be asinine.
Anyway, King wasn’t cited because she didn’t say “the book”. She said “the film.” There are millions of books that have become movies. I don’t know where you went to school, but I learned about author citing in about the 6th grade. If I am using the example of the *movie* Fried Green Tomatoes, it is not necessary to inform the reader that the movie was adapted from a book by Fannie Flagg. Why?…Because I am referencing a movie that is independent from the book.
So, you are entitled to think you are right, but just because you think it does not make it factual.
I disagree again.
It is a fact that I think it is rude and disrespeful to leave out the author of a book. But as I said before, I am very protective of writers, and particularly of a great one like King is.
I am entitled to my opinion, right or wrong—agree or disagree. I own my opinion, and that’s a fact! I’m not trying to get you to change yours.
Again, the “Misery” film would not have been possible had it not been for King’s talent. That’s a fact!
You are missing the entire flavor of the stone. It is clear that you place more importance on thinking you are “right” than actually learning something about writing guidelines. Stay in your state of ignorant bliss. It is no skin off my back:)
I know about attribution. Believe me. I also know about good manners and grace. I’m sorry you’re having such a strong reaction to my opinion, so strong that you’ve resorted to name calling. Now, you have a wonderful day.
I was beginning to think maybe your family was right about the psychiatrist until you mentioned the garden.