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Predestination

Robert Lang set out from London, it was ten minutes to eight. He meant to travel to the Midlands to be with his dad in hospital in Birmingham. Weather forecast: chance of rain. Peter Smith drove down from Penrith, he was traveling to Dover to take the channel tunnel to spend the next two weeks vacationing with his family in France. On a section of the M1 south of Birmingham a Vauxhall Vega, its driver asleep at the wheel, jumped the grassy median into the north-bound lanes and crashed headlong into a Ford Cortina. An unclaimed hotel reservation and the latest Playboy magazine fluttered to rest, side by side, on the shoulder next to exit 31.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2009




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Date: 1/10/2009 5:35:00 AM
I think my favorite aspect of this write (if it is a true story that's a whole different ballgame) is that you never mention if it was Robert or Peter asleep at the wheel in verse 3. I'm hoping that's intentional since my mind was quick to try and blame one of them and I was delighted to know I didn't have that option. Awesome imagery with the Playboy and reservation side by side. That kind of realism does make me fear this may have actually happened...beautiful write Kieth.
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Date: 1/10/2009 3:07:00 AM
How tragic - this is so terribly sad. it only takes a second for life to be another way...I find I cannot think of such things, it makes me crazy. love, Kristin
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Date: 1/9/2009 7:21:00 PM
This is sad, Keith. Like Carrie, I like to think this is imagination. The verse , however, is excellent. Anything can happen, anytime. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. I, too, like the last stanza. Love and hugs, Robin
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Date: 1/9/2009 6:45:00 PM
Hey to you, Keith. A tragedy for these two men, also tragic for those whom they knew and loved. Vivid and potent imagery. I'm not sure what else to say, I feel floored.:( You're an extremely sensitive and loving man, I'm know this would be a difficult write...thank you for sharing, Keith. Wishing you and yours the best! God bless...Love and hugs to you! Mikki
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Date: 1/9/2009 5:43:00 PM
Wow...this sounds too real. I hope it was a figment of imagination, and not a real tragedy. Well written! ~ Carrie
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Date: 1/9/2009 5:06:00 PM
Such a sad reality that happens way too often. Good message. I really like the last stanza. Keep on writing! Karen
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Date: 1/9/2009 5:03:00 PM
I assume this is based on fact...horrible story, told in a very stright-forward way.I like the last stanza very much. BG
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Book: Reflection on the Important Things