The first message came when the world was hurting, swirling out of control. A pale green envelope, bordered in dark teal, addressed by hand. The contents read,
“If not now, when?”

Very different from my usual mail. Who sent it? A few days later, robins-egg blue edged in red.
“If not here, where?”

Hope flickered. The sun rose eagerly, as did I. Soon, a rosy pink envelope encircled with gold.
“If not with love, how?”

Finally, pale lavender and royal purple, addressed in my own handwriting.
“If not me, who?”

“I’m ready,” I whispered to a world longing for change.

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    Eric Radcliffe
    Eric Radcliffe(@eric-radcliffe)
    2 years ago

    Hello Julie, how intriguing, till you think, are these the questions we should be asking ourselves at the end of our world/even before it ends?
    Then, have you ever seen a film where the message is, there is nothing we can do, so eat, drink and be merry. Nice thought provoking 100 words.

    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    2 years ago

    I love the message that your story brings, Julie.

    “If not now, when?”
    “If not here, where?”
    “If not with love, how?”
    “If not me, who?”
    “I’m ready”

    It sounds like a riddle to me, and the answer is it is time to take an action immediately. Which really fits your title. Thank you.

    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    Reply to  Julie Harris
    2 years ago

    You’re welcome, Julie. And thank you also for sharing your story here.

    Last edited 2 years ago by Lotchie Carmelo
    Linda Rock
    Linda Rock(@linda-rock)
    2 years ago

    This is deep Julie. Each time I analyse the colours and the words, I come up with a different understanding! The closest I get to an answer is that, with each message, your protagonist moves further towards making the world a better place. An extremely thought provoking story, very well written and full of intrigue.

    Carrie OLeary
    Carrie OLeary(@carrie-oleary)
    2 years ago

    I think that these are all questions that we should be asking and taking action on, Julie. Our world truly is crying out in pain, and it’s all the fault of us humans. It is already retaliating in the only way it knows how. Very nicely written and thought provoking piece.

    Daisy Blacklock
    Daisy Blacklock(@daisy-blacklock)
    2 years ago

    This story is so intriguing and mysterious.

    Marianna Pieterse
    Marianna Pieterse(@marianna-pieterse)
    2 years ago

    Julie, your story had me hooked from the first line! With each line I couldn’t wait to read what colour envelope would arrive next and what would the message be? I particularly enjoyed the way you described the colour combinations. Well done.

    Susan Dawson
    Susan Dawson(@susan-dawson)
    2 years ago

    Part of me wants to say ‘Send me that stationery set,’ as it sounds so elegant. But I know it would sit in the cupboard with those useful notelets that have been replaced by email. I think none of us would be in doubt, though, which medium would carry your messages more poignantly.

    Christer Norrlof
    Christer Norrlof(@christer-norrlof)
    2 years ago

    What a beautifully written message, Julie. It’s very thought provoking and so well worked out in all its little details. Reading it, my thoughts go to Gandhi’s saying, “You have to be the change you want to see in the world.”

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