LJI: Literary Prize Fight, Round 1: "It's Hard to Beat a Person who Never Gives Up"

[copyright1983]

Outfoxed

"A fox knows many things, but a hedgehog knows one important thing" --Archilochus

Given the choice of monsters to fight, I'd rather face down a hedgehog any day.

Sure, it'd be tough--if the hedgehog is anything like the most famous one in video game history, I'm gonna have a hard time even catching him, let alone getting all his rings. But the fact that the hedgehog only has one strategy means it can, in theory, be neutralized and attacked from a different angle.

The fox, though? That's another matter entirely. They can attack from a variety of angles, they know what you're going to do before you know it, and it always feels like they're one step ahead of you.

*****

Loneliness is one hell of a fox.

Surround yourself with awesome friends, sharing an awesome experience? Loneliness will make you wish you had someone special to enjoy the moment with.

Develop a deep connection with a really special friend? Loneliness reminds you that it can never be the romance you want it to be.

Throw yourself into self-improvement? Loneliness says you'll never be good enough for anyone.

Expend all your energy at work? Loneliness reminds you that you've got nobody with whom to recharge yourself.

Self-isolation, self-reflection, losing oneself in other pleasures...none of these strategies work. Loneliness always has a counter. No matter the cards you hold, loneliness always seems to have a better hand.

But loneliness is a bluffer. It doesn't hold all the cards. And someday, I'll find myself the true queen of hearts.

Does that make me a hopeless romantic? Possibly. But given all it takes to keep putting myself out there, hope's all I've got.

I'm not giving up. Even the fox can be beaten if the hedgehog is persistent enough.

Comments

[the_eternal_overthinker]

Amen! :) I hope you find your queen of hearts soon and we get to read about it too :D Till then let us remind you that we really enjoy your company and writing and it's good to see you back <3

[copyright1983]

Aww, thanks! :)

[bleodswean]

This is truly endearing. You're so correct - don't give up!

[copyright1983]

Thanks for reading!

[thephantomq]

Sometimes, you just gotta tell loneliness to go kick rocks. Just don't give into it and keep looking. You're right that the fox can be beaten. :)

[copyright1983]

Agreed. Thanks for reading!

[tatdatcm]

Best wishes that you find the one to share yourself with. I like the use of the fox and the hedgehog.

[copyright1983]

Thanks for reading!

[rayaso]

Never give up! I love the way you turned Archilochus's saying into a metaphor for loneliness.

[copyright1983]

I have no idea what inspired the connection, but I'm happy with where this ended up. Thanks for reading!

[adoptedwriter]

Much truth!

[copyright1983]

Thanks for reading!

[bellatrixe]

I'm not giving up. Even the fox can be beaten if the hedgehog is persistent enough. I love this line and agree with it.

Loved this, it was so cute but also very powerfully done!

[copyright1983]

Thanks for reading!

[bewize]

It can be hard to be single in this world, but the grass isn't always greener. I didn't find someone until later in life, and I found them when I'd quit looking for someone else, and just decided to live my best life.

Good luck to you on your search!

[copyright1983]

Having been on both sides of the fence (is that the right metaphor here?), I agree. I just figure when the right one comes along, I'll know. (But it's hard to not seek it out.)

Thanks for reading!

[troof_therry]

I really really like the interplay between your quote and the rest of the piece. I really like the way you make the fox, loneliness, your enemy and talk about overcoming it. Nice work.

[copyright1983]

Thanks for reading!

[dmousey]

This is something my husband shares. Be realistic in thinking your Queen of Hearts will take it all away. We 'queens' want to, more than anything, but sometimes it is beyond us. That's where doc's come in! There is no shame in using them. I say this because your 'loneliness' comes across as depression, and I want nothing but the best for you. 😊✌💜

[copyright1983]

I've never been formally diagnosed with any mental illness, but I'm open to the possibility that it's there. I've seen some of my friends suffer with it, and I'm blessed that my struggles are nowhere near as severe as others. Once I can afford to, it's definitely worth looking into. (And I have no illusions that the right woman can solve everything. But at least I won't be alone.)

Thanks for reading!

[megatronix]

Oh man, that kind of loneliness is more like depression or anxiety. I dunno, they both kind of hand in hand, it's hard for me to separate them sometimes! But that never good enough rut is a tough one to be in. I've been there myself. Take good care and never give up, and always look for ways to heal and build yourself up. You're a whole person, awesome all on your own, no matter what friends or romances are or aren't around. <3

I really like the use of the hedgehog and fox references, too, and the line about Sonic made me laugh out loud. Well done!

[copyright1983]

I know. I'm a good person. I just want so badly to be good *to* and *for* someone else.

Thanks for reading!

[murielle]

Go hedgehog!

You can totally outsmart, outplay, and outlast that old Fox!

Great take on the prompt!

[copyright1983]

Thanks for reading!

[moretta]

This made me want to give you a hug. Hope springs eternal, as well it should. I hope your hedgehog self can outlast even the loneliest winter.

[copyright1983]

Hugs always welcomed. Thanks for reading!

[reidharriscooper]

I feel your pain, your undying persistence and your continuing search.

[copyright1983]

Thanks for reading!

[favoritebean_writes]

I hope you can defeat that fox.

[copyright1983]

It's certainly not going to be easy. Thanks for reading!

[nayanawrites]

Well darn !!! I have been foxed too many times to really appreciate the fox effect. But now having read this piece I am hopeful that the fox in my life might actually meet its nemesis the hedgehog and get chased out of my life !!!!

I agree ... hope is all we ought to have.

[copyright1983]

Thanks for reading!

[halfshellvenus]

Nice! Tight, well-themed, and a terrific use of an adage I'd never heard before but immediately loved. :)

Here's hoping your true queen is out there, and you find your way to her.

[copyright1983]

Amen. Thanks for reading!

[flipflop_diva]

I'm so glad you're not giving up! That's the best thing you can do. And I really hope you find your queen of hearts some day <33

[copyright1983]

Thanks for reading!

[alycewilson]

I love that line, "Loneliness is one hell of a fox."