For my creative writing class, one assigment required me to take a word given and write about that word without ever using that word. At first this assignment appeared daunting, but then after I chose the word and looked up the definition, I started to imagine how I could describe the word:
Decadence--the act of falling into an inferior
condition, decay; moral degeneration; unrestrained, excessive self-indulgence.
I first thought of a favorite childhood book, The Little House, by Virgina
Lee Burton, about a house which fell into disrepair. Then, I went to the
internet and searched for an old, broken down house, and found an image of a old, run-down mansion, still
in existence today in Louisville, Kentucky which became the basis for my
writing.
The stately, old house now appears
lonely and forbidding – a reminder of forgotten memories and dreams. Once the strong foundation elevated the noble
house, but negligence and inattention caused the foundation to begin to
crumble. The peeling paint upon the wooden
planks expose the structure to the biting elements of the cold winter and the
hot summer days. Broken windows no
longer bring light into the rooms, as plywood nailed to the windows block
entrance of light into the home. Cobwebs gather dust throughout every corner of
the home. The wooden steps of the grand staircase creak with the slightest
pressure, as if one would fall through with every step. The wind blows through
the holes and cracks of the dilapidated house tossing and turning whatever lays
in its path. The depth of the darkness lingers in each room. Weeds overrun the
flowerbeds, vines entangle around the home, climbing through the windows and
into the cracks. No laughter penetrates the walls; though rustling of the
unseen vermin nesting within the walls can be heard. Once watched over and protected, the house
lies in ruin, almost unrecognizable of its former glory.
Some in today’s world appear lonely
and forgotten, their compass no longer points true north, as they sought
pleasure over principles, disregarding any consequences of their actions.
Their foundation crumbles under the
weight of permissiveness, unrighteousness, and disregard for laws and order.
Continually pulling back the layers of self-control and self-respect leaves
their souls exposed to the elements of destruction. Broken hearts and broken
dreams littered all around them, engulfing despair prevents light to penetrate.
The feelings of bitterness, fear, and loneliness gather dust in the corners of
their hearts and minds. They feel trapped, afraid to move forward because the
slightest pressure of their next step may cause them to fall further down. The
wind freely blows them whichever way it chooses and causes shivers to run down
their spine. The light in their eyes diminishes, till its barely discernible.
The beauty of their soul withers unable to handle the scorching heat of pride
and corruption. The entanglement of sin binds their thoughts and actions
limiting their ability to freely choose. Joyous laughter becomes replaced by
cynical cackling. Once watched over and protected, their souls lie in ruin,
almost unrecognizable of their former glory.
