Writing Assignment: Word Avoidance

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.