Wednesday, April 04, 2012

Devilskin

Devilskin: Mischievous, prankish boy or man. [Dictionary of Newfoundland English]

I heard this one quite a bit growing up. There was no shortage of Devilskins in my family. I think the saying probably came from devil's kin, but the idea of a devil skin intrigues me greatly. It sparked an idea for a rather experimental story.

He found it on that path through the graveyard. At first he thought it was an old coat someone had left behind. A crumpled leather coat in the middle of the path. He picked it up and saw what it really was – a shriveled skin. It was like a person suit with no person inside.

Quick as a wink he put it on. It smelled like burned matches, but it was smooth and soft. It hugged around his body and his head so only his face was his own. He liked it.

The story is sitting unfinished right now, because it started down a path I didn't like, one that lead away from that graveyard path where it started. I've gone back to try and find my way. I won't be surprised if I'm led astray again.

It's what Devilskins do best.


My A to Z Challenge on Writing Away

14 comments:

  1. I love that word and the story you started! It brings to mind all sorts of things.

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  2. times growing up I thought my name was devilskin my grandmother was so found of the word - the story you have started is devine!

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  3. Oooooh, creepy and delish, Laurita! Keep on writing that one!

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  4. Devilskin is a great word. I love your story start.

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  5. Like that... think I will have to start using that around my house! lol
    Great D word! Happy A-Z ing... :-)

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  6. Excellent start and maybe you should stray off the graveyard path, you might find something intriguing.

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  7. Great word, and that story definitely should go somewhere!

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  8. Innocent boy - intriguing coat - life descending into darkness - keep going!

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  9. I was reading it as Devil Skin too. :-)

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  10. Same for me, reading it as Devil Skin. Mysterious story. I like it & think you should finish it. It has so much potential and suspense. He liked the skin, it felt good on him, what will it do to him? It would be interesting to read about a normal man with good morals who suddenly becomes evil while wearing his new "coat."

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    Replies
    1. Great word - your story can go so many ways with that very creepy start.

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  11. Hi, I'm doing the a to z tour today. Glad I found your blog. I love new words, and this is a good one, and your story has such an interesting start and could go in so many directions. Good job.

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  12. Cool word. I love adding to my vocabulary, and yours is the second post today that has done that. Great job!

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