“Equality,” A Flash Fiction Memory

Posted on by Colleen M. Chesebro

Carrot Ranch writing challenge

January 18, 2018, Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction Challenge prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that includes boots. Whose boots are they, where do they go and what is their significance? Go where the prompt leads.

Respond by January 23, 2018, to be included in the compilation (published January 24). Rules are here. All writers are welcome!

 

Colleen AF 1976

Colleen, July 1976, Airman Basic, USAF

The sound was faint, but it was definitely there. The rhythmic stomp of combat boots echoed in my memory transporting me back to basic training in July of 1976. I had wanted to prove that I could do anything that a man could. I achieved it, but things still didn’t change for women.

Forty-two years later, our hats are pink, and our boots come in many colors, but our dreams remain the same. Today, the sound of many boots marching gives me hope. We need equal pay for equal work and no sexual discrimination. Some dreams just never die.

636520610958631162-USP-News--Women-s-March.1

Image credit: USA Today.com

Sunday Hugs for stopping by! ❤

59 thoughts on ““Equality,” A Flash Fiction Memory”

    1. LOL! Thanks, Ritu. I only have one other photo of me in uniform. So much disappeared through the years. 😀 ❤ Hugs, my friend.

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    1. My exact thoughts. I thought we women would do it back then. Not so. Men in power have always held their finger on our wages, our health, our choices. I only hope it gets better for my grandchildren. ❤

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  7. Splendid, Colleen. A great take on the prompt.
    At the march we were talking about how we were still fighting the same battles. Inspiring and tiring.
    Boots made me think of “These boots are made for walking. . .” 🙂

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    1. LOL! I wanted to fit that in but just not enough words. But the meaning is there. I never thought when I was 18 we would still have this same battle when I was 60 (I turn 60 in April). It makes me sad. I hope it’s better for my grandchildren. ❤ Hugs, Merril.

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    1. That’s a guy I knew in basic and subsequent training. I don’t even remember his name now. Ron is 10 years older than me and was in Asia in those days. Feels like another lifetime now. LOL!

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        1. LOL! I was the thirteenth women on the base at my first duty station and that included the nurses working in the hospital! The ratio of men to women was crazy – 20 men to one woman (it might have been more). I worked in the chapel and the guys wouldn’t leave me alone. So funny now, and so long ago. 😀 ❤

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    1. LOL. I served four years in the Air Force. I was in admin, first serving in the Chaplain Corp, and then later working for squadron commanders. My husband served 24 years and retired. The military still takes care of my health care. You never really leave. It’s a way of life. ❤️

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    1. Thanks, Viva. My military years seem a lifetime ago. When I saw the women’s march this weekend I knew I would have to add my two cents. LOL! Let’s hope we women finally reach our goals. ❤

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  22. Pingback: Walking Boots « Carrot Ranch Literary Community

  23. The sound of those boots marching gives me hope as well and I hope those dreams never die. I really liked this piece and hopefully the next generation won’t have to wait 42 years. Or even 42 months.

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