Kabrams, this metaphor doesn't insult anybody. Mayans, pagans, high priestesses of soul or anybody else. Every culture has an outlet for the compulsion to kill and there is evidence that this culture, some jungle-dwelling, pyramid-climbing culture, did so with some intent of social and self-preservation which is what this character did, not an altogether bad reason to justify destruction. Nonetheless it's out of context in the suburbs and defeats its purpose. Furthermore, the metaphor might work but it doesn't fit in the piece. Not to mention the ending is weak and the title sucks. If you're going to bother responding, make it useful. And you know what else? You hurt my feelings with the remark that I seem to be "content making stories about housewives in fruitless and loveless marriages". First of all, it's not true. And second of all, **** you. Why would you attack or shame me based on the content of my writing, whether it's about disgruntled housewives or murder detectives or science fiction superheroes? You didn't have to make it personal. I think I deserve an apology.

Stavlocratz, I didn't expect that you would still be around. My email address is foxpamela@yahoo.com if you want chat off storymash.

Well, then, Stav. I am working on revisions and I would be greatful for your critical opinion when that is finished, if you would offer it. Thanks.

I think you've misunderstood the metaphor. I didn't paint all people south of the character as brutes. I said that the weapon used to brutally kill someone in one context would have been appreciated, even revered, and in another context it would not. I think that you would agree that murder, in any culture, is brutal. I'd like to see your source on the inaccuracy of Mayan sacrifices. I'm hard pressed to find one. If you want to talk about the validity of the metaphor, great. But throwing hostility and insults toward someone you perceive or misperceive disagrees with you, someone that you don't know, is not a constructive life strategy. You might want to reconsider that.

NateG, I wish they'd employ your email suggestion. There are questions I'm dying to ask you.

It's not a stereotype. Mayans bashed heads in. On pyramids. In jungles. South of me.

Maybe he was a regular as well and she knew he was a theif and was justified and you are **** for assuming you know what other people are thinking based purely on their behaviour. Hope that doesn't hurt your feelings but assuming that she's wrong is as arrogant as assuming that she's right.
sincerely,
white girl working every corner of the block

Are you implying that I've alienated you? If so, how? If you want me to understand you're meaning, you need to be more direct. If you live at the top of a pyramid somewhere in a jungle somewhere south of here and are the glory of your nation and all of that is working for you, then kudos. I don't think you should take it personally that I don't want to be your wife. It just doesn't work for me.

Thanks, stavlocratz. I'm flattered.

Thelestro, I like the way you write. But I have to ask, what is blazed? Is that like Canadian for smashed? I guess my circles use different lingo.