Alice-kessler Quote by Tracy Guzeman
““Alice haunted the mossy edge of the woods, lingering in patches of shade. She was waiting to hear his Austin-Healey throttle back when he careened down the utility road separating the state park from the cabins rimming the lake, but only the whistled conversation of buntings echoed in the branches above. The vibrant blue males darted deeper into the trees when she blew her own 'sweet-sweet chew-chew sweet-sweet' up to theirs. Pine seedlings brushed against her pants as she pushed through the understory, their green heads vivid beneath the canopy. She had dressed to fade into the forest; her hair was bundled up under a long-billed cap, her clothes drab and inconspicuous. When at last she heard his car, she crouched behind a clump of birch and made herself as small as possible, settling into a shallow depression of ferns and leaf litter.””
About This Quote
Source Short story: “The Edge of the Woods”, 2020
A woman hides in the forest, waiting for a lover’s car, blending with nature and listening to birds.
In simple terms: She hides, listening for a car, feeling the forest.
Key Takeaway
Patience and observation in longing.
Themes
longing
nature
waiting
Mood
mysterious
romantic
Type
narrative
descriptive
When to use this quote
- forest hike
- waiting for a signal
- romantic pursuit
Key Concepts
camouflage
anticipation
sensory detail
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the forest symbolize for her?
- Is waiting a healthy response?
A Different Perspective
The narrative romanticizes stalking, raising ethical concerns.
