This Left Me Speechless

This Left Me Speechless

Death, meditation, positivity, grace, bliss, invisibility, and atrocity prompt introspection on deep emotions in the summer essay contest.

What has taken your breath away or stopped you dead in your tracks?

The Monthly asked East Bay writers to explore this theme in the summer essay contest and presents the seven winning entries here, just in time for a little summer reading.

The theme, “This Left Me Speechless,” prompted poignant results with essayists sharing thought-provoking experiences from their lives that gave them deep pause. The essays we settled on tell different tales, though each offers insight related to the theme and includes writers Melody Ermachild Chavis, Stacy Appel, Kathy Hrastar, Flossie Lewis, John A. McMullen II, Julia Park Tracey, and Russell Yee.

This season’s wordsmiths delved into the genius of a transformative comedian, the cluelessness of casual hikers, and the career-affirming comment of an unlikely source. They explored the forgiving nature of a child, the bliss of a homeless couple, the grinding effects of constant hushing, and the outright admission of government-sponsored slaughter. These are the stories that stuck with us; we hope they stick with you, too.

The Monthly would like to thank all the Bay Area writers who sent in essay submissions; there were very many worthy entries exhibiting well-written prose, making for rewarding and entertaining reading. The Monthly offers essay contests twice a year, so expect more great prose in the winter.

The Sea Lions
By Melody Ermachild Chavis
Witnesses to a sea lion disaster keep their thoughts to themselves.

Risky Business
By Stacy Appel
A visit to a San Francisco comedy club has a surprise ending.

Burnt Toast
By Kathy Hrastar
An unlikely source provides career-affirming inspiration for a lifetime of waiting tables.

Grace
By Flossie Lewis
A teacher earns forgiveness from a student but cannot do the same for her own transgressor.

Left Speechless: Waifs and Pillows at Telegraph and Dwight
By John A. McMullen II
A young couple’s bliss, sincerity, and gratitude give a Berkeley resident a new perspective.

Unspeakable
By Julia Park Tracey
After a long life of silence, the author finds her footing through her and in ink.

“Seven Percent Interest”
By Russell Yee
A third-generation Oaklander contemplates the atrocities of his Indian-killing government.

Faces of the East Bay