CROTS

I took a really great writing class my last semester at VCU and one of our assignments was to write "crots," which are little pieces of writing comprised of fragments that are repeated or scattered and basically have a feel of abruptness and move quickly from idea to idea. Here is one I wrote about Iceland:

In Iceland they call pocket change “klínk.” Heavy coins in silver and gold emblazoned with fish and crabs. 1 króna, 5, 10, 50, 100. In America change doesn’t buy anything – better to Coinstar it. In Iceland children with bulging pockets brace the wind and bolt to the nearest shop. Gaze at candy behind glass counters. Gummi fish of every color. Chocolate covered licorice sticks. Hard strong pepper flavored pieces for melting teeth. 5 krónur for one piece. 100 and you’re rich. It’s only one coin! Smiling with browned teeth and clinging to your plastic bag filled with much more than a dollar’s worth. Chilly wind whips through your hair and right through your sweater on the way home, pounding the sidewalk. Klínk klínk klínk.