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Father and son beneath a sycamore tree at dusk

Dear Momma

I'm all alone here in Georgia

The winds are blowing and it's raining hard

My teeth are brushed and my face is washed

I'm waiting for death to arrive.

–Tim McMahon & ChatGPT.
November 26, 2009

Exegesis

The term exegesis comes from a Greek term meaning literally leading out. It means simply explaining what a text means primarily in its original historical and literary context. It seems appropriate here and I use it throughout my writings.

Reflection

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Inspiration

This story came to me whole. It was the very first thing on my mind as I woke on Thanksgiving morning in 2009. To this day, I believe it is a true story of young girl who was kidnapped in Georgia and has resigned herself to her fate of dying alone in captivity. I still ache for this person.

Description of the work from Google's NotebookLM

Tim McMahon's short story, Dear Momma depicts a young girl's despair and acceptance of death while alone in Georgia during a storm. The piece is presented alongside a reflection by McMahon suggesting the story's inspiration stems from a possible real-life kidnapping case. The author's reflection classifies the work as Southern Gothic, emphasizing its themes of isolation and mortality. The overall effect is a powerful evocation of bleakness and resignation.

Genre of the story

Southern Gothic & Flash Fiction

– Tim McMahon
December 19, 2024