The only place she felt safe, calm, sitting under the weeping willow, watching the sky pass by in the mirror of the pond surface. She would rock and sing softly her songs of sorrow and joy. No one but the birds heard her. Even the worldly noises were blocked by the peace of the buildings.
Hidden from view of those who didn’t know how to look, how to listen for the wind whispering in the trees, or the splash of the joyful koi.
People walking by hardly noticed the street kid, quietly singing in the weed-infested, garbage strewn abandoned lot.
Written for Friday Fictioneers, October 7, 2016; image by © CEAyr
October 8, 2016 at 6:52 pm
I agree with all the comments about the great last line. The twist at the end was bittersweet. I am glad she could escape in her mind but sad about the conditions she lives in.
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October 11, 2016 at 8:53 am
Yes, there are so many that have to live like her all around the world. Sad truth about today.
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October 7, 2016 at 9:44 am
I could see this scene so clearly and then the sudden shift – very nice.
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October 7, 2016 at 3:49 pm
Thank you. I’m glad I was able to convey the stark contrast between her inner and outer realities.
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October 6, 2016 at 1:09 pm
A sweet story in a way.
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October 6, 2016 at 6:04 pm
Thank you for your kind comment.
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October 6, 2016 at 12:58 pm
Dear Frilly,
I enjoyed the contrast between what the child sees and what’s going on around her. Nice twist.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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October 6, 2016 at 6:06 pm
Thanks — I like twists.
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October 6, 2016 at 12:14 pm
You saw a koi pond as well… Hope it was not the same pond. The story is bittersweet…
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October 6, 2016 at 12:53 pm
I was thinking of the koi pond I take care of for the owners. I’ll have to read about your koi pond?
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October 6, 2016 at 1:38 pm
My koi ate something
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October 6, 2016 at 6:04 pm
Oh, dear!
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October 6, 2016 at 4:29 am
The inside of a child’s head is a magical place
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October 6, 2016 at 7:33 am
Isn’t it though. I used to sit under my grandmother’s weeping willow and be a million places in a billion stories.
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October 6, 2016 at 2:17 am
Great last line that added context and a twist. Excellent.
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October 6, 2016 at 2:18 am
Thanks Iain — I like adding twists.
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October 5, 2016 at 11:39 pm
Beautiful.
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October 6, 2016 at 12:23 am
Thank you for the kind comment.
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