Summer Dreams

Posted: March 1, 2017 in Friday Fictioneers
Tags: , , , , , ,

Today Rochelle Wisoff-Fields both provided and posted the photo prompt for the Friday Fictioneers Clan. Our Fairy Blog Mother takes good care of us.

 

Bent beneath the children’s backs, the grass smelled like spring and hope and freedom.
“What you see in them clouds?”
June, “I sees a angel. Wings spread wider ‘n Papa’s arms stretch when he wants a hug.”
Todd, “A frog wid fifteen fat legs. Cut ’em off so’s Mama can pop ’em in the frypan.”
Rosie, “An airplane. Me flyin’ it.”

Back at home, the house smelled of old grease and unwashed, drunken Papa.
The frying pan sat empty, but the bed was full of Mama, bruised and broken.
“Soup?” Rosie stared at the last cans in the cupboard. “Or beans?”

(100 words)

Comments
  1. James says:

    That started out nice and ended miserably tragic. Still, even kids from “the wrong side of the tracks” need their dreams. Actually, they need their dreams most of all.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Thanks, James. This story was inspired by a good friend’s childhood. She had to take care of her young sisters while her mom ran around with different men, leaving them home for days without food. I appreciate you leaving a comment, as always.

      Liked by 2 people

  2. gahlearner says:

    From dreams of an almost normal childhood to the harsh realities. Heartbreaking story, Alicia.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. neilmacdon says:

    The echo of the smells was a touch of brillaunce

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Lynn Love says:

    Wow, Alicia. That’s powerful. So poignant that they can still fantasise that way, so hopeful that they’re minds aren’t ruined despite their sad reality. Wonderful stuff

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Iain Kelly says:

    Authentic voices and a tragic take. It’s nice they can still play innocent games with the clouds, although that may not last long. Excellent.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. That was one painful roller coaster ride. How did you manage to throw us in the air and slam us into the ground in 100 words? Brilliant.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Such a tragic contrast.. but maybe it’s the dreams that keep the kids going.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Dale says:

    To give you an idea how good this was, I read it aloud to my 17-year old son. At the end his eyes widened, his face fell and he said “owwww…” (well, actually “ayoye” which is owww in French 😉
    The innocence is there… but not for long, I am sure

    Liked by 2 people

  9. Dear Lish,

    You captured all the senses in this one, not to mention the full gamut of emotion. Well done.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Terrible, how some dreams turn into nightmares in so little time… so sad.

    Like

  11. Rommy says:

    I hope between their dreams and each other, they’ll be able to hold out to get to better days.

    Like

  12. elmowrites says:

    Very vivid, I lay in the grass with the kids, which means they took me home too. Expertly done!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thanks! I remember many summer days laying in the grass in my parent’s backyard in Denver, CO. Lawnmowers running, birds singing … Sights and sounds and smells galore. Thanks for reading and commenting.

      Like

  13. Dahlia says:

    Heartbreaking…

    Liked by 1 person

  14. rgayer55 says:

    A very moving piece, Alicia. A crushing reality for many. Powerful writing.

    Liked by 1 person

  15. draliman says:

    Sounds like those kids need their playtime escape, given the harsh reality they return to. Nice piece.

    Liked by 1 person

  16. wmqcolby says:

    Yeah, it figures. The kids always have each other in situations like that. Hopefully, things can change. Super writing, Alicia. You have these types of characters down!

    Liked by 1 person

  17. Oh how I was smiling and then my heart actually hurt!

    Liked by 1 person

  18. Life Lessons of a Dog Lover says:

    You set up such a contrast of the children’s dreams and reality. Tragic story, well told.

    Liked by 1 person

  19. I love your work, Lish and this one is that much more heartbreaking for the idealism and hope of these babes. Oh, the sadness of this.

    Liked by 1 person

  20. Joy Pixley says:

    Wonderfully authentic voices; it’s amazing how hopeful children can be, even in the most terrible circumstances.

    Liked by 1 person

  21. plaridel says:

    i feel sorry for the kids. at least, there’s hope. they could still dream.

    Liked by 1 person

  22. jellico84 says:

    Dream v/s reality… quite a dynamic difference. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  23. What a sad life. Thankful for clouds and imaginations.

    Liked by 1 person

  24. Michael Wynn says:

    Great voice s always. Sad tale but they are survivors and it’s good they can resort to the type of escapism that sees so much in the shape of clouds. They’ll be alright.

    Liked by 1 person

  25. Oh, what a sad one – but how lovely that they can see other worlds in the clouds. I really like that.

    Liked by 1 person

  26. goroyboy says:

    Powerful. Soup and sandwich. I know that meal well. By the mercy of God that was a long time ago.

    Like

  27. What a very sad story, beautifully told. An unfortunate reality for too many.

    Liked by 1 person

  28. Wow! Such contrast. But they have hope.
    Why is airplane spelt so and aeroplane, so? What a language is English.

    Liked by 1 person

  29. That is just so tragic, but if those children can still dream, all is not lost.

    Liked by 1 person

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    Like

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