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)
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.
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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.
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From dreams of an almost normal childhood to the harsh realities. Heartbreaking story, Alicia.
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Thanks – I slipped down that slippery slope of depression AGAIN! but I’m glad you liked the story.
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The echo of the smells was a touch of brillaunce
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Thank you, Neil. There’s something so lovely about the smell of crushed grass, isn’t there?
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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
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Lynn, I appreciate your kind words. Thank you.
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My absolute pleasure
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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.
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Thank you, Iain. I’m not sure why I so often write about drunken men and abused women and abandoned children! I knew nothing like this when I was growing up.
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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.
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Wow! Thanks. It started with the smell of grass then turned a very sharp left. Glad you appreciated the curve.
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Such a tragic contrast.. but maybe it’s the dreams that keep the kids going.
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I think you are so right, Bjorn. Where would any of us be without dreams? Thanks for reading and leaving a comment.
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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
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Goodness, Dale, thank you! I appreciate the fact that you shared this with your son and then letting me know about his reaction! Cheers, Alicia
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Dear Lish,
You captured all the senses in this one, not to mention the full gamut of emotion. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks, Rochelle. Realizing a generally forget the senses I tried to work with them this go-round. I’m glad you noticed. Always, always appreciate your comments. Lish
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Terrible, how some dreams turn into nightmares in so little time… so sad.
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I can’t even imagine. Thank you so much for reading and leaving a comment. Alicia
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I hope between their dreams and each other, they’ll be able to hold out to get to better days.
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Me, too. Sibling love can hold a lot of weight. Thanks for reading… and commenting.
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Very vivid, I lay in the grass with the kids, which means they took me home too. Expertly done!
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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.
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Heartbreaking…
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Thanks for reading.
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My pleasure 🙂
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A very moving piece, Alicia. A crushing reality for many. Powerful writing.
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Thanks, Russell. Kids should be allowed to grow up having fun, but that doesn’t always happen.
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Sounds like those kids need their playtime escape, given the harsh reality they return to. Nice piece.
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Thanks very much!
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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!
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I appreciate your saying so. In my Friday writing practice group, the ladies seem to enjoy these characters the most. They are my fallback characters when I feel at a loss.
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Maybe that means you have more creativity in there for them. Not a bad place. A potential forte, you think?
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Maybe
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Oh how I was smiling and then my heart actually hurt!
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Sorry. 😦 ! Thanks for stopping by. I always appreciate it.
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You set up such a contrast of the children’s dreams and reality. Tragic story, well told.
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Thanks very much.
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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.
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Thanks, Dawn. I don’t know why I continue to be so mean to little kids!!! Maybe next week I’ll be nicer. : – )
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Wonderfully authentic voices; it’s amazing how hopeful children can be, even in the most terrible circumstances.
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I know! Too bad most of us tend to lose that innocence about life. Thanks, Joy.
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I agree. One of my favorite quotes from Ursula K. Le Guin is: “The creative adult is the child who has survived.”
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i feel sorry for the kids. at least, there’s hope. they could still dream.
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Yes! I believe dreams will get them through. Thanks for reading and leaving a reply.
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Dream v/s reality… quite a dynamic difference. 🙂
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Dreams are often so much better, aren’t they?
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Oh, yeah, they are…usually. 🙂 ❤
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What a sad life. Thankful for clouds and imaginations.
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Oh, where would we be without clouds and imagination?
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True ❤
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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.
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I do believe they will. Thanks, Michael.
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Oh, what a sad one – but how lovely that they can see other worlds in the clouds. I really like that.
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Thank you, Louise. Somehow clouds seem to hold such high hopes!
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Powerful. Soup and sandwich. I know that meal well. By the mercy of God that was a long time ago.
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I’m glad it’s in your past. Thanks for reading and commenting. Alicia
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What a very sad story, beautifully told. An unfortunate reality for too many.
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I know, Clare, So glad I grew up not knowing how hard life could be. My first boyfriend had an abusive father and I didn’t know until much later in life. Thanks for reading.
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Wow! Such contrast. But they have hope.
Why is airplane spelt so and aeroplane, so? What a language is English.
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They do have hope.
English is an odd language. I would have asked your question using “spelled” and not “spelt”! Crazy. Yes? Thanks for the thoughtful question.
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That is just so tragic, but if those children can still dream, all is not lost.
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No, not all is lost. Thanks, Sarah!
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Thanks for stopping by!
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Glad to help.
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