I have missed What Pegman Saw, so am dipping my toe into the 150-word waters of a story about North Coast, Finland. Thanks, Pegman!!!
We inhabit a land of seagrass and women who wear armor.
Our children are strong. Our men brave.
Together we have lived upon these shores for one thousand years
and will defend it to the death.
At night the polar skies glow with fox-fire.
The days glisten with sunshine and laughter.
Our fields produce crops you have never heard of,
and we will never share.
The forests surrounding our homes
are alive with bear and lynx.
They do not frighten us,
for they are here to serve.
So, even though you have three times our number of sailing ships,
filled with twice as many soldiers armed with weapons of hammered steel,
do not think, for one moment,
you have the slightest chance of conquering our people.
For we will rise up in a fury so strong
the hearts of your bravest men will tremble.
Send your army.
We are here.
Waiting.
I like the way you structure this, as a saga rather than a poem or prose. You’ve written it with great resolution!
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Thanks, Penny. I’m never sure how to structure things. I just like to write, so thanks for appreciating the structure of my story. I so enjoy your stopping by. Happy weekend!!!!!
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Wonderful lead in to a tale of epic battle and glory.
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Thanks, James. A bit of the Viking in this ~ I hope.
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AHO! AMEN! Love this! A strong people, standing up for themselves! That, my friends, is what a nation is founded upon! Love this story, Alicia.
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Thank you, Jelli!
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Excellent voice in this piece.
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Thanks very much.
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The voice and format really work nicely, giving it the feel of an epic Viking saga. Well done! So nice to see you, Lish!
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Thanks, K. I’m feeling more confident that I can pass my Group Fitness Exam so am allowing myself more time away from studying. I’m glad you think the voice and format worked well. Lish
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Oh, best of luck!
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Thank you!
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You know, Alicia, I could visualise a young woman standing on a tall headland looking out to sea, watching enemy ships approaching in the distance, and this is the monologue running in her head, but we can hear her. Beautifully done.
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Thanks so very much. That’s pretty much what I imagined. Thanks for capturing the feeling.
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damn – feels the same way I felt after watching braveheart fro the first time.
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well done- powerful
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Thanks! I loved Braveheart, even though it was hugely Hollywood. I appreciate your commenting.
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I have not heard “hugely hollywood” but I get it – and agree – but I was so young at the time and that added to the impact ha
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Ooh, I love this voice! Strong and indomitable and confident in their own tribe’s ability to survive. I love some of your touches – Our fields produce crops you have never heard of,
and we will never share / They do not frighten us,
for they are here to serve
They sound terrifying – an unstoppable force. Loved it
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Thanks, Lynn. I kind of want to belong to these people, strap on the armor and . . . .!!!
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And take on the world! My pleasure Lish
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And they have indeed repelled much larger armies than themselves. A hardy bunch!
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The only way to survive, way back when. Well, maybe now, too. Thanks, Ali
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