A Park Bench...

9/18/2020

Each week author Suzanne Burke provides a writing prompt she entitles, Fiction In A Flash Challenge Week. This is her 18th week, and her image prompt is sheet music with the shadow of a rose.

When I looked at this image, I thought of someone sitting in a park, listening to distant singing. A story soon unfolded which I hope you enjoy.

Perhaps you’d like to join me in this effort. If so, just click on the link above and you’ll be guided to Suzanne’s blog site and her instructions.

THOUGHTS FROM A PARK BENCH

We’ve yet to meet, my love, but each day I walk to the park at 3:00 to hear you sing. From your fifth floor perch, can you see me – the one who sits alone and weeps?

I was just a babe when my parents moved to New York City. Though they knew English, they only spoke their native Russian to me. Your afternoon serenade of A Million Scarlet Roses reaches deep within my soul – to family.

Can you spare just one, just one of your million? A rose would soften the loss I know and tell me of your sweetness.

(My Haiku follows the photo prompt.)

alone I listen
until roses fill my soul
and bring you to me

22 Comments

Diana Peach link

9/19/2020 10:53:28

A sad and beautiful story, Gwen. Music can transport us back in time and tear open our hearts.

Gwendolyn Plano

9/19/2020 12:27:19

So true, Diana. Thank you for this insight. ♥

Jill Weatherholt link

9/19/2020 11:24:14

Beautiful, Gwen. xo

Gwendolyn Plano

9/19/2020 12:27:42

Thank you, dear Jill. ♥

Suzanne Burke link

9/19/2020 13:53:52

Thanks so much for this moving contribution, Gwen. So many of my own posts are connected to a musical memory in my life. Music was my first avenue of escape and it always brought me the comfort of knowing that somewhere out there another human being lived through the same experience and cared enough to create a piece of inspiring music about it. ❤

Gwendolyn Plano

9/19/2020 14:36:10

Thank you, dear Soooz. The road you have traveled, few know. But through your sorrows, thousands of hearts now beat freely. You are beautiful. ♥

D.L. Finn

9/19/2020 14:49:26

Beautifully done Gwen. I loved how you added more layers with the man on the bench and the song. I could feel his sorrow and longing.

Gwendolyn Plano

9/19/2020 19:16:20

Thank you so much, Denise. ♥

Marcia Meara link

9/20/2020 07:15:28

Absolutely beautiful, Gwen. Heartbreaking and hopeful at the same time. I loved it. :)

Gwendolyn Plano

9/20/2020 08:35:54

Thanks so much, Marcia. It's surprising how images and stories are evoked by a prompt. ♥

John Howell link

9/20/2020 08:55:29

As I said on Soooz's post this was very well done. I can almost feel the angnst in the yourng man.

Gwendolyn Plano

9/20/2020 10:22:47

Thank you, John, for stopping by. I'm so pleased you like it.

Jan Sikes

9/20/2020 10:27:03

Gwen, this is the most beautiful thing! All of it! The song, the story, the haiku...just beautiful!

Gwendolyn Plano

9/20/2020 14:32:08

My goodness, thank you so much, Jan. ♥ I'm so happy you like it.

Jacquie Biggar link

9/20/2020 12:08:13

I just want to hug that poor man and tell him it'll be all right. Beautiful, Gwen

Gwendolyn Plano

9/20/2020 14:32:58

Thank you, Jacquie. He does seem to need a hug. ♥

Harmony Kent link

9/21/2020 02:55:42

A sad and uplifting take on the prompt, Gwen. I can feel the lonliness and the hope. Love it :)

Gwendolyn Plano

9/21/2020 04:04:29

Thank you, Harmony. ♥

Mae Clair link

9/21/2020 07:45:08

I feel the sadness in this, but it resonates with such beauty, too. Very well done, Gwen.

Gwendolyn Plano

9/21/2020 16:27:08

Thank you, Mae. I am so pleased you like it. ♥

Vashti Q link

9/23/2020 10:39:35

A beautiful haibun, so passionate and romantic in true Gwen style. Loved that song! It paired beautifully with your poem. <3

Gwendolyn Plano

9/23/2020 13:41:36

Thank you, dear Vashti. I love that song as well. ❤

A Park Bench...

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