Friday Fictioneers is hosted by the wonderful Rochelle, the undisputed master of what I call Sound Bite Fiction.
She sets the weekly challenge, and the standard.
Today’s photo is by Adam Ickes, and my alter ego did a somewhat Shakespearean take on it back in 2014.
So here it is again, all the way from a sun-kissed Bonnie Scotland where I am seeking a solution to my continuing dextral problem.
The idea, as always, is to write a story of around 100 words based on the picture, below.
© Adam Ickes
Click here to hear me read this 100-word tale:
The Bridge
His heart leaps as he approaches the bridge.
He sees her on the other side of the great gorge, heading in the same direction.
They have been meeting here secretly for months now.
Their love is forbidden by their different backgrounds, different cultures, warring families.
But they will not falter.
Then he sees the figures on the bridge.
Her father, her brothers, carrying knives.
She waves him back frantically.
He walks onto the bridge, ready to make peace.
Her eldest brother steps forward and strikes.
As he falls, mortally wounded, he sees her climb the barrier and hurl herself off.
Those poor kids; and wasted lives. Your story left me melancholy.
Nicely done. Retelling of an old classic, which exists in many other languages and cultures, just the names of the participants get changed.
A tale of our times, sadly. I drove up to Scotland a couple of weeks ago. Nice.
Visit Keith’s Ramblings
And of all times, sadly.
Did you find it okay?
Tragic story. Another ‘Romeo and Juliet.’ Shakespeare would be proud 🙂
Well, Amanda, I certainly am!
Thank you, dear lady
Stupid girl.
I hope Scotland holds an answer for you. Sending you healing.
Tracey
Gosh, Tracey, that is a bit harsh!
Thanks, but not yet.
I prefer to stand and fight myself.
Very much as it used to be, and as it still is sometimes. Not even death could stop them from being together.
The more things change, Al…
And you really are a soppy old romantic!
I have my moments 😉
Stories of the past echo the realities of those times!
Wonderfully written!
Very true.
Happy you enjoyed.
Bridges were meant to connect, yet they divide all too often. Sad, and timeless story.
Wise words, dear friend.
Tragedy is always in fashion.
Tragic, very Romeo and Juliette I thought. And this sort of thing continues in some parts of the world…
Alas, it does.
Thank you, sir, for your comments.
Nice and suitably tragic! But silly girl 🙁 didn’t she know the next one is always better 🙂
I am not sure if your comment is ultra-optimistic or just sadly cynical!
Thank you for taking the time to share your views, much appreciated.
Oh dear!
Indeed.
Definitely has a very Shakespearean ending! Although from your intro I was expecting iambic pentameter… Well, maybe next time. 🙂
I feel I must apologise
I have the poetic talent of the average house plant
So if you want a wee rhyme
I think it is time
For you to visit my alter ego AnElephantCant
https://anelephantcant.me/2016/07/09/golden-haze-2/
Hey I recognize that alter ego! Good thing at least one of you can rhyme. 😉
Some people just don’t want peace. Tragic but good writing, C.E. —- Suzanne
Ain’t that the truth.
Thanks, Suzanne.
Awesome!
Thank you
Not many could look at that photo and see Romeo and Juliet. Superbly done. I hope you can find the solution to your problem. There’s nothing better than being ill in your own language, I’ve found. Best of luck.
Thank you for your kind words and your kind wishes.
Oh! That was tragic – but probably the only way?
I like to think there is always an alternative to violence, but the world seems to disagree.
There’s always an opportunity to be kind ❤️
Many of us have seen bridges as venues for violent or desperate acts – I wonder why that is? This is a powerful tale, sparse prose adding to the power of the story. A Romeo and Juliet tale – and there is never a happy ending with one of those. Great story 🙂
Thank you, Lynn.
Perhaps it is the crossing point that brings events to a head?
Yes, you’re right, it can be. I know of several bloody battles that have been fought on or over bridges – always important to secure / destroy crossing places. Also there’s something symbolic about them, isn’t there, that passing from one world to the next, just as people have laid importance on doorways and even fenland, the halfway point between land and water. I’m rabbiting on. Great, stirring story C 🙂
I love your elements of surprise. A bit sad this week. I didn’t know you were in Scotland. Hope you are having a great time.
Yes, I suppose a stabbing and a suicide can be described as ‘a bit sad’!
Speak to Graham, he keeps my appointment book.
Always understated rarely imitated 🙂 I’ll have a quiet word with Graham once I get a minute
Strange this story took me to a bridge in Sarajevo. Poignant writing.
That is strange, it would require a very long bridge.
What a beautiful photo, and a strong story to go with it. Once again you’ve managed to plop the image of these people’s lives right into my minds eye. I am so happy that I found your work, it is very inspiring! 🙂
Thank you for your kind words, I am delighted that you find my writing so enjoyable.
Would love to know what he had done to deserve such treatment, or is it warring families, religious divide? Good stuff, Iain
A story as old as man, ‘different backgrounds, different cultures, warring families’.
Thank you
True love does not always win out as Shakespeare and you show…well done!
I do hope you find some relief for your Situation!
True love, as your fellow Canadian says, leaves no traces…
Seems suitably sinistral to me
Indeed, sir!
Dear CE,
How very Romeo and Juliette. Very sad. On the other hand, what a set of in-laws that would be. They might be better off. Well done and well read.
I hope you’re finding some relief and enjoying Bonnie Scotland.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Bonnie Scotland cures all known germs. He’ll be fine.
It seems that for once your confidence is misplaced, Paul, and even our centuries of medical excellence have no solutions at this time.
What a disturbingly pragmatic view of the situation, m’lady!
Scotland is, as always, beautiful, cold and damp.