Sunday Photo Fiction is a weekly challenge presented by my old friend Al Forbes.
The idea is to write a short story (200 word max) inspired by what you see in his picture (below).
Al’s freaky photo this week reminds me of a piece I wrote a few years back for another challenge that he hosted, the wonderful Haibun Thinking.
His challenges and his friendship have meant a lot to me over the past 5 or 6 years.
Only the challenges are over.
See you soon, mon brave.
Click on this link to enter your tale, and see what others have written.
© Al Forbes
Click here to hear the author read the tale:
Childhood
When my daughter told me she was about to produce my first grandchild, I was pleased but not overly excited.
An absent and, sadly, too often uninvolved father, I did not expect to dally overmuch with the next generation.
Well, as it turned out, for a variety of reasons, I spent literally hundreds of hours in his company, mostly just one on one.
And he taught me more than anyone else in my life.
About puddles and squirrels.
About tadpoles and dinosaurs.
And big trucks and silly songs.
About Puff and frozen ponds.
About wobbly sticks and ice cream.
About trees and birds, museums and unmatched socks.
Double-decker buses and giraffes.
About magic and about laughter.
He taught me how to look at the world afresh again.
And to love life.
In short, (okay, not very!) he taught me to be a child again.
So now, when I walk knee deep with rolled up trousers in the winter Mediterranean and people ask me if it is cold, I see his laughing face.
I remember that weather is unimportant to a child who is having fun.
I smile, shake my head, and thank him for my life.
Sound Bite Fiction 
What a lovely take Sir, far removed from your usual funny/dark fare. Awesome.
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Thank you, sir, I am happy you enjoyed it so much
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Being with children can teach use so much. I really did enjoy ‘Childhood’
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Thank you, Mike, it is always rewarding to reach someone this way
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…
In short, (okay, not very!) he taught me to be a child again.
So now, when I walk knee deep with rolled up trousers in the winter Mediterranean and people ask me if it is cold, I see his laughing face.
I remember that weather is unimportant to a child who is having fun.
I smile, shake my head, and thank him for my life.
This is the most amazing, sweetest tale of childhood i have read in a very long time. Ceayr, you have outdone yourself with this one that captures the essence of children and their meaning in our lives. Loved this no end.
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Thank you, Neel, I am glad it spoke to you.
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Belle déclaration d’amour d’un grand père a son petit fils.
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Merci, madame, tu est trop gentille
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the best gifts come in the most unexpected wrappings and packages, delivered when we least await them, … wobbly sticks, and puddles and laughter for the sheer joy and bliss of it …. even “unsuspecting fossils/dinosaurs” can learn the true life secrets ….
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Very true, Pat, life is full of wondrous surprises
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Bravo!
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Thank you!
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Awesome tale CE. I think I remember that one.
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Ah, the Haibun, those were the days, my friend…
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This is lovely.
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Thank you for the kind words
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You’re most welcome. I like a lot of your stuff.
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