Sunday Photo Fiction is a weekly challenge presented by Susan Spaulding, who has taken over this great weekly prompt from my old friend Al Forbes.
This week’s photo is provided by Fandango, and shows San Francisco, a city which brings me many happy memories. The inspiration for a happy little tale, for once.
The general idea is to write a short story (200 word max) inspired by what you see in the picture (below).
Click on this link to enter your tale, and see what others have written.
© Fandango
Click here to hear the author read the tale:
The Selkie
Selkies can’t fall in love with humans.
It leads to heartbreak, every time.
That’s what the legends say.
That’s what the old folk tell us.
But I did.
She was so different from us.
Tall, lithe, long-legged and blonde.
When we come out of the water and change into our human form, we still look a bit like seals.
We tend to be small and compact, with dark hair and skin.
Her skin was like milk.
I watched her from the bay.
She noticed me, laughed and waved.
I came closer, always closer.
She smiled, fed me titbits of fish, eventually stroking my head.
So I summoned all my courage, shed my coat, and stood before her as a man.
She recoiled in horror, fled screaming.
Men came with clubs, beat me, and took my sea-skin.
They threw me in a prison.
I can see the waves from a tiny window.
I see the heads of my own kind, searching for me.
I hear their anguished cries.
Today I saw her golden head pass by.
She was wearing my coat, fashioned now to fit her.
Without it I cannot return.
It seems the old folk are right.
Humans bring heartbreak.
This is brilliantly sad ..
You are very kind, Lady Nimue, but sometimes other people are cruel indeed
Happy little tale indeed, with a message to boot 🙂
Thank you, sir
For me this is a many layered story, with a challenge to humanity.
Indeed, Michael, we have shown consistent indifference to our planet and the other creatures who inhabit it. Thank you for your thoughtful comment.
One sides love, that too a lithe, tall, blonde woman. Such people are in great demand in human circles. Why would she fall for a seal? Well seal will never know. Love is usually blind.
All true, sir, thank you
This is by far your best. Great story Ceayr.
That is a wonderful comment, Neel, thank you so much.
Beautiful CE. The message of how we treat others different from ourselves reaches well beyond the 200-words of the story.
Thank you, Susan.
Being different is still the greatest crime in so many places, as recently widely displayed in the world’s sports arenas.
Wonderfully crafted piece of fiction. I do love pieces that draw on old folklore.
They do have their own fascination, Carol. Happy you enjoyed.
Humans do bring heartbreak and destruction. Well written.
All too often, sadly.
Thank you
Very sad and true! Beautiful story!
Coming from a MagickMermaid this comment touches me in return.
Thank you, dear lady.
You have excelled yourself CE! Brilliant.
Thank you, Keith, I am very happy it touched you that way.
This is so beautiful and once again I love listening to you read your own stories more than I read them myself.
You are very kind, Piyali. Comments like this make all the effort worthwhile.
Thank you.
Excellent CE. Have to listen to this one to get the full effect
Thanks, Violet, I hope the reading lived up to your expectations
I salute your craft and imagination.
Just blown away by your story.
Thanks, Em, did Eros write this one for you?
How did you find out?