Friday Fictioneers is hosted by the wonderful Rochelle, the undisputed master of what I call Sound Bite Fiction.
She sets the weekly challenge, the standard, and the prompt photo.
The idea, as always, is to write a story of around 100 words based on the picture below, which this week is one of my own.
© C. E. Ayr
Click here to hear the author read his words:
Pictures
I see pictures.
Inside my head, vivid and alive.
They can be memories, dreams, wishes.
I am with my grandson, in the park, hunting dragons.
I watch myself dancing with someone who once loved me.
I’m back in my homeland, on the braes of Bonnie Doon.
Flakes of happiness.
But recently the pictures are different.
They are still real.
But they are more mundane.
And, somehow, deep down, I know they are showing me the future.
I see my apartment.
There is the breadboard, dishes in the drying rack, my bed, unmade.
But something’s missing.
I no longer see me.
Sound Bite Fiction 
C.E.
I love your poetic audio rendition. And I’m a big fan of all your audios.
This is so evocative and beautifully told.
After all memories are all we have. 🙂
https://natashamusing.com/2020/05/a-star-is-born-fridayfictioneers-fridayfotofiction/
LikeLike
What a great comment to start my day!
Thank you, Natasha.
And, if you enjoy the audios, please check out my YouTube offerings:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1VzeyCgI56mxrlkvVIlwcg/
Likes and comments always appreciated!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Definitely will, C.E.
Have a splendid day ahead!
LikeLike
Lovely imagery and then a bitter end. Well written
LikeLike
Thanks, Michael, much appreciated
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is beautiful. I feel it resonating in these times of solitude.
LikeLike
Thank you, Sascha, I think we are all a bit more introspective at this time
LikeLike
Wistfully done.
LikeLike
I’m a wistful kind of guy sometimes, Dawn…
LikeLike
This was profound and very well carved.
Seeing ahead is a double edge sword, isn’t it?
LikeLike
Indeed so, Na’ama, I think most of us prefer not to know what lies ahead.
And thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t mind knowing a LITTLE of what comes ahead … 😉
LikeLike
Powerful piece! It seems as if he viewed the future just after he passes away. As all his personal effects are still there.
LikeLike
Thank you, Fatima, for your kind words and for taking the time to comment so thoughtfully
LikeLike
A great piece on reflection, where the past seems to have drifted away. It’s like standing at the station with a single ticket to nowhere and being left wondering which train can take you home. this is the point you wished you had bought a return ticket.
LikeLike
Thanks for the thoughtful comment, James, glad that so few words triggered such depth of consideration
LikeLiked by 1 person
The changes that come with age. Nice piece!
LikeLike
Thank you, Ali.
Sometimes it can seem that memories are all we have.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very thoughtful.
LikeLike
Thank you, Trish
LikeLike
sometimes the past is worth remembering after time has smoothened is rough edges.
LikeLike
Very true, Plaridel, memories tend to be rose-coloured
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have, indeed, outdone yourself. This is a little work of art.
LikeLike
You are very kind, Alicia, and your comments elsewhere are equally appreciated.
I am slightly overwhelmed at the impact of such a short piece.
Thank you
LikeLike
This is a powerful piece of writing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Mike, glad it reached you
LikeLike
It is difficult to imagine a future without–well, US in it :). This is quite poetic, CE.
LikeLike
It is, indeed, Linda, we tend to struggle with concepts of other people’s lives when we are not involved.
And one of my alter egos pretends to be a poet…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautifully done. ‘Flakes of happiness’ is so evocative. You surpassed yourself this week.
LikeLike
That was my favorite line, too!
LikeLike
I do pretend to be a poet too!
LikeLike
Thank you, Sandra.
I was going to say that is the benefit of setting the bar low, but that would be churlish in response to such kind, encouraging words.
LikeLike
That was poignant and depressing. I’m gonna go hunt dragons while I still can.
LikeLike
Happy hunting, but don’t hurt the dragons!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gripping, as usual. I love the audio.
Ronda
LikeLike
Thank you, Ronda, I am especially pleased when a reader is also a listener.
You might enjoy this video/reading of my work:
LikeLike
Ah no, the next one!
LikeLike
Unfortunately all the joy must be accompanied by some sorrow
LikeLike
Indeed, Larry, life’s rich cycle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great story CE, and capable of being understood in so many different ways. There are some lovely images, especially you hunting dragons with your grandson. Flakes of happiness is delightful, too.
LikeLike
Hunting dragons! Yes!
LikeLike
And mammoths in trees!
LikeLike
Thanks, Penny, it is just a view of changing times and growing old with fond memories and inevitable doubts.
I am happy you found so much to enjoy.
LikeLike
You got me with that last line, CE, brilliant.
LikeLike
Thanks, Liz, ‘brilliant’ makes me happy!
LikeLike
This was brilliant, CE. You really got me with that last line, which is a sign of a killer flash.
Wouldn’t it be a terrible realization or premonition? My question is, does he have the power to change the end? Is it time for him to quickly quit smoking, lose weight and join the gym? Is there hope? Indeed, perhaps he should get hold of some hydroxychloroquine? It might just save the day after all.
Best wishes,
Rowena
LikeLike
Laughing.
First of all, thank you, I am happy you enjoyed.
Secondly, your barrage of questions is longer than my story!
Hugs and thanks
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha! Curiosity might’ve killed the cat, but I’m still going!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have many photos that were important back then, now they don’t seem at all like I remember them. You really touched a nerve, CE. I liked the grandson line, too.
Five out of five Kodak moments. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Times change, Kent, and people change too.
Five out of five faded snapshots for your comment.
LikeLike
It started out on such a positive note, then slowly became melancholic. Well done.
LikeLike
A bit like life, eh, Keith?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mmmm…
LikeLike
I guess that is how life after death would be like. That was a poetic transition.
LikeLike
Glad you enjoyed, Ms JJ
LikeLike
Wonderful, thought provoking imagery. Very well written!
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
LikeLike
Thank you, Susan, this is all a writer can ask for in such a short piece
LikeLike
I gasped at your last line. The terminology “flakes of happiness’ is nice.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Reena, ‘gasped’ is good!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear CE,
I loved the image of you chasing dragons in the park with your grandson. The latter half is heartrending. Well done, sir. Very well done indeed.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Thank you, m’lady, I did try to capture life’s highs and lows before the inevitable finale.
LikeLike
Downbeat and depressing. Such is life. Expertly done.
LikeLike
Thanks, Iain. Sometimes it gets this way, I guess.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Powerful and punchy lines. It’s almost poetic. Well written, CE.
LikeLike
Thanks, Varad, very kind of you.
LikeLike
Pingback: Here I Go Again – Varadharajan Ramesh’s Writings
Moving.
Soothsayer’s words.
This will come in everyone’s life. Loved ones and we will no longer be around. We are guests here on Earth. As the soul never dies, it’s time for another birth!
LikeLike
Thanks, Anita. I don’t share your belief system, but it is certainly a nice thought.
LikeLike
Powerful words. It starts with a punch, ends with a bang.
LikeLike
Thank you, Tannille, glad it worked for you
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved that last line.
LikeLike
Thanks, Neil, I guess 1 out of 15 isn’t too bad!
LikeLike