Image Credit: Art at google.com
She went to bed with “Walk On The Ocean” playing in her head. The concert was amazing, and Toad the Wet Sprocket killed. “…walk on the ocean…step on the stones…flesh becomes water…wood becomes bone…” played for Danielle in a musical loop, and she smiled as she drifted off to sleep, the words trailing away, soft off her lips…
The rush of the ocean water came towards her. Gulls screamed as they dove and soared, arcing in the sky over her and away. She knew she had been here, on the beach, toes mingled in the sand for a long time. The lantern she held had gone cold and dark, but the coming dawn light was all she needed. It wasn’t cold, even though her nightgown blew in the wind. Danielle stood starting at the approaching ship. She squinted into the new day light, looking for a sign from the approaching craft. She felt she should know it. There was no dread, no fear, just utter calm inside of her. The tide was swift and looked rough, but the vessel glided atop the waves. “Who are you, that I’m waiting here for?” she thought. It moved, but got no closer. An ache began as Danielle wanted to know who was on that ship, what was there for her. The ship just swayed on the waves and the wind, making no headway. The light of the dawn topped the mast, consumed it, and then all was gone. The lantern fell. The lighthouse broke apart and drifted away. The sand became cold, and the water surged closer to Danielle. She felt a loss, but she had no idea of what. She wanted to walk forward, search for the ship, search for what she felt she was missing, search…Danielle woke up. Her cheeks were wet. She realized she had been crying, and she didn’t know why. Wrapping her arms around her legs as she drew them up to her chest, Danielle lay awake, dreaming.
Flesh becomes water.
**********************
Once again I’ve written off of Bluebell Books Short Story Slam. The only prompt was the picture that is atop this post.
The rules: Create a story or a poem inspired by the image provided, have fun! Hope you like what I did.
Very nice! I love how the song encapsulated it all… how the melody flowed seamlessly into the dream… well done!
Thank you very much. The song was in my head, as it often is.
Beautiful illustration and words. They go well together. Flesh becomes water. Wow!
Yeah, ever since I heard those words in the song (years now), they just stay with me. Thanks Penelope.
your words inspire, a real story with brilliant twist.
happy Writing.
Thank you very much. Same to you. Checked out your site.
I love your story. I am so happy that I came to read this. It was amazing a dream.
http://gatelesspassage.com/2011/09/05/the-milky-seas/
Thank you Sarah. I enjoyed your take on the prompt as well.
This was so enoyable. This is a story I want to continue to read. I love your take on the prompt.
I was pulled into her dream. So very well written. I am always amazed at how everyone interprets the prompt differently. You thoughts on mine would be so greatly appreciated. It would be an honor to hear your thoughts.
Namaste,
Isadora
http://insidethemindofisadora.wordpress.com/2011/09/02/sailing-into-the-midnight-sky/
I left you a comment Isadora. I was glad to see someone else take it beyond a poem. I took a dark take on how her story went in the next two Tale Spinnings. Now I think I’m going to take it another way as an experiment. Thank you.
perfect job.
you got the skill to showcase a well plotted story.
smiles.
thank you so much. I often think I’m plot light at times.
A great take on the prompt ! It’s a surreal scenario … so vivid , yet only a dream …
I love the sense of mystery throughout the piece … it just lingers … lovely stuff Stu !
Mish, I am flattered. Thank you for the comments. I will probably do more dream pieces.
it sounds so real, glad it is a dream.
well done.
Thank you very much. I took her to another place in the next story. Not sure if it’s a good thing.
The flesh becomes water, I read two meanings in that, the water that liked the flesh and the flesh that is one with the water, I love it.
Ina, it can be taken a couple of ways, and it should be left up to the reader to determine what it means to them. Dream interpretation can take many forms. Thank you for reading. Loved yours.
Felt that unexplained loss. great write, could be part of a book. continue some more
Ah…the head of the “could be more” rises.
Thank you. Sometimes when I write Flash Fiction like this, I’m not thinking at all of continuing. This has happened a lot. We’ll see. I have so many things I want to write. Just have to do it.
It’s the way you write or build the story is what makes it so interesting every time.You always surprise me with your creativity.
I truly appreciate that. Really. Surprising is always a good thing. The minute I stop doing that, let me know. Thank you.
a nightmare, what an affair of tragedy. well done.
What the heart wants but doesn’t know…nightmares we tend to live too often. Thank you for stopping by.
My heart kind of skipped a beat towards the end..until I realized it was a dream! Your writing amazes me
Thank you Hajra. It’s all a dream, if we think of it that way.
Beauty and pathos intertwined – lovely piece, Stu, and well suited to the image.
Thank you Li. Pathos..first time for that word here.
I love the description in this piece–the sense of loss, of looking for something.
Thank you so much.
Great post, Stuart ! I am all the more impressed that I wouldn’t know what to write – I would have blocked.
I started two different things before i got to that. I was fighting the song in my head, then let it just happen. Glad you liked it Muriel.
Absolutely beautiful, Stuart! I’d like you to tell me another, please.
High praise indeed. Thank you. More will be coming. I’ll be back to writing five times a week. Thank you again.
The title grabbed my attention… very descriptive… felt like I was there watching and feeling…
Thank you Savira… the song, especially “flesh becomes water…wood becomes bone” just stays with me. So… thank you for stopping by. Glad you liked it.
A wonderful story. The dream seems real and vivid in a dreamy sort of way, if that makes any sense. I enjoyed this!
My slam 9 offering: http://charleslmashburn.wordpress.com/2011/08/31/dearest-john-2/
Thank you Charles. I understand what you mean, as many dreams just jump all over the place. I tired to keep this one from “drifting” away. Glad you enjoyed. Thanks.
This is a great way to start my day …..very good . Thank you .
Happy to hear that. Great days await. Thank YOU.
Stu, I really liked your story and it fit the picture better than my poem did, lol! Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. Blessings
Thanks Terri. Glad you liked it.
I really really like this. Just do.
Thank you Thom. Good luck with the new semester.
Very interesting–I love how it all flows and wraps up so nicely
Thank you. I was trying something different this time around. Glad you liked it.
I particularly liked the way the dream sequence, or the dream within the dream
ended.The image of the lighthouse breaking apart. I also liked your begining withe the song and ending with a line from it. Your story fit the picture perfectly.
Thanks Jill. I wasn’t sure about the ending, but I’m happy with it now.
My pirate ship!
Great story, Stuart…
Thank you Roy!!