Thanks as always to Rochelle for Friday Fictioneers and congratulations on seven years!
This story was literally an adventure in editing. If you’re a writer and have never taken on writing a 100 word story, it can seriously be an edifying experience. I highly recommend it. You will learn how to converse and use the best possible word. Guaranteed!
Points to anyone who can think of what song might have inspired the title. 🙂
PHOTO PROMPT © Roger Bultot
Paradise Unpaved
My country spit on refugees, refused aid. “Dirty reprehensible people” because, evidently, rebels chose war against their government.
But now, ironically, here we are, grimy, smelly, returning home. Our government fell, their message of hate so self-absorbed that outsiders infiltrated. We had no where to go. Hate is communicable.
“This isn’t our home, daddy,” my sister, Katie, says, tears glistening.
Our home’s debris, but the gardens are immaculate, a strange, disorienting patch of pastoral calm. I venture down the path alone. A woman, reminiscent of Gaea, tends paradise. Sad-eyed, she shakes her head and smiles. “One day you will all learn.”
end
Sascha Darlington
Oh my! In these 100 words you have given us volumes. Nice one!
Thank you so much, Anne. Sorry for the late reply.
Yikes! Dark and ominous.
Thank you, Maggie!
A powerful cautionary tale. No parking lot?
Thank you, Neil, sorry for the late reply. And, yes, you’ve subtly implied a lyric to the song. 🙂
This is a timely story, Sasha. You’ve captured the reality of returning refugees. Poor people. Good writing. —- Suzanne
Thank you so much, Suzanne. I apologize for the late reply.
Dear Sascha,
Frightening tale because of all implications. Could happen anywhere to anyone. Good job on editing. Well written.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thank you as always, Rochelle. I’m sorry for the late reply.
I’m wracking my brain trying to figure out what song this is based on (without googling…)
Well done, very well edited 😉
Thanks, Dale. I apologize for the late reply. Neil gave a subtle hint. Pave paradise….
😀
You reap what you sow – as we are sadly learning in many places around the world over and over again.
Thank you, Iain. Yes, you are so right. We’ve become stingy with our humanity. I’m sorry for the late reply.
brilliant message reminiscent of the poem, “First they came..”
Thank you, Violet. I had forgotten about that poem, so powerful.
You’ve done an amazing job telling this powerful, poignant story in 100 words!
Thank you so much, Magarisa! 🙂
Gotta by Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi.”
Yes! 🙂