(c) Bjorn Rudberg
Every Friday authors worldwide gather around the virtual fireside of Rochelle Wisoff and share stories of 100 words, prompted by a common photograph, and exchange constructive criticism. Readers’ comments are also welcome. This week’s photo has been provided by fellow Friday Fictioneer Bjorn Rudberg. Thank you, Bjorn.
Here’s the story Bjorn’s photo inspired.
In the Moment
“The soul of man is like to music;
From Heaven it cometh
To Heaven it riseth
And then returneth to earth,
Forever alternating.”
“Goethe,” he returned, in an undertone … but I think it’s water, not music?”
Someone shushed them.
She considered the musicians – one, old, strung out the past; the youth fingered towards future. Each would have troubles. Yet here, in this dusky moment, each was dependent on the other’s fingerings for the notes weaving the melody wending heavenward.
She began to speak, but his hand smothered hers.
“Be in the moment,” he said, “it’s all we have.”
(c) Ann Isik
99 words
Ann, this is so beautiful.. if we only could stay in that moment a little longer.. each and every human spend one extra moment in that moment. We would have a peaceful world…
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You are so right! I for one am definitely working on it. 🙂
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Good story – have a good week! Nan 🙂
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Thanks Nan!
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you couldn’t have ended it any better. great story.
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Thank you. On reflection, I think it probably also highlights something of the ‘artistic temperament’ – that of standing outside events and analysing. It can be that we forget to ‘be in the moment’ ourselves. 🙂
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The ‘moment’ is perfectly captured 🙂
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Thanks Siobhan. 🙂
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Hi, Ann. I was just about to close this window, then decided I should see if there were any more stories. And I found yours. I like your descriptions of the players and the way you showed their interdependence. And bringing Goethe into your story, too? 🙂 I found myself re-reading to get the full effect.
One small missing quotation mark between “undertone” and “But”.
janet
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Thanks, Janet. The quote came along just when I’d about decided I couldn’t write a story for this one. I’ll check out my typo – I wrote it in the middle of the night and fell asleep at my laptop! Ann
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Ann, this is a beautiful piece. This line -“one, old, strung out the past; the youth fingered towards future” absolutely sings.
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Thanks Alicia. Ann
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“Be in the moment, it’s all we have”. Wow. Somehow, I find this story really poignant. Thank you for this. Cheers! 🙂
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It’s true, too. I’m trying to teach myself this! Thank you for your comments. Ann
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Ann, This is very lovely, weaving Goethe’s words into your story. A very creative use of the prompt. Well done.
Susan
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Thanks. As usual, the quote turned up out of the blue when I was actually blocked on the story. 🙂
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Dear Ann,
Profound and lovely. The moment really is all we have.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks Rochelle. 🙂
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