Oh how I’ve missed my incredible Friday Fictioneers community! I’m dipping my feet back in the flash fiction waters, and forcing myself to write. This photo just spoke to me on so many levels! As always I welcome honest, constructive feedback.
If you’d like to learn more about this 100- word weekly challenge, check out Rochelle Wisoff-Fields’ blog, Addicted to Purple. She manages to keep us on track, while keeping her many balls in the air! This weeks’ (fabulous) photo prompt was provided by C. Hase.
A giant Mazel to Jennifer/Elmo Pendergast, on the birth of her gorgeous baby boy! What a joy to see his lovely photo. And woot woot to Dawn, who got her story in first! That is a late night, girlfriend!
© C. Hase
Swimming Lessons
Shackled to the consequences of my actions, as well as those you bequeathed to me, I walk the green forest and hike the sacred shore– soaking up their peace.
I dig into our shared history, seeking moments of clarity.
There are too few.
But I am learning to swim against the currents; I’m reformatting my voice.
I will discard the kernels of poison you left me to hold, and I won’t hold my hands open for more.
I am breaking those chains and tossing them into the salty sea.
I won’t sink; I’ll swim.
(94 words)
TALES FROM THE MOTHERLAND 
Something tells me this one is personal and comes from the heart, Dawn. Well done.
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Friday FICTIONeers… but you do know me well, Carrie. 😉 Thanks for taking the time.
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You go girl! (Love the anchor chain- so many possibilities to write about).
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This particular story came to me instantly… it’s almost a poem; however, there were indeed so many other possibilities! I love this image too, Susan. Thanks so much for stopping by; it is always appreciated.
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The “I will discard…” sentence as powerful. Nicely done.
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Thank you so much. I really appreciate you stopping by to read and comment; thanks!
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I sense this is personal, as well, Dawn. It seems to come from a intimate place and I can sense the depth of it. Very nicely done! You will persevere.
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Thanks Amy… so much in life is personal, I suppose. Of course, there will be readers who prefer fiction, but I write what the photo inspires. Thanks for your kind feedback; it’s always appreciated.
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You should always write what inspires you, Dawn, and what matters to you!
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Some freedom has been achieved here. Nicely voiced. 🙂
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Thanks so much Archon. I’m grateful you stopped by. 🙂
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I really liked, “I’m reformatting my voice.”
Great stuff.
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Why Mr Binks, how nice to see you at TFTM. I appreciate you taking the time, and your kind feedback means a lot.
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“I won’t sink; I’ll swim.” Touching, courageous, inspiring.
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Thank you so much Darshana. I appreciate you stopping by Tales From the Motherland; I hope you’ll be back!
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“I will discard the kernels of poison you left me to hold, and I won’t hold my hands open for more”
A poetically powerful sentence.
94 strong words creating a very vivid and moving piece for your readers.
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Thanks so much Audra. Your praise always means so much! BTW: I’ll be at BlogHer’15 in NYC this July, any chance you’re going? or might get into the city?
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Country gal to the big city? Egads …when?
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I’ll be there mid-July. The conference is July 16-18.
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Nice to have you back with such a positive piece.
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Thanks so much Claire… working on pulling myself up. 😉
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Reblogged this on ugiridharaprasad.
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Pingback: Friday Fictioneers: Swimming Lessons | ugiridharaprasad
Thank you so much for sharing my work; it is always appreciated!
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Dear Dawn,
It seems that our stories are joined at the hip this week. Viva la swim!
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Well then, I’m in very good company. I haven’t gotten to read any of them yet, but I presumed there’d be a few about swimming, ties that bind, etc. 😉 I look forward to reading your take; you always do such a wonderful job!
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There you go, responding to challenges with positive energy.
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Thanks Dave. I’m working on it… some days, it’s easier than others, for sure!
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Loved this Dawn,
I felt empowered by it!
There is a story (of of course) as to why I was first. When/if you read mine, scroll to the comments between Amy Reese and I and you will see it.
I hope this piece empowers you also.
Much love,
Dawn
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Thanks so much Dawn. I’m working on empowerment right now… and I can’t wait to read the story! I figured there had to be one, as it’s hard to compete with those across the pond!
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Unless you work the night shift here in the good ole US of A!
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Of course! Duh.
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🙂
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Beautiful, Dawn, That’s it in a nutshell. Welcome back, Alicia
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Thanks so much Alicia; I really appreciate that.
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A great able to be able to swim if you are breaking those chains.. very hopeful piece.
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I’m working on feeling more hopeful… glad it shows. Thanks Björn!
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I started with the image of those massive chain links, Your verse built with a crescendo to that powerful line, ‘I will discard the kernels of poison you left me to hold…’ When you responded with, ‘I am breaking those chains…’, I could hardly imagine how much power you wielded.
Artfully written, Dawn! Writing from your heart reveals the depth of your talent. – Mike
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Thanks Mike! How could I not feel powerful, with wonderful readers and blogging buddies like you?! Your feedback always lifts me up. 🙂
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This is so powerful. I would have quted the ‘I discard…’ line as my favourite, too. Wonderful piece.
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Thank you so much; I really appreciate you taking the time to read and comment!
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So good to have you back, swimming in this pool, Dawn.
This week’s photo seems to be inspiring stories about toxic relationships,and yours is well told. Nice work.
MG
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Thanks so much MG. I always look forward to your feedback! Honest, helpful and always thoughtful; thank you!
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Powerful feelings here. Your images convey so much.
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Beautiful language, Dawn, and strong imagery that evokes so much pain and, finally, freedom. Brava, my friend. Well done!
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Thank you Jan. I SO appreciate that. xo
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Excellent writing. I’m cheering her on in her swim toward herself!
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Thanks Lorna; so am I! 😉
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A survivor’s story. Great selection of words and lovely flow to this piece.
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Thanks Russell. I appreciate you taking the time.
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A beautiful style and flow of words there, and tale of survival, but lacked originality in ending.
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Forest, welcome to Tales From the Motherland, and thanks for taking the time to read this piece, and share your thoughts. I appreciate your candor.
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What a sense of freedom, determination,and self-reliance you’ve expressed here, Dawn, and you’ve conveyed it in such a positive life-affirming manner, it’s almost intoxicating. Great metaphor!
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Wow! From one of my funniest bloggy buddies, THAT is a really special comment! Thanks so much Perry! I just started reading posts this morning (in order)… so, I’m on my way! 😉
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I loved your story,,,one of courage and strength. I’ve been there too. 🙂
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Thanks so much Susan. No doubt, quite a few of us have been there… it’s just good to find a way out.
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brilliant use of metaphor. well done.
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Thanks so much Plaridel!
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The “I will discard” sentence is my favorite as well. Powerful imagery here. Loved it.
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Thank you so much Amie. I really appreciate you stopping by Tales From the Motherland, and your kind feedback means a lot. Thanks for taking the time.
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Welcome back, Dawn. I know also how life inspires your writing. This shows a strong willingness to achieve freedom from the past. Well done, 🙂 — Suzanne
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Thanks so much Suzanne. I’ve had such a hard time writing and getting to other blogs lately. Way too much on my plate! I appreciate you taking the time. 🙂
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Certainly great expression of a sentiment many of us can relate to. My immediate thought and I sang the song for weeks after was “unchain my heart….”. I love your “reformatting my voice”
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Thanks Irene… of course, now that song is in my head too! I appreciate your time and comment.
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