The wind cuts through the holes in my blanket. I think about life, how it changes in an instant – no apology – no reason given!
Almost a year now – chink of a coin tossed, not enough for a soup.
Of those who pass by – the smell of the polished shoe, the well to do – old tired feet that shuffle – busy feet that race – those without work have no pace.
Bless you Sir! I feel the warmth of a loving word, the golden touch of humanity. It fills me with life, and courage to go on.
People First, software second - Since 1985...
Actually, this is a voting security feature. During public voting, only club members can read posts submitted for that contest. Since anyone reading the story is able to vote (click the Like button), we reserve these capabilities to members who SignIn. Before we implemented this security feature, people were voting multiple times and making the public voting process unfair and out of balance. To fix this, our staff finally decided to allow only members who SignIn to read the stories. Membership is free and easy, and ensures our club is safe, secure, and family-friendly!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleAn important story at any time, but particularly appropriate for today. “Almost a year now …” A beautifully written story, perhaps more powerful for what it does not say. All of us can fill in the blanks, according to our own experiences. Great writing.
Thank You Voice Team, yes a story is not a story till it is read, the reader breaths life into the words. Thank You for the chance in meeting and making so many friends through their stories. That makes everyone a ‘Winner”.
One simple encounter described, but with room for a bit of back story.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleEric, this story is exceptional, and your best so far in my opinion. Beautifully written, full of pathos and sensitivity, it shines with humanity. The paragraph about the people who walk by is brilliant and is sheer poetry. I can just imagine “the smell of the polished shoe” – that one phrase says so much. Congratulations on a superb piece of writing.
Thank you Fuji for your lovely encouraging comments. I am made up that you enjoyed the piece ? – Thank You.
This was heart wrenching Eric. How true how life can change in an instant. I love all the references to shoes which, of course, are predominantly in the eyeline of a homeless person living on the streets. So much said, in so few words. Really well written.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleHello Linda, thank you for taking the time to comment. I’m glad that you enjoyed the the story.
This is a wonderful story Eric, the descriptions perfect for the situation. Very nicely written.
Thank you Carrie for the lovely comments. I really enjoyed this different approach.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThis is how a 100 word story should be. So focused and so poetic, and also so full of compassion. Also, it was from a surprising angle that you looked at the theme, “Gold.”
Hello Christer, thank you for your very encouraging words. Yes this approach of a hundred words gives everyone the chance to dig in, and get to the core of the story.
A very simple yet very exceptional story. I love all your words for descriptions. Congratulations, Eric.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThank you Lotchie, your words are always well thought, and encouraging.
You’re welcome. Hope to read, enjoy and learn from you more.
Eric, this was a moving story which reminded me of the song “Another Day in Paradise” by Phill Collins. It makes you look at a homeless person with a bit more compassion and less judgement. This was well told.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThank You Marianna. I Iove the way the readers see different things that others do not see in their stories. Thank You.
I have encountered that too, Eric. It is lovely to think that other writers took the time to really ‘look’ at your story and interpret it in their own way.
Hi Eric, it’s amazing how unfortunate people can still feel and appreciate the ‘warmth of a loving world’ and ‘ the golden touch of humanity, ‘ as you nicely quoted. Sometimes, ‘busy feet’ ( as you quote) get too busy to appreciate how lucky they are. Thanks for this story. And congratulations.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleHello Santina/ Thank you for sharing your thoughts, it is always rewarding and a lovely thought to know your story has made a connection with the reader, and they have related to it in their own special way. Sharing through words is a special gift – Thank You again.
Hello Eric. This story was my number one favorite in this contest. You’ve handled the subject with care and compassion, and somehow said so much in just 100 words. Congratulations for winning second place in the public voting. You deserved it!
You know what Juma, (what Eric?) a ‘Very Special Thank You’? – Perhaps without realizing it, your kind words have helped me to continue writing here. I have always loved poetry, so this was a new experience for me, also I can’t get used to the competition aspect that seems so prominent. I find the pace too fast at times, one competition ends and we seem to race off again to another.… Read more »
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleFirst of all, no I didn’t catch the anagram “Longed”. You are even more amazing than I thought!! I wonder if anyone caught that? You are one step ahead of all of us. Secondly I really like the competitions, mainly because they give me a goal and an end date to work toward. Before I started entering these competitions, I never wrote down anything, just kept my stories in my head. I… Read more »
To everyone behind the scenes at the Voice Club, Thank You! I appreciate all the hard work that you do. And also, thank you to everyone who read and left their encouraging comments. I am Over the Moon ? with my story being runner up. So a huge thank you to everyone
Your story was one of my favorites Eric. Congratulations, really pleased for you.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleHello Linda, I am overwhelmed by you and by everyone who has taken the time to read, and the time to comment, not for points, but because we just connect through the words that make stories that make friends. Thank You – Eric.
This is just a fun comment for Eric – well done Eric! Thank You Eric – (ha,ha, Laughter is the Best Medicine)
Love it ??
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleCongratulations, Eric! A well deserved success.
Thank You Christer, and also thank you for taking the time to congratulate me. It really does mean a lot to me knowing that you enjoyed my story – Thank You.
Yes, you made it to second place on public voting, Eric. My overflowing happiness for you. Congratulations on a well-deserved win.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleHi Lotchie, yes I’m really proud that I found my 100 word story made second place, and thank you for your encouraging words Lotchie.
Congratulations, Eric, for both placing second and for creating such a wonderful story!