After all the wonderful things my father had invented for that ungrateful wretch, this is our reward: to rot in this godforsaken place, starve and go mad in the process!

Yet, when a wretch wears a crown, his word is the law: he’s always right, no matter what.  The man is all sweetness and smiles one day, giving with largesse to his friends and advisors, sharing his wine and his presence with them, then he becomes a monster on another day.  The smallest of infractions, real or imagined, becomes the end of the world in his book.

He’s imaginative in his cruelty, in the way he punishes those who displease him.  The money the king gave to my father for that project was just resting in his coffers until he could put it to good use, rather than waste it in vain.  But would the king, the man my father thought was his friend, listen to his explanation? Of course not!

There’s no shade in this place.  I guess the king likes to keep all of his ‘guests’ warm.  He didn’t hesitate even with his wife.  When he found out what she was up to, she ended up roasted to death in that metal bull she had enjoyed so much in the past.

For days my father has been collecting feathers, squirreling away wax from our few candles.  He is keeping busy with another project I don’t understand, while all that is left for me to do is stare at the sun today.  I envy the swallows and the seagulls I see soaring in the sky more than ever.  I wish I could just fly away too.

‘Come here, son, let me see how they fit…’ my father calls me to his side.  The wings look real, they fit me perfectly.  We wear a matching pair, my father and I.  We practice and soon we are off.  We have left that place of pain.  Now I’m really staring at the sun, as I soar higher and higher.  It’s hot and mesmerising.  I ignore my father’s call…

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    Voice-Team
    Voice-Team(@voice-team)
    Admin
    2 years ago

    A deft retelling of the story of Icarus with a close, personal look into the frustrations of the young boy. Expert combination of myth and realism. A nice addition to our mythology collection!

    Linda Rock
    Linda Rock(@linda-rock)
    2 years ago

    We read stories similar to this every day Greene, where innocent people languish in prisons denied of sunlight. The ending leaves me in fear for your protagonist despite rejoicing in his freedom. Good job!

    Sandra James
    Sandra James(@sandra-james)
    2 years ago

    If only all prisoners and victims of cruel tyrants could fly away and escape them! I loved how the father saved the feathers and wax to make wings and hoped the son would heed his father and not emulate Icarus, but alas…
    Well written, Greene 🙂

    Fuji
    Fuji(@fuji)
    2 years ago

    Poor Icarus! His flight to freedom ended badly. But at least he escaped from the dark and finally saw, in its full brilliance, the sun! Excellent writing, Greene.

    Eric Radcliffe
    Eric Radcliffe(@eric-radcliffe)
    2 years ago

    Hi Greene, don’t you just hate it when freedom beckons and suddenly, ”melt”and it’s gone ?! Well written.

    Christer Norrlof
    Christer Norrlof(@christer-norrlof)
    2 years ago

    Thanks to your captivating story, you made me go online and read about Mynos, Daedalus and Icarus. Thanks for enlightening me! Your story is very powerful, Greene, and I loved it from the first sentence, which was full of fury and hatred and raised the expectations for what was to come.

    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    2 years ago

    I am glad to read your story, Greene. On how you voice out a real story of a father and teenager depriving his freedom. I see myself in your story. Sometimes I was too strict with my daughter. Thanks for enlightening me. Thank you and you warned me that I am once exceeding what I should be.

    Last edited 2 years ago by Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    Reply to  Greene M Wills
    2 years ago

    You’re welcome, Greene.

    Carrie OLeary
    Carrie OLeary(@carrie-oleary)
    2 years ago

    Oh Icarus, if only you’d paid heed to your father. I’d considered rehashing one of my old stories about Icarus, but I’m very glad I didn’t because you have written a much better story here than I could have done. Love it!

    Susan Dawson
    Susan Dawson(@susan-dawson)
    2 years ago

    I love your rendition of this classical tale.

    Carrie OLeary
    Carrie OLeary(@carrie-oleary)
    2 years ago

    Congratulations Greene, I loved your retelling of this myth, you did it beautifully.

    Linda Rock
    Linda Rock(@linda-rock)
    2 years ago

    Congratulations Greene, I loved your story.

    Emily O'Leary
    Emily O'Leary(@emily-oleary)
    2 years ago

    Congratulations Greene! A brilliant retelling, descriptive and full of emotions. I really enjoyed it!!

    Sandra James
    Sandra James(@sandra-james)
    2 years ago

    Congratulations, Greene! Very well written and very well deserved. I’m sure today you will feel as though you have wings 🙂

    Julie Harris
    Julie Harris(@julie-harris)
    2 years ago

    Congratulations on your selection as a finalist, Greene. Your story about Icarus was wonderful – very true to the myth while still being relevant to real life. Good writing!

    Christer Norrlof
    Christer Norrlof(@christer-norrlof)
    2 years ago

    Congratulations to your success, Greene!

    Marianna Pieterse
    Marianna Pieterse(@marianna-pieterse)
    2 years ago

    Congratulations, Greene! This was beautifully written.

    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    2 years ago

    Congratulations, Greene.

    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    Reply to  Greene M Wills
    2 years ago

    You’re welcome, Greene.

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