Thousands of us queuing, weeping for our once-beautiful world. Surrounded by dying trees, grey skies, a barren landscape, we hardly dare to hope.

She said change must come from within each of us.

We are supplicants, begging for forgiveness.

Can we really change?

We must.

The Healer stands waist-high in the flowing water, receiving us one by one. Each person takes the solemn vow, the lifetime pledge. She gently holds each one underwater until all traces of greed and selfishness are washed away.

With each baptism, a new green leaf unfurls on a skeleton tree.

“Springtime,” someone whispers, remembering.

    0 0 votes
    Post Rating
    13 Comments
    Oldest
    Newest Most Voted
    Inline Feedbacks
    View all comments
    Voice-Team
    Voice-Team(@voice-team)
    Admin
    1 year ago

    A tight and evocative piece ending with a strong couplet and intimations of uncertainty: the skeleton tree, the mere whisper, the hesitant remembrance. This little piece by no means answers its own question in the affirmative and thus skirts sentimental optimism.

    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    1 year ago

    Hello, Julie. It is written with hope. Your ideas about dying trees, grey skies, a barren landscape, then forgiveness and change come using baptism until the springtime for a new green leaf unfurls. Those ideas are truly amazing. It says so much in just a few words. Well done.

    Margarida Brei
    Margarida Brei(@margarida-brei)
    1 year ago

    What a sweet optimistic story Julie. If only it was that simple to wash away our horrible characteristics and bring new life to earth.

    Christer Norrlof
    Christer Norrlof(@christer-norrlof)
    1 year ago

    Change from within and baptism, entering into another dimension, are wonderful metaphors for a changed attitude to nature and environment. Good job, Julie!

    Carrie OLeary
    Carrie OLeary(@carrie-oleary)
    1 year ago

    A beautifully written piece, Julie. Not about music, but there is definitely music in your words, which makes it a joy to read. Love it

    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    1 year ago

    Congratulations, Julie.

    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    Reply to  Julie Harris
    1 year ago

    You’re welcome, Julie.

    Recent Comments

    13
    0
    Selected Authors may submit comments (5 Credits)x
    ()
    x
    Scroll to Top

    Sharing a Post

    Why do my friends need to SignIn to read the post I shared?

    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!