A long green bench is nestled beneath a small grouping of trees, their branches nearly bare on a crisp Autumn day. Nearby, a tiny path overrun with tangled, thorny bushes leads down a steep incline to the rocky shoreline far below. I can barely hear a whisper of the tide, but the air is fresh, brisk and salty. Gulls cry and circle overhead, searching for scraps washed up amongst scattered mounds of half-rotten seaweed and the miniature bodies of a million shelled creatures ground up into sand that crunches underfoot. An old man flies a giant fish-shaped kite that whizzes in the breeze. Children look up with joyous rapture at the multitude of colours that dive and tilt wildly in all directions.
A fragrant cedar-chip trail runs behind the bench where owners and their dogs march past on strained leashes, while in a clearing other dogs freely gallop with tongues dripping as they chase down bouncing balls and dash madly back proudly displaying their prey. The branches above the bench sway gently, rhythmically with a light scraping sound, while birds flutter amongst them and chirp in dappled sunlight. Walkers and joggers stream past, while old couples slowly stroll, holding leathery hands and smiling sweetly at the memory of younger limbs and lives. They also once moved with loose abandon, but are now just happy to be outside feeling the sun and wind on dry weather-lined skin.
I sit alone on the bench and sip bittersweet coffee and think of my mother whose ashes now lie deep in the earth, scattered years ago amongst the nearby trees and bushes. Dust to dust, ashes to ashes, life to death, warmth to cold, loving flesh to memory, wrinkled face to photograph. Tears soon flow down and collect below, forming tiny rivers of salt-water that will join the air and ocean to complete the cycle. I play her favourite music and feel concentrated energy flowing through me knowing we’re all part of the same spirit, living and breathing and dying amongst all the inhabitants of this wonderful vibrant world.
Comments without a personalized avatar will not be published.
To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleWonderful descriptions which draw the reader into a perfect autumn day. All the senses are engaged from feeling “thorny bushes” to hearing “a whisper of the tide”, to smelling the “fragrant cedar chips” to tasting the “bittersweet coffee” and the salty air. Truly a tribute to a loved one gone.

Thanks Voice-team! It’s nice to be included amongst some really well-crafted stories.
A beautiful tribute and I could feel the comfort this special place brings. Wonderful description. Well done!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThanks so much Sandra! I’m trying to stretch myself a bit with more descriptive narrative, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity.
Preston, I love your descriptions of the area and the last lines of philosophy mingling with poetry. A sweet memorable read!
I do treasure your comments, Margarida! It’s wonderful that these contests provide such varied opportunities for growth in our writing. And the positive, supportive feedback is such a welcome and much-needed change.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleI love all the details and descriptions of your story, especially the last paragraph. A great read, Preston. Well done.
Thanks so much Lotchie. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
You’re welcome, Preston.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleYou describe the scene so well, Preston, that it felt as though I was right there, sitting on that bench. It sounded like the perfect place to sit, enjoying a coffee and just watching the world go by. And then came that final paragraph revealing the true significance of the location. A really emotional read and a story that stays with you.
Thanks so much Linda. This particular prompt hits very close to home, and it’s great to see you make a connection with it.
This is a very beautiful story, Preston, especially the last line. We are indeed all part of the same spirit, which is one reason we often recognize ourselves in someone else’s story!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThanks so much Julie! I felt like the last line really wrote itself as I thought about how we’re all connected, and your observation is spot on.
I absolutely love the vivid descriptions of the park where the main character is sitting. It gives off such a cozy and comforting vibe. Your story makes me want to curl up in a fluffy blanket with a nice cup of tea! It was truly delightful to read, Preston!
Thanks Bella! I’m so glad this story resonated with you (and others) as I hoped. It certainly has given me some welcome healing as well.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleA beautifully descriptive piece of writing, Preston. I could imagine sitting on that bench. It’s so lovely to have such a place for a peaceful repose.
Thanks so much Carrie. I really glad you enjoyed this one too.