One hundred words…

Keith's Ramblings

for Friday Fictioneers

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adler.regular

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A lone figure trudged up the grassy slope dragging a near-empty wooden cart carrying his meagre worldly possessions. He stopped just inches from the cliff’s edge.

As he watched frothing waves crashing over jagged rocks he tried gathering whatever thoughts remained.

Squawking gulls swooped and dived. If he’d possessed the gift of flight then maybe he could have looked down on his life and seen where it went so terribly wrong.

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Today, atop the cliff sits a rotting wooden cartwheel. Somebody must have brought it up from the rocks below, someone who once knew him, once upon a happier time.

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image-3 (1)Thanks to Rochelle for hosting and Sandra  Crook for once again letting us use her picture.

 

Click Froggie to see what others have written.

 

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42 thoughts on “One hundred words…”

  4. Denise Nov 23, 2022 / 16:39

    The picture reminds me of the beach on Broadchurch. Another sad story.

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  6. susanrouchard Nov 23, 2022 / 20:39

    Thank you Keith for this sad but yet beautiful and hopeful piece. Spring Froggy. Just what I need in autumn.

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    • Keith's Ramblings Nov 24, 2022 / 14:36

      Thanks, Susan. I live not far from Beachy Head in Eastbourne where around 20 people a year end their lives and the cliff edge is peppered with crosses and tributes. I thought it would be nice if Froggy left some flowers there!

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  9. hilarymb Nov 24, 2022 / 08:49

    Hi Keith – sad …but can be so true … take care and stay grounded please! Cheers Hilary

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    • Keith's Ramblings Nov 24, 2022 / 15:05

      A sad but common occurrence in your area Hilary, so much so that some hardly get a mention. My feet are firmly on the ground as I trust yours are too!

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      • hilarymb Nov 24, 2022 / 15:08

        Yes – rather too many down here … or come down here and jump – or tumble down in a crack hurtle – lots of those too … or even smashed underneath the chalk on the beach as it falls – my feet are firmly here! Cheers H

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    • Keith's Ramblings Nov 24, 2022 / 15:07

      Thanks, Sandra, and thanks too for the opportunity to use your picture again. It’s a very similar beach to one near me, Cuckmere Haven, except the cliff there is white chalk.

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  17. Nobbinmaug Nov 25, 2022 / 20:39

    You do tragedy as well as you do comedy. Nicely done.

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  18. Michael Nov 25, 2022 / 21:16

    Sadness percolated though out this

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  19. plaridel Nov 25, 2022 / 22:21

    what a sad but touching ending. well done.

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  20. Dahlia Nov 26, 2022 / 03:57

    This was done so well! And loved the froggie flowers! 😀

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  21. rochellewisoff Nov 26, 2022 / 13:10

    Dear Keith,

    A bit of a departure from your usual serving of whimsy. Touching, heartbreaking, and well done.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

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  22. msjadeli Nov 26, 2022 / 19:02

    Excellent wordsmithing, Keith. This one is a keeper.

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  23. granonine Nov 26, 2022 / 20:01

    The sadness lingers like the scent of dying flowers. So very sad, Keith. Beautifully written.

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  25. Bill Nov 29, 2022 / 17:23

    Very philosophical, Keith. Well done and thought provoking.

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