IAIN KELLY

FALLEN TREE

There was a time when my father stood strong.

Through any storm his branches protected us.

His roots anchored us to the land.

His trunk solid and unbending against history.

Now the turmoil of time has taken its toll.

That once great man lies now broken.

Torn down by years of war and violence.

Now we must carry him as he has carried us.

Death is near to him.

His suffering will end soon.

Ours will go on.

Who will protect us when the trees have all gone?


photo-20170116154648707
© Shivangi Singh

Written as part of Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers. The challenge is to write a flash fiction story, in around 150 words based on the weekly photo prompt. For more information visit HERE.

To read other stories based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.

Featured image: © Ivan Shishkin – Old Fallen Trees

38 responses to “FALLEN TREE”

  1. […] via FALLEN TREE — Iain Kelly […]

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Singledust Avatar

    My father was a strong and steady influence in my life and your words just hit a a place where he lives in my heart. Really beautiful tribute to a father.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks, that is a great compliment, I’m glad it spoke to you.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. James Avatar

    I actually wrote and just posted something similar, strength in families, with what I hope is a slightly more optimistic view.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Great minds and all that. I agree mine has a pessimistic feel to it.

      Like

  4. joyroses13 Avatar

    A powerful piece!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Many thanks Joy.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. joyroses13 Avatar

        You are quite welcome!

        Liked by 1 person

  5. Michael Avatar

    Excellent response Iain, beautifully done.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Michael.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Mike Avatar

    A great tribute to fathers and tight knit families.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Michael.

      Like

  7. Priceless Joy Avatar

    Wonderful Iain! I love how you use the tree as a metaphor to your father! Very beautiful and very sad.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
  8. Shivangi Avatar

    Beautiful Iain!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Shivangi

      Like

  9. Joyfrida Avatar

    We shall become the trees and protect the others that come after us. Lovely tribute Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      A nice thought Joy, many thanks.

      Liked by 1 person

  10. neelwritesblog Avatar

    Great sentiments, Lain.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Neel, something a bit different for a change.

      Like

  11. swritings Avatar

    This was really heartfelt! Beautifully written!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
  12. Graham Lawrence Avatar
    Graham Lawrence

    Paints a lovely picture. A soft and warm tale.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Graham

      Like

  13. luckyjc007 Avatar

    Very powerful and well written message….Who… WILL protect us when the trees have all gone?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
  14. vacreed Avatar

    Strong message, brilliantly conveyed.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Many thanks, much appreciated

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Tamal Avatar

    Wonderfully written. Parents should never age 😦

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      That would be lovely. Thanks for reading.

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Keith's Ramblings Avatar

    Poignant and very moving. Beautifully written Iain.

    Click here for my FFfAW

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Keith.

      Like

  17. afairymind Avatar

    Our parents seem so strong to us when we’re young, but unfortunately age takes its toll on everyone. A beautifully poignant response to the prompt, Iain. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks, a little different from my usual, glad you liked it.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Jade M. Wong Avatar

    I love this! Different from what I was expecting, but in a wonderful way.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Jade, much appreciated.

      Liked by 1 person

  19. Ameena k.g Avatar

    I have a feeling they will carry on just as strongly. Strong men raise strong children.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      A nice thought. Many thanks.

      Liked by 1 person

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