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?
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
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.
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Thanks, that is a great compliment, I’m glad it spoke to you.
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I actually wrote and just posted something similar, strength in families, with what I hope is a slightly more optimistic view.
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Great minds and all that. I agree mine has a pessimistic feel to it.
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A powerful piece!
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Many thanks Joy.
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You are quite welcome!
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Excellent response Iain, beautifully done.
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Thanks Michael.
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A great tribute to fathers and tight knit families.
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Thanks Michael.
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Wonderful Iain! I love how you use the tree as a metaphor to your father! Very beautiful and very sad.
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Thanks PJ.
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Beautiful Iain!
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Thanks Shivangi
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We shall become the trees and protect the others that come after us. Lovely tribute Iain.
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A nice thought Joy, many thanks.
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Great sentiments, Lain.
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Thanks Neel, something a bit different for a change.
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This was really heartfelt! Beautifully written!
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Thank you.
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Paints a lovely picture. A soft and warm tale.
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Thanks Graham
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Very powerful and well written message….Who… WILL protect us when the trees have all gone?
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Many thanks
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Strong message, brilliantly conveyed.
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Many thanks, much appreciated
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Wonderfully written. Parents should never age 😦
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That would be lovely. Thanks for reading.
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Poignant and very moving. Beautifully written Iain.
Click here for my FFfAW
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Thanks Keith.
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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. 🙂
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Thanks, a little different from my usual, glad you liked it.
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I love this! Different from what I was expecting, but in a wonderful way.
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Thanks Jade, much appreciated.
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I have a feeling they will carry on just as strongly. Strong men raise strong children.
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A nice thought. Many thanks.
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