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
Iain Kelly 
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, that is a great compliment, I’m glad it spoke to you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I actually wrote and just posted something similar, strength in families, with what I hope is a slightly more optimistic view.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great minds and all that. I agree mine has a pessimistic feel to it.
LikeLike
A powerful piece!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Many thanks Joy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are quite welcome!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent response Iain, beautifully done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Michael.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A great tribute to fathers and tight knit families.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Michael.
LikeLike
Wonderful Iain! I love how you use the tree as a metaphor to your father! Very beautiful and very sad.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks PJ.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful Iain!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Shivangi
LikeLike
We shall become the trees and protect the others that come after us. Lovely tribute Iain.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A nice thought Joy, many thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great sentiments, Lain.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Neel, something a bit different for a change.
LikeLike
This was really heartfelt! Beautifully written!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Paints a lovely picture. A soft and warm tale.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Graham
LikeLike
Very powerful and well written message….Who… WILL protect us when the trees have all gone?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Many thanks
LikeLiked by 1 person
Strong message, brilliantly conveyed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Many thanks, much appreciated
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderfully written. Parents should never age 😦
LikeLiked by 1 person
That would be lovely. Thanks for reading.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Poignant and very moving. Beautifully written Iain.
Click here for my FFfAW
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Keith.
LikeLike
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. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, a little different from my usual, glad you liked it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love this! Different from what I was expecting, but in a wonderful way.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Jade, much appreciated.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have a feeling they will carry on just as strongly. Strong men raise strong children.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A nice thought. Many thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person