BY THE CROSSING

He sits and paints.

I look around the room. There are hundreds of paintings. They all show the same bridge.

Sometimes in sunshine, sometimes in rain, sometimes covered in snow. Sometimes the water underneath runs high, other times the level is low. In some the colours are bright green and blue, others are grey and dull.

Outside the cottage window the bridge can be seen. Today it is bathed in sunlight, the water a clear copper, the wild grass and flowers swaying in a gentle breeze.

Why does he paint the same crossing over and over again? Local legend says that before the bridge was built he lived happily with his true love, cut off from the rest of the world.

Then the bridge brought the outside world onto his doorstep, including the man who stole his love away from him.

And so now he sits and paints the bridge.

Perhaps he prays that one day she will return to him by that same crossing.


crossing
Copyright Sue Vincent

This is a response to theΒ Thursday Photo Prompt – CrossingΒ curated over atΒ Sue Vincent’s Daily Echo. Click on the link to read other stories inspired by the image.

30 responses to “BY THE CROSSING”

  1. A thoughtful piece Iain.

    Liked by 2 people

  2. Beautiful story. I hope she returns to him someday soon.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Oh I love the sentimental feelings of this story. Great job!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you Joy πŸ™‚

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Very interesting thought. Bridges are mostly portrayed as something positive. Maybe this is not always the case.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. A sad but beautiful story Ian πŸ’œ

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you πŸ™‚

      Like

  6. Sad tale Iain, but if one doesn’t have hope what else is there?

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Beautiful it is πŸ™‚

    Liked by 1 person

  8. So sad and full of longing. I think he needs to stop painting the bridge and perhaps cross it to search for his love?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. That would be a brave move. Thanks Sarah Ann

      Like

    1. Every now and then πŸ™‚

      Like

  9. Luvly one iain!!! πŸ™‚

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you so much πŸ™‚

      Like

  10. It is amazing that bridges which should bring people closer together are also the means for them to move on.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Frank, they do provide a good opportunity for stories to be written!

      Like

  11. I’m holding on to the hopein this piece, Iain πŸ™‚

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Sue, me too πŸ™‚

      Liked by 1 person

  12. An interesting tale. Perhaps he is trying to recreate a memory or the result of his past situation. Perhaps every time he paints it, he imagines his love turning away from the other man, and back to him. It’s an idealization and a wish.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I wonder if he paints her into any of the pictures. Good idea that Mandi.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Yeah, that would be interesting. Thanks πŸ™‚

        Liked by 1 person

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