IAIN KELLY

SIMPLE THINGS

Simple things.

Being able to take a walk without fear is one of them. The empty blue sky overhead is another. Seeing the children running and playing again, though their innocence has been stolen.

The worry remains. How long will it last this time?

There is no simple solution. There is too much hate, too much history, too much bitterness.

Resolution can only come from the people. It must be the will of everyone on both sides to live together in peace. I don’t hold out much hope.

So I enjoy the simple things while I can. Who knows when the war will come again?

Copyright Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

Written for Friday Fictioneers hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields (more details HERE). The idea is to write a short story of 100 words based on the photo prompt (above).

To read more stories of 100 words based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.

The State Trilogy and The Barra Boy available now.
All We Cannot Leave Behind coming February 2024.

23 responses to “SIMPLE THINGS”

  1. rochellewisoff Avatar
    rochellewisoff

    Dear Iain,

    When one side is motivated solely by hatred, it doesn’t leave much room for peace. Well written, heart wrenching piece.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Rochelle. The lack of a clear resolution is what depresses me most. There is no solution to this that will bring an end to the situation and please everyone, and so the cycle seems destined to just repeat endlessly. A terrible situation , especially for the innocent caught up in it all.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  2. Sandra Avatar
    Sandra

    Food for thought and reflection, Iain. “The will of everyone…” I agree.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Sandra

      Like

      Reply
  3. Liz H-H Avatar
    Liz H-H

    Heartbreaking in its ubiquity and universal truth. And there’s healing in daily attention to simple things.
    But yes, how much more can we take? Is the realization & constant barrage where hatred thrives?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Liz. This does seem to be the inevitable conclusion, a repeating cycle of violence and hate that will never end.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Liz H-H Avatar
        Liz H-H

        But maybe the answer is with a handful of Us, grassroots?

        Liked by 1 person

  4. msjadeli Avatar
    msjadeli

    Iain, I think you are a mind reader for many in your story.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  5. elmowrites Avatar
    elmowrites

    I agree with all this. The first few lines could refer to so many returns to normal- including a non-war based one we’re all still experiencing – but the last few say it all. There has to be will on both sides. In so many conflicts around the world, that seems terribly lacking.

    Like

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  6. Keith's Ramblings Avatar
    Keith’s Ramblings

    So it goes on, one conflict after another. Where next I wonder.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      I can’t see it getting any better anytime soon unfortunately.

      Like

      Reply
  7. Liz Young Avatar
    Liz Young

    Heart-wrenchingly accurate.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Liz

      Like

      Reply
  8. Margaret Avatar
    Margaret

    You’re so right. The simple things we take for granted are the things we should treasure, in the knowledge that nothing is guaranteed to last. We live in terrible times, where the darkness in the hearts of the human race is becoming more and more evident. Very moving piece.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Margaret. Dark times indeed.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  9. The Sicilian Storyteller Avatar
    The Sicilian Storyteller

    Sadly true. Who knows. It seems inevitable. But we can’t give up hope.
    A wonderful piece, Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you. I’m glad there are some who can still find hope.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  10. Laurie Bell Avatar
    Laurie Bell

    Well said, Iain. The simple things. Shocking when they seem so out of reach.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Laurie

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  11. Inside the Mind of Isadora Avatar
    Inside the Mind of Isadora

    A very thought provoking write, Iain.
    I have a book called Simple Things.
    It’s surprising what is simple.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      And how easily they are overlooked. Thank you.

      Like

      Reply
  12. creatingahome Avatar
    creatingahome

    An unfortunate reality that has gone through history into present day.
    Great writing.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you

      Like

      Reply

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