The crow returned to the burnt tree many times the day after the fire. It couldn’t settle – it was all wings and flap and rusty cawing. I think it must have had a nest high up where a crotch was formed by three branches.
But I felt no sympathy for it; the only feeling inside me was jealousy. I would have given up everything – laughter, hands, language – to become that bird and fly away. But what stopped me doing it was the reason why, in another life, I had ever looked down at this girl, this human being that I am, and given up everything to become me.
This piece of writing was for the 100 word (or so) prompt for Madison Woods’ #Fridayfictioneers. I’d be very happy to receive comments and constructive feedback.
Tragic for both crow and human.
http://logo-ligi.com/2012/07/12/soliloquy-of-a-disgruntled-raven/
Thanks for the comment, and for visiting
Something tells me that your character is physically disabled and working hard to not be bitter about it. I’m very curious about how the tree got burned. This feels like it would be a great start to a long story. Nice job!
http://whimsicalquestsofacuriousmind.blogspot.com/2012/07/friday-fictioneers-71312-round-2.html
Thanks Jess. I’m not sure how the tree got burnt. It is part of a longer story – that’s what I use Friday Fictioneers for – helps me create scenes for the novel I’m writing. The character isn’t physically disabled, but she is unhappy and would rather have a different life than she has now.
What an interesting piece. There’s a lot of emotion in this that’s just brimming right under the surface. Thank you for visiting my blog and commenting.
Thanks for your comment. There is a lot of stuff going on. Hopefully it will come out in the longer piece I’m writing.
What a lot of layers in so brief a piece! I do feel sad for the poor crow, and for the one so wretched they can’t feel pity.
Wretched is good word for both of them. Thanks for commenting.
I loved this line, “It couldn’t settle – it was all wings and flap and rusty cawing.” It gives the crow a great imagery. I feel sad for the bird, but mostly for the girl who would rather be a crow than herself. Nicely done.
Here is my link. http://mahjira.blogspot.com/2012/07/bird-friday-fictioneer.html
Thanks for your comments
How sad!
Thanks for visiting, and your comment
An interesting analogy, thoughtfully written.
http://wp.me/s1nUrn-buzzard
Thanks Claire. Coming to read yours next.
Hi Claire,
I love your idea that life is a contimuum. That’s hopeful and inspiring. Nicely constructed story. Thanks for reading and commenting on my story.
Ron
A mysteriously inviting piece – nicely done.
http://castelsarrasin.wordpress.com/2012/07/13/every-cloud-friday-fictioneers-july-2012/
An interesting tale with great possibilities. I was a little confused at the end but maybe that was just me.
“it was all wings and flap and rusty cawing” – love it!