Welcome to the Wakefield Doctrine (the theory of clarks, scotts and rogers)
the setting: the Unicorn Challenge bloghop
the players: jenne and ceayr and a cast of tens
the premise: beginning with a new photo prompt, write a story
the rules: maximum word count is two hundred fity (250)
“So, here?” The man stopped his carefully-measured steps.
“I concur.” He regarded the dog at his side.
“It is a most excellent spot.” Taking note of two sets of people strolling along the quay, the seriousness in his face was washed out by an enthusiastic pride; his remaining close friends often laughed at the contrast with the man’s demeanor on the occasions he was compelled to be alone.
As he began the careful process of sitting, a laugh escaped like carelessly held balloons. The dog looked up with that most-doglike of physical expressions: perked ears and a titled head. After settling into a practiced stable posture with a tone of unalloyed amusement tempered by an echo of sadness, the old man said, “This is our spot, isn’t it?”
A young couple with a child walked by; without remark establishing a zone of separation wide enough to assure the mother and narrow enough for the child to gaze in wonder, uncoordinated fingers grasping towards the two seated figures. For the child, they were a novelty in a life that was filled with new.
“So, is this sunrise or sunset?” Looking down at the dog at his side, “I sometimes have trouble telling.”
“I know, you never do,” in agreement, her ears folded back briefly as her tongue accentuated the toothy smile of her kind.
The dog rested her head against the man’s leg as the rhythm of breathing slowed.
The man stared at the dying sun.
About clarkscottroger
Poignant and perceptive. Bravo, clark.
Thank you, Doug
I sit in silence…witness.
ty
Beautiful, Clark.
‘As he began the careful process of sitting, a laugh escaped like carelessly held balloons.’ The contrast between the careful movements of the man and the laugh – such a telling image of the balloon.
The contrast again between the mother’s fear and the child’s wonder and awe.
So many emotions in this sensitive and perceptive story.
Made me think of Siegfried Sassoon’s poem
https://www.poeticous.com/siegfried-sassoon/man-and-dog
I see what you mean (followed the link)
Thank you. Once again, I’ve been fortunate to find a lump of something having something buried inside that is not common to my everyday world
(and thanks to you and ceayr for this bloghop… the venue is part of the performance)
Touching tale, sensitively scripted.
This is a small masterpiece, Clark.
I also love the music, and was amazed when I first heard Morten Harket’s voice so many years after the original version of this terrific song.
Thanks, C
(the original is good, this acoustic version is powerful)
Deep ink today, Clark.
A brilliant read and excellent musical choice.
Nicely done!
Appreciate it, Nance… (what’s not to like about this version of the song)
Not a damn thing.
Happy New Year, Clark.
you too!
Beautifully done.
Thank you, Chris
Have the best of all possible New Years
So many small touches here with huge impact. Every sentence gives me something to ponder and relish. Terrific story.
Thank you, Margaret!