Post 1634. Sunday November 12
When bickering turned to bitterness they went their separate ways. Whilst she continued to enjoy their lavish lifestyle, he descended into a pit of deep depression. A shadow of his former self, he spent his empty days wandering the streets dependent upon the generosity of the caring few, yet invisible to most, his once stylish attire now frayed scruffy clothes and a filthy coat tied with a length of knotted cord.
No soft bed for him, not for years. At night he had a few hours restless sleep in a shop doorway, before shuffling off at sunrise. But the other morning he was still there when the shopkeeper arrived to open the store. Thinking him to be asleep, she gently nudged his frail body. He fell to one side, never again to wake. That evening a single red rose lay on the spot where he spent his final moments.
This morning a street cleaner swept up a limp flower as it tumbled along the pavement in the chill winter wind.
Word count 169
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Hi Keith - so sad and happening more and more ... a poppy springs to mind this weekend - evocatively written - Hilary
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed Hilary. Thanks so much.
DeleteA downbeat tale of loss, and timely as the cold nights come around again.
ReplyDeleteI cannot imagine what it's really like. Thanks Iain
DeleteVery sad, and there are many out there.
ReplyDeleteToo many. Than you mimi
DeleteSad story! There is a Hindi lyric which says 'Spring comes again, but the flowers which had wilted do not come back to life.'
ReplyDeleteThat is so true. Than you for telling me of it Reena.
DeleteSo sad. So many homeless on the streets of our cities.
ReplyDeleteSadly that is so. Thanks Denise
DeleteHappens all too often, especially as the cold weather approaches.
ReplyDeleteThat's when it's worse. Unimaginable. Thanks James
DeleteThis was a very sensitive treatment of a depressing and complicated subject Keith.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteNot many laughs this week, Keith.
ReplyDeleteNicely written tale.
Such a sad tale tht is becoming more and more normal unfortunately. Well told Keith.
ReplyDeleteOh, how sad. Well done.
ReplyDelete