Friday, November 27, 2015

George

The given words at Sunday's Whirligig are mayor, steps, close beyond, never, forgotten, begin, health, age, enter, senior and adventure. I've used most of them! 




The picture at this week's Friday Fictioneers comes to us courtesy of Sandra. Rochelle is hosting as ever!




He could see France from up here. Often he would stand and gaze out beyond the blue water to the land that was for so many years home to him and his beloved wife Mathilde.

Mathilde suddenly passed away. She was no age but poor health claimed her. He returned home and became my neighbour. There was no one here to greet him. No family, and his friends were long forgotten. He was so lonely.

Sometimes he came here and watched the seagulls as they stepped from the cliffs’ edge, and soared heavenward. He envied them.

I’ve brought some flowers with me. They’re from his garden. And I've made a little wooden cross on which I've written his name, George. I’ve placed it close to the edge. I think he'd like that.




The cliff in the picture prompt is very like the white chalk one near my home, Beachy Head. Sadly, it is where at least twenty people come each year and end their lives. Many more are persuaded not to by the chaplains that patrol the edge day and night. 

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33 comments:

  1. Poignant story, Keith.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

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  2. Oh I think I might have walked the cliffs on the other side where my cousin lives.. what a beautiful place with such sad stories told.

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    1. I lived on the other side for several years, and often walked the cliffs there. Thanks brudberg.

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  3. A very sad tale. I've never visited Beachy Head, but I have used the reference in a couple of stories. Nice to see a photo of the place.

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    1. It is stunning in its beauty. If you are interested I have some pictures of the cliffs

      A CLIFF TOP WALK

      Thanks so much for your inspirational picture Sandra.

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  4. oh, that is sad, but a great view! thanks, Keith :)

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  5. Such a beautiful view of the ocean. I love the name Beachy Head. So sad it is a place of such great tragedy. Nicely told sotry, Keith.

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    1. It is stunning and I am blessed to have it on my doorstep. If you are intered I have several pictures at:-

      A CLIFF TOP WALK

      Thanks Amy

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  6. Touching story about the loss of a loved one. Many are unable to go on. It doesn't seem possible that such a beautiful place can facilitate sad endings. I enjoyed reading your story.
    Isadora ��

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    1. Sadly it is an all too familiar tale. Thanks for dropping by Isadora.

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  7. Beachy Head looks beautiful. Great to think the chaplains are patrolling the area. Terribly sad that so many are without hope....probably some kindness could prevent this.

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    1. Thanks to the kindness of the chaplains and the Samaritans (it is the busiest branch in the UK and they have a dedicated phone box up there) more are talked out of it than actually go ahead. Thanks for visiting.

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  8. I think he would indeed like that - we all need to be named, remembered and honoured...a tender and compassionate piece ...

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    1. I think so. There is a small forest of little crosses on Beachy Head, many with plastic flowers attached, lots with cuddly toys. It's a place of outstanding beauty that attracts flocks of people from here and across the world. The memorials are a sobering reminder that it has a darker side.Thanks Jae

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  9. I live near the gorge bridge in Taos, NM, it is a place for many people to solve their problems. Perhaps it was meant to be for just that purpose, and also to get to the other side and for the view?

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  10. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGRX5Ah3cUo

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    1. annell, thanks so much for the link. What an amazing bridge and as for the gorge - it's gorgeous!

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  11. I got chills reading about the suicides near your home. How tragic. Still, I want to visit! Landlocked in the United States, I wonder why I never managed to move nearer the ocean. Best wishes! And happy writing, my dear.

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    1. I cannot imagine being landlocked. I never have been. I can see the sea from my window as I write this. My view changes daily, hourly sometimes. Thanks for visiting once again Darla.

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    2. My pleasure. But you must know that I'm feeling terribly jealous right now. :) Best wishes, nonetheless!

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  12. Such a sad story, but also beautiful. How tragic that beauty and darkness are so close together. I've looked at your photographs, they are stunning. What a wonderful place to live.

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    1. It's a wonderful place to walk too Ga H. Just keep well clear of the edge!

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  13. This is one of your best Keith. It is so strongly emotive and realistic. Much applause.

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    1. Thank you so much for your generous words Mr Egg

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  14. Well written. So Sad....

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  15. Good story with a touching end. :)

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