I went out to the hazel wood / Because a fire was in my head.
–from The Song of Wandering Aengus, by William Butler Yeats
Leather felt strange on my feet again after six months, mirroring the feeling of stepping on dry land again. Circling gulls seemed to laugh at me as I navigated through the busy streets.
I couldn’t wait to see Fiona. I’d loved her since forever. She understood my need for the sea, but on my last trip home wanted more – a child. Now committed to fulfilling her wish, I was excited to tell her.
Rushing into her cottage door, I saw my brother William seated in my chair at the table, Fiona standing beside him, her face shining. She looked up and into my eyes, and I knew.
Running to the one place on land that brought comfort, I went out to the hazel wood, because a fire was in my head. Only the soft voice of my mistress, calling me back, quenched it.
[144 words]
image: “Irish Sea,” by Jane Faires
Kim from Writing in North Norfolk is today’s host for dVerse’ Prosery. Kim says:
As it’s flash fiction, we have a limit of 144 words; an additional challenge is to hit 144 exactly. The special thing about Prosery is that we give you a complete line from a poem, which must be included somewhere in your story, within the 144-word limit. Write a piece of flash fiction of up to or exactly 144 words, including the given line.
Tao Talk 
I do feel for your protagonist, Lisa – it sounds like it would have been a heavy blow to this poor seafarer!
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Yes, Ingrid, just when he was about to commit… now he commits to another.
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At least he kept his options open!
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Oh the trials of love……wonderful tale of the seafaring sailor and what he misses when he leaves….can never step back in to the way it was before when he returns.
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Thanks for reading and your comment. And thank you for the update on the impeachment trial. I didn’t have the heart to watch it as I knew those cowards wouldn’t convict.
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At least he had a backup… maybe the mistress will be better… she might even stay when he goes to sea again.
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Bjorn, his mistress is the sea. I have a feeling he may never return.
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A beautifully done tale Lisa. Great story with the sea calling him home!
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Many thanks, Dwight!
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You are welcome! I am going to have to think awhile on this prompt!
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I know you’ll come up with something good for it.
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Still thinking!!
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I felt bad for him, but mistress? He doesn’t deserve Fiona. 😀
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Remember the song, Brandy? “My life, my lover, my lady is the sea…”
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I actually thought he was speaking metaphorically, but from the other comments, I thought I read it wrong.
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Once it’s loosed, it becomes the readers to see what they will… there is no wrong…. Thanks again, Merril <3
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What a wonderful tale of a sailor returning from the sea, and so true to life, the leather feeling strange and the feeling of stepping on dry land again – I’ve heard it used to take days or even weeks to get used to it. I love the detail of the gulls, so evocative, and the romance.His mistress is the sea calling him back to her, so poor Fiona will have to do without him for a bit longer.e’s in charge.
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Thanks much, Kim!
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Oh that close! This is gorgeously deep and heart-wrenching. 💝 I believe he might stay with the mistress as she entices him with the waves .. for some time.
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Exactly so, Sanaa. Thank you very much.
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Just when I thought his heart would be broken, the voice of his lover brings him relief. What a wonderful tale of hope dashed and hope reborn!
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I think his mistress wants him all for herself. I wish Fiona and William well. Thanks for reading and your comment, Dora :)
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My pleasure! 🙂
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Truly stirring and that ending, that packs a punch!
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Thanks, Lucy :)
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The sea can be a harsh and lethal mistress, but she is comely lass of many moods, and our sailor boy has, I fear, lost his taste for real flesh and solid ground.
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I fear you are right, Glenn, and I love the way you describe the sea.
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Wow, Lisa, this is really incredible – not only to come up with a story but do so within all the parameters! It’s obvious this wasn’t your first time at the rodeo! :-)
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lol thanks much, Christian :) Yee haw!
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I read the other comnents before. So
Nice one.
Happy Monday
Much💗love
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:) Thanks! <3
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I’m sure it was so for many sailors, away for months or years on end. And for the women left waiting behind. (K)
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Beautiful art, Lisa, and also a beautiful portrait of the mistress. He’ better off out there anyway. Awesome work!
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Many thanks, Ron. I think so also. It seems to bring him peace.
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She’d do best with the brother, a sailor whose mistress is the sea is not good husband material!!!
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I tend to agree with you, Beverly :)
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Well then, they do say that the sea is a demanding mistress …
Excellently penned! :)
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Thanks Na’ama! :)
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:)
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He who hesitates is lost!
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Indeed! She was on a different timetable than he was.
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Fantastic writing Li
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Thank you, Sadje :)
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You’re welcome 😉
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Oh, no! This is horrible, Lisa! Maybe he was wrong!
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Now that would make a GREAT story! He comes back 25 years later and she’s passed on. He goes to her home and new people are living there and have no idea where she went. He goes to the local pub and asks the bartender (they know EVERYTHING in a small town) and he tells him she died alone, childless and that William left for America 24 years ago.
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That is a gorgeous painting.
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It took me awhile to find that one. Glad you like it :)
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I feel sorrow here. And the need to be alone to let’s others have their smiles.
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Very perceptive, Erica. It’s a very sad situation. Thank you for reading and commenting.
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Such a charming piece, Lisa. It was a pleasure to read. Good, good writing.
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Susan, thank you.
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The Young / Old Man and the Sea … in this case, his reality. Well done, Ms. Lisa. Well done.
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Helen, thank you!
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A terrific piece, Msjadeli. Keep up the good work!
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Many thanks to you :)
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