PHOTO PROMPT © Brenda Cox
There are no surveillance bulbs in the market corridors. That job remains with the eyes of the vendors. Where cameras take in impersonal grainy images, sharp eyes recognize shifty movements and remember patterns.
I begin taking produce bins. My goal is to have ninety by the time the baby is born. We need shelter and I have a safe place to build it.
Vendors share with each other about missing bins. I get to eighty when they catch me.
Nowadays I lay on my jail bunk and weep, imagining Maya and our child huddling between dumpsters with the rats.
[99 words]
The title is taken from a poem by Langston Hughes.
Rochelle Wisoff Fields is the effervescent host of Friday Fictioneers.
A sad story
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes it is 😦 I had no idea what I would write when I started. I read Langston Hughes’ poem the other day and it stuck with me, which probably directed the story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s often that way. But very well written
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Sadje.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome my friend
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a clever and sad little tale.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Mason.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A punch in the gut ~~~ beautifully done!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Helen!
LikeLike
Well, that was a bleak and dystopian tale for you
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sometimes I waken from my virtual world and look at the real one. Only tolerable in small doses these days. Thanks for reading and your comment, Neil.
LikeLiked by 1 person
If it captured your mood, you succeeded
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Neil, true.
LikeLike
Depressing story really, with little hope for a happy ending!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes it is, Iain. Thanks for reading and commenting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A very sad tale, Li.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😦 I wish it wasn’t so.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You do what you have to do sometimes to get by. Sad but true. This was good, and probably happens for real somewhere. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re so right, Barbara. I’m sure it does.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Deadbeat dads are the worst. He goes off to live in his cushy cell leaving his wife and child to live by dumpsters. Maybe she can learn from his example and get a nice cell of her own.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Now there’s a thought. The rats in the jail are probably well-fed so won’t nibble on her and the baby in the night.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the inspiration I get from the main character who only wants to do best for their family. It’s sad it didn’t work out, but sad endings are more important sometimes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Emine. It makes me wonder how they found themselves in their situation. It can happen to anyone 😦
LikeLiked by 1 person
Definitely it’s shocking. Makes me think of refugees as well, that could be us anytime with current political status!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very sad. Shame on the shop owners to want the guy punished even after they must have learned his story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Maybe they will pool resources and get them a place to stay? I hope so.
LikeLiked by 1 person
and the bankers who steal millions go free…(K)
LikeLiked by 1 person
YES
LikeLiked by 1 person
This got to me. The struggle for survival ought not to be a crime.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know. I also have known people to commit crimes just to get locked up so they don’t starve 😦 There is something wrong when people are forced into desperate acts to stay alive.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a well written, albeit sad tale Ms. Jadeli.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, GiN.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A tragic story of a hard life.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That was very sad. Well done. A great take.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sandra, thank you.
LikeLike
What a good, gut-wrenching portrayal of one family’s struggle, determination and sadness in defeat. Makes me realise how lucky I am.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jenne, same here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Painful to read and yet I feel you’ve honored Hughes in writing it. Lots of civil rights/social justice overtones here, as I see it. Well written.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re on the money with your assessment and I appreciate your feeling I’ve honored Hughes ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
This so sad, I have seen quite a few hovels/homes constructed out of plastic bottles.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It truly is heartrending.
LikeLike
it’s the sign of the times made worse by the pandemic.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, Plaridel. My heart goes out to all those struggling just to stay alive 😦
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stark and powerful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Sascha.
LikeLike
Poverty is the pits. A helpless situation indeed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The helplessness yes, the essence of it 😦
LikeLiked by 1 person
A sad tale. You captured well real life for far too many. Nicely done!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Brenda, thank you very much.
LikeLike
Sad, difficult to contemplate the realities with which too many live.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for reading and your comment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Lisa,
The despair is palpable in this tragic (and all too real piece). Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Rochelle, thank you very much.
Shalom,
Lisa
LikeLike
God you’re good! That was a piece of work, brilliant. Plus my daughter is called Maya and I hope she docent end up in the bins!
LikeLiked by 1 person
When crates in alleyways start looking inviting it should be your wake-up call. Maya is a beautiful name.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed, regarding the crates, and doesn’t my daughter know it!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a world to be born into.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Battling to survive and yet surrounded by unattainable items. A sad story of want in the middle of prosperity.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No matter how I try I can’t reconcile that discrepancy 😦
LikeLike
Gosh this is heartbreaking
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope the vendors help her out.
LikeLike
What a tragic tale, Lisa. He’s in jail but he’s better off than his wife and child. I hope someone finds and rescues them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your thoughtful comment.
LikeLike
A poignant tale.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Magarisa.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, Li.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, that was a sad story. I hope Maya is able to find a safe place to stay. -Johanna
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reading and commenting, Johanna. I do too.
LikeLike
that is very deep! ❤ ❤ well done!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Carol anne.
LikeLike