PHOTO PROMPT © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
Light is dark, dark is light, and the clock is ticking. Seasons flip. Flood, fire, disease, greed, and war reign. Tick-tock. Tick-tock.
In the alley, by the vent, I curl within my mountain of bin-pick clothes, warm enough to sleep despite single-digit temperatures. You would think a wretch like me would have nightmares. I deserve them. Yet there’s blessed solace in my dreams. Long-flown lovers visit. Young and beautiful again, I sunbathe on a dune top, warm to the marrow.
“Popo comin’, Li!” My alleymate shakes me. We grab what we can and head over to the mission for breakfast.
[100 words]
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields is the bright host of Friday Fictioneers.
Tao Talk 
I noticed you tagged this “end times”. I understand your comment on my story better now
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Happy to hear it, Neil.
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Pretty brutal. Well done.
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Thanks, Trent.
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I like how this story sets the scene, no sugarcoating, just how it is. Well done :-)
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Thank you, Fleur :)
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You are welckme. Street life and homelessness can’t be flossed up. I like how you’ve created a world where your protagonist has good dreams dreams and is positive.
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:)
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I like how the protagonist remains positive despite her situation. Or perhaps she’s resigned. Very creative take!
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Joy, maybe a little of both? Thank you.
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A good look at homelessness…I hope there is positive in the future.
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Thanks, Max. That movie has gotten me spooked. I can only see the #s growing :(
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Yea I know…for me it was that news story…seeing the mayor “cleaning up”…something about that just enraged me…what about before and after the visit? I’ll shut up now!
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At least the speaker doesn’t have nightmares. Well done.
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Indeed, Athling. Thanks for reading and your comment.
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Really sad, but the fact that the protagonist remains positive despite it all makes the story all the more powerful. What would he be without his dreams?
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Good question, OP :)
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Pretty raw; Riveting. I would expect nothing less from you. Happy New Year!
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Thanks much, Nancy. HNY!
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Original take on the prompt. The other side of the célébration coin. Hurray for the soup kitchen (have become a ficture of modern Life). Thanks for the positive dreams, a blessing.
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Thanks so much for reading and your comment, Someone (Susan?)
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A good night’s sleep and free breakfast. What more could anyone want?
Excellent, Lisa. :-)
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Thanks much, Bill :)
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Dear Lisa,
For those of us living in cozy homes with plenty to eat, this scenario is hard to imagine. There but for the grace of God go I. Well written story with a lot tucked between the lines.
Shalom and a Happy New Year,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, well-said. Appreciate your comments always.
Shalom and Happy New Year,
Lisa
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Oh this is sad but beautifully told. To escape reality in a sweet dream and good sleep. Poor things.
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Thanks much, Laurie.
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