Friday, February 22, 2008

A Short Fiction Contest

The Clarity of Night is hosting “Whispers”, an eighth short fiction contest in a celebrated series. Read the rules and feel inspired by the picture below…



Normally, I would think of dark things, but, this time, a very light piece took shape in my mind. It's not even a story, but it was very refreshing, very pleasant to write. I guess, spring is in the air!

And this is my vignette, entry # 9.

Treasure


“There is great treasure to be found under that tree,” Pia’s grandmother used to say and wink at her mysteriously, her plump face wrinkled with the pleasure of laughter, and Pia would look hard on the kitchen window, trying to catch a sparkle of that hidden treasure. The tree only swayed its elegant branches, as if waving at her, somewhat teasingly.

Wasn’t it too far from the sea? Could the pirates have come and buried their gold there? Or was it the fairy people? Grandma would only shake her head, gently, much like the tree, and smile her smile of meringues, and strawberry pies, and marmalade.

The apple tree had always been there, on the hill, alone but seemingly content. Pia would sing to it sometimes, as she lay supine underneath it, holding onto the tall grasses to keep from falling into the azure well of the sky. In spring, it scattered a suave rain of flowers, generously, on whoever happened to sit underneath it, and it made wonderful apples in late summer, globes of magical gold spread on the ground.

Later, Pia shared her first kiss there, sweet like the apples, as the leaves sheltered her and her sweetheart from the inquiring moon.

Grandma got married underneath that tree, and then her mother too, and now it was Pia’s turn. As she climbed the hill, her dress the colour of apple flowers, to where Tom was waiting for her, she smiled as she suddenly knew what the treasure was.

12 comments:

Akasha Savage. said...

What a beautiful piece of writing. I especially liked Grandma's smile of meringues, strawberry pies, and marmalade. :)

Unknown said...

Oh Vesper! That is utterly beautiful! And you have created such gorgeous imagery - there are so many lines that I just loved.
Totally gorgeous and delicious!

DBA Lehane said...

Like I said on Clarity of Night, this was a treasure to be treasured! I'm looking forward to dropping by here often and reading more from you.

SzélsőFa said...

It was a very pleasant and calming experience. Thank you for all those caressing of the senses and conveying some positive message!
I think I will copy this very message to Jason's site as well:)

Congrats, Vesper!

Bernita said...

An absolutely charming piece, Vesper, and one of my favourites.

Unknown said...

good luck on the competition.

Ello - Ellen Oh said...

Lovely piece as usual, Vesper! I love her smile of meringues and strawberry pies and marmalade. It made me smile!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for helping spread the word. :)

I always look forward to your writing.

Taffiny said...

I love..
the idea of singing sometimes to it, and of holding onto the tall grasses to keep from falling into the azure well of sky..
how like girlhood, how like my memories
a tree for dreaming and loving,
beautiful piece. :)

Vesper said...

My friends, I thank all of you from my heart. Your visits, your words, your thoughts are appreciated beyond description.

Sarah Hina said...

Your piece really put a smile in my heart, Vesper. Just lovely imagery and emotion here.

Geraldine said...

this is just beautiful Vesper, I loved the reference to the color of her dress, a picture perfect ending.

you should share post again, with spring so near. :<)