Friday Flash Fiction
  • Home
    • About Friday Flash Fiction
  • 100-Word Stories
  • Longer Stories
  • Poetry
  • Authors
    • A-C
    • D-F
    • G-I
    • J-L
    • M-O
    • P-R
    • S-V
    • W-Z
  • Submissions
    • 100-Word Submissions
    • 500-Word Submissions
    • Poetry Submissions
    • How to complete the Entry Form
    • Writing Good Flash Fiction
    • Contact FFF
    • Appeals/Feedback Request
    • Technical Stuff >
      • Terms & Conditions
      • GDPR Compliance
      • Duotrope

The Wind's Stirring, by Jim Bartlett

4/8/2022

 
As I step out of the bus, a breeze, alive with the ocean’s scent, brushes across my face. It carries with it the rhythmic sounds of crashing waves, seagulls cawing in the distance. Together they grab my soul, pull a treasured memory from my heart.

She’s here, beside me, wagging her tail, ready to race across the sand, a sparkle in her eyes that makes the world a better place.

I smile. So many precious moments...but never enough. For each, I vividly remember the where...just not so much the when.

I only know they came sometime between hello...

And goodbye.
Angela Carlton link
5/8/2022 12:51:39 am

Tugs at the heartstrings, most of us have endured this kind of love...you've captured it.

Jim Bartlett link
5/8/2022 04:18:31 am

It is a bittersweet love, as unfairly as it might be, dogs (and other wonderful animals) just don't live as long as they should. But they remain in our hearts.
Thanks so much, Angela
Jim

Don Tassone
5/8/2022 02:17:48 am

Poetry.

Jim Bartlett link
5/8/2022 04:19:22 am

Thanks so much, Don
Jim

Michael Borjon
5/8/2022 03:16:12 am

A Very touching story Jim, caused me to reflect on some fond memories of my Zeke. Perhaps a tribute to Maddi, but I’m sure it touches the hearts of any dog lover who has ever said hello and then goodbye all too soon…

Jim Bartlett link
5/8/2022 04:20:52 am

Thanks, Mike. I'm so glad to hear it stirred up memories of Zeke. They may be gone, but their memories never quit tugging on your heartstrings.
Jim

Sue Clayton
5/8/2022 03:42:07 am

The heart always stirs when memories of our beloved pets, regardless of their species, are evoked.

Jim Bartlett link
5/8/2022 04:22:07 am

It does indeed, Sue. For many they are just another member of the family.
Thanks much
Jim

Cindy Patrick
5/8/2022 04:36:49 am

Jim..."a sparkle in her eyes that makes the world a better place"...all of our past and present furry friends share this. They sure teach us a lot in the short time they have to teach us. Thanks for the warm feelings.

Jim Bartlett link
5/8/2022 05:17:30 am

They sure do teach us a lot, don't they? And they seem to love doing it.
Thanks to you for the warm comment.
Much appreciated
Jim

Sivan Pillai
5/8/2022 05:32:02 am

What a tribute to a dead pet! Well done, Jim.

Jim Bartlett link
5/8/2022 06:43:14 am

Thanks for the kind words, Sivan
Jim

Mary Anne mc Enery
5/8/2022 06:12:58 am

What precious life lessons our pets teach us; told with poetic words. Thanka Jim.

Jim Bartlett link
5/8/2022 06:44:01 am

They do, don' they?
Thanks so much, Mary Anne
Jim

Meredith Chiwenkpe Asuru
5/8/2022 07:28:17 am

The time in between doesn't really matter, the memories do. This touched me, made me relish some wonderful moments.

David Milner
5/8/2022 08:38:26 am

Our little cat, Sami is almost 20 years of age, she like this story. I like this story. Bless you, Jim.

Jim Bartlett link
5/8/2022 03:24:38 pm

Go Sami!! Very cool!
And thanks so much, David
Jim

Jim Bartlett link
5/8/2022 03:25:56 pm

Thanks, Meredith. I don't think we realize that we're "in between" until we no longer are, and now we have and hold on to those memories.
Thanks for the thoughts
Jim

Michael McCarthy
5/8/2022 10:20:01 am

From the thought provoking title right through to the last word a wonderful story, beautifully descriptive and moving

Jim Bartlett link
5/8/2022 03:26:56 pm

Thanks ever so much, Michael. Do very much appreciate your kind words.
Jim

Jenny Logan
5/8/2022 12:41:37 pm

Aww, that's lovely, Jim.

Jim Bartlett link
5/8/2022 03:27:37 pm

Thanks much, Jenny!
Jim

Marjan Sierhuis
5/8/2022 01:19:46 pm

A beautiful story, Jim.

Jim Bartlett link
5/8/2022 03:28:22 pm

You're very kind, Marjan. Thanks so much
Jim

Carol Garrasi
5/8/2022 01:59:31 pm

Incredibly sweet and sadly beautiful. Possibly my most favorite of all your writings as I know this one came from deep within. Nicely done.

Jim Bartlett link
5/8/2022 03:29:57 pm

Thanks so much, Carol. They do steal away a piece of your heart, and then hold on to it forever.
Jim

Mimi Grouse
6/8/2022 06:14:06 am

They never really leave us. xx
(Now I've got something in my eye.)

Jim Bartlett link
6/8/2022 03:40:02 pm

They don't, right?
(I think it's just the dust in the air this time of year - I seem to get the same thing now and again. ;-) )
Thanks
Jim

Peggy Gerber
6/8/2022 03:37:42 pm

Wow! Just beautiful.

Jim Bartlett link
6/8/2022 03:40:50 pm

Wow - thanks for the nice comment, Peggy!
Jim

Doug
7/8/2022 08:59:57 pm

That brought back pleasant yet painful memories. Well written Jim.

Jim Bartlett link
8/8/2022 12:39:37 am

Thanks, Doug! Appreciate it - though no one likes the pain of loss.
Jim

Krystyna
8/8/2022 11:19:34 pm

Every pet owner can relate. So much love between humans and their furry member of the family. A powerful tribute, Jim.

Jim Bartlett link
8/8/2022 11:57:50 pm

Thanks much, Krystyna. Really appreciate your kind words.

Jim

Robert P. Bishop
9/8/2022 05:14:41 am

Hi Jim...what a gentle and tender story. Nicely done. (His name was Pal, and he always fetched the ball I threw.)
Robert

Jim Bartlett link
9/8/2022 06:37:11 am

He sounds wonderful, Robert. I hope his memory forever stays in your heart, and a thrown ball always brings you a smile.
Thanks for the kind words.
Jim

Paritosh Chandra Dugar
10/8/2022 12:53:58 pm

A touching tale so beautifully told. Well done, Jim.

Jim Bartlett link
10/8/2022 05:10:51 pm

Thanks ever so much, Paritosh!
Appreciate it!
Jim

Alyce
12/8/2022 01:58:23 am

This is truly beautiful!

Jim Bartlett link
12/8/2022 07:12:45 am

Wow - thanks so much for the kind words, Alyce!
Jim


Comments are closed.

    "Classic"
    100-Word
    Stories

    Since Friday Flash Fiction began in September 2013, 100-word stories have remained its 'beating heart'.

    Normally, 100-word stories are scheduled for 07.00 BST (GMT in the winter) on the following Friday. However, where a large number of stories (more than 25) are due to be published on the same day, we publish a second batch around 10.30am.

    Each week we pick a story or (occasionally) a poem as 'Editor's Choice'.
    It's a personal favourite, no more. Do you agree?
    Editor's Choice

    NEW: we have a FACEBOOK PAGE where regular contributors can share ideas and discuss stories. Why not join in?

    We occasionally send out little newsletters running competitions – and subscribers are also our voting panel. If you'd like to join us, please click the Subscribe to newsletter button below.
    Subscribe to Newsletter
    No spam, we promise!

    Friday Flash Fiction
    Rules
    Kinda obvious, really...
    • Fiction only
    • Stories of 75-100 words only
    • Don't be nasty or cheat
    • Include your name and a story title

    Archives

    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013


Picture
Website by Platform 36

Photos used under Creative Commons from YLegrand, Tony Webster