Monday, February 20, 2012

Winter


Shadows crept across the wall to the east of Leo’s window as what seemed to be millions of birds landed in the beech trees surrounding his home. Leo grabbed his binoculars and headed out the door. He was surprised to see bramblings. Bramblings travel huge distances but it was rare for them to be this far south. Leo was thrilled to identify the birds by the distinctive orange on the breasts of the males in the flock. Planting some of these beech trees when he was a boy had been one of Leo’s happiest times. It seemed fitting that the bramblings had come to winter in these trees in the winter of Leo’s life. 


Most people complain about getting old. Not Leo. He loved being old. Time had changed for him now that he was facing death with certainty. Youth really is wasted on the young Leo thought, but old age is also wasted on the old. Life just seems to be wasted on most people, but not me, no not me. Leo sat down and closed his eyes. The bramblings were singing a scratchy song as they settled in. Leo felt their song hold him close as everything faded.

43 comments:

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    1. I love beauty so your comment makes me very happy!

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  2. Interesting thoughts on age, through your character. Nice one! :)

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  3. Yes I agree. Very interesting thoughts your character has on age. Very pretty! Great job :)

    I'm entry #19

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    1. Yeah for interesting and pretty! Two things I strive for :)

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  4. This was a relaxing change from the other entries. Nicely done.

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  5. Enjoyable and good character development. Nice job!

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  6. I really liked this one! Nice take on the challenge! Great job :)

    I'm #37

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  7. Very beautiful and heartfelt. Nice job

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  8. Very lovely. Sweet and sad at the same time. I hope I have Leo's attitude when I'm his age.

    I'm a new follower and entry #96

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    1. Thanks for following...yes, there is sadness with the sweetness... and me, too re: Leo's attitude! :)

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  9. Congratulations! Your piece has been shortlisted to advance to the quarter final round. Good luck!

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    1. Oh my goodness! Oh goodie! Oh my! :) and yippppeee! wow...

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  10. That is a lovely piece of writing - well done.

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    1. Grinning..."lovely" is one of my top five favorite words! thank you!

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  11. Oh my goodness! You are all so great. Here I step away from my blog for a couple of days and come back to these comments! Thank you so much :) And I am super honored to be shortlisted! Now to pop around to read your work! Yippppeeee!

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  12. I love the difference of thought that Leo has about youth. Many times when we're young we want to be older, and then we get older and wish we were young. I kinda wish I could meet Leo :)

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    1. Thanks Melanie! I love the visual image I get of meeting Leo :)

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  13. Yes, Stuart. Thank you! I'm on my way to your piece now :)

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  14. My teacher used to say "Remember, your only young for a little while, but you're old forever!"

    I feel like the birds song was a perfect metaphor for death...err...I hope I got that right. Great job!

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  15. Yes, Ashley, that is just what I was trying for.
    Thank you!

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  16. Nice! A unique take on the challenge. Love the birds.

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  17. It's true that a lot of life gets wasted. Mine is #71

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  18. This is lovely. A great entry for the challenge.

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  19. Love Leo's character and his views! This is well done! Off to vote! I'm # 61.

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    1. Yeah number 61...on my way to read now :) and thanks!

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  20. Nice reflective piece. Seems like he's facing the end with no regrets - that's a good way to go!

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  21. I agree Nick. Leo seems ready :) Thanks for reading and commenting.

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  22. Old age is wasted on the old, I love that.

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  23. You have some insightful ideas in this piece. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. You are welcome Cynthia and I appreciate you taking the time to read and comment!

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  24. Such a beautiful way to pass! Peaceful, surrounded by nature and his lifes past endeavours! Nice work!

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