June 14, 1941

PHOTO PROMPT © C.E.Ayr

All those summer nights

closing spun-out days of waiting tables

blistered feet, merry hearts and

cheery faces in creamy cafes and yellow-lit clubs.

Hope was never a fragile thing.

Together, we would make it through.

Starlight in the skies

turned to fires burning high

over our heads, we were lost in flames.

The sirens screamed long into the night.

Our stricken hearts would never give up this fight.

When the daylight came to clear the smoke away,

the words on our lips met the tears on our cheeks:

Paris has fallen. Paris has fallen.

94 words

******

(Update: As Neil pointed out, try reading it backwards. It kinda almost works 😉 )

This is a story of how life never goes as planned. Take 2020 for example.

That’s how the poem began and it developed into the Nazi-German siege of Paris on June 14, 1940. I took some creative liberty in my poem.

After four years of Nazi occupation, Paris was liberated on August 25, 1944.

Written for Friday Fictioneers hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. Write a story in 100 words or less, click the frog to submit your flash fiction and read what others have written. Enjoy!

bigfred

Responses

  1. draliman avatar

    Before reading your explanation, my thoughts as I read went along exactly those lines – first coronavirus, then the Nazi occupation. Nice one!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fatima Fakier avatar

      That’s awesome! glad it took you down the path intended.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Iain Kelly avatar

    Here’s hoping for better times ahead, just as when Paris was liberated.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fatima Fakier avatar

      They are a-coming, Iain. Achingly slow, but better times are on their way.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. neilmacdon avatar

    I tried reading this backwards. That almost works too

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fatima Fakier avatar

      Oh that’s brilliant! Thanks for pointing that out. It certainly has a different rhythm and meaning read backwards.

      Like

  4. Susan A Eames avatar

    Gosh, that was powerful. Well done!
    Susan A Eames at
    Travel, Fiction and Photos

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fatima Fakier avatar

      Thank you, Susan!

      Like

  5. Darnell Cureton avatar

    Who designed her uniform? Things haven’t changed much.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fatima Fakier avatar

      haha! Those shorts right? I think things have changed quite a bit since then, Darnell. Especially in fashionable shorts.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. ceayr avatar

    Poetic and powerful, I love this

    Liked by 1 person

  7. wmqcolby avatar

    So sad, so poetic. Great job, Fatima!

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Tannille avatar

    Interesting, I read the poem as being set in the near future. Either way potent words.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fatima Fakier avatar

      Thank you, Tannille.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. rochellewisoff avatar

    Dear Fatima,

    Although appreciated, the explanation wasn’t necessary. The title set the time and the poem set the tone. Beautifully written.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fatima Fakier avatar

      Thank you, Rochelle. Glad it worked out!

      Like

  10. tedstrutz avatar

    Yes life does not go as planned. I liked your poem. And, I wonder who those young people were after the war.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fatima Fakier avatar

      And were they able to pick up their dreams and plans after the war or not? Thank you ,Ted.

      Like

  11. Eugenia Parrish Author avatar

    Really brilliant imagery. I’m not usually into poetry, but I love how you developed this. (backwards or forwards!)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fatima Fakier avatar

      Thank you, Eugenia. I worked hard at those imagery so I’m pretty chuffed you liked it.

      Like

  12. Liz Young avatar

    It must have been terrifying for the PArisians. We were so lucky to have the English Channel between us and the Nazis.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fatima Fakier avatar

      It certainly was a very trying time for them. And you’re right the English at least didn’t have to endure Nazi occupation.

      Like

  13. granonine avatar

    Starting now, ending way back then but leaving room for hope. Loved this.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fatima Fakier avatar

      There’s always room for hope. Thank you!

      Liked by 1 person

  14. subroto avatar

    Brilliant and it does work equally well when read backwards.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fatima Fakier avatar
  15. Russell avatar

    It’s a beautiful poem, but oh so sad.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fatima Fakier avatar

      yeah sorry about that 🙂 it’s where the muse took me.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Russell avatar

        No need to apologize for that.

        Like

    1. Fatima Fakier avatar

      Thank you Saania 🙂 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. SaaniaSparkle 🧚🏻‍♀️ avatar

        My pleasure, followed you!

        Like

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