Tags
Fiction, flash fiction, short stories, short story, story, writing
I sit by the harbour. The sea calls to me.
It calls to me but I cannot answer.
I watch the waves crash against the shore as if they are reaching for me; I hear the roar of the ocean as if it is the rush of the blood in my own veins; I smell the salt on the air and it is like a lover’s perfume.
I go to the water; I slip beneath the waves. I wish I could stay there forever. I wish I could stay hidden in the blue depths, wrapped in water that holds me closer than any lover’s arms. where no one can see me, where no one can judge me.
My chest is bursting and I have to swim back up to the surface.
I have to leave soon. It feels worse than parting from a lover. My heart breaks to think that I may not see the sea again.
I watch the ships sail out of the harbour. I wish I could go with them. They will not take me with them.
I curse the most basic fact of my life.
If I had been born a man, I could be on that ship. They would not see me as an omen of bad luck if I should so much as step on board. I could sail upon the seas I love for the rest of my days.
Maybe I’ll just stow away…
© Kari Fay
(Author’s Note: My boyfriend suggested a story based on the song Martha’s Harbour by All About Eve. I took the first and last lines from the lyrics and filled out the rest.)
Jax said:
Now I need to go find that song! How heartbreaking to be forever kept from your passion. Good story, thanks!
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Kari Fay said:
It is a beautiful song! Thanks for reading, glad you liked it.
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Tiffany said:
You described the longing so beautifully. Poignant and lovely.
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Kari Fay said:
Thank you.
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Kath said:
Beautiful song and what a great idea to use it in the way you did as not only the inspiration for your story but to begin and end it with a lyric.
I could really feel her powerful yearning to be out at sea, and how heartbroken and frustrated she was at not being able to satisfy it… unless she stows away. How I hope she does! Great story, Kari.
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Kari Fay said:
Thank you Kath, I’m glad you liked it.
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c.g.reyes said:
Very interesting inspiration, I think I may try it. Thanks Kari
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Kari Fay said:
Songs can be very inspiring 🙂
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Cathy Webster said:
I like the way you write, Kari. Short. Clean. Crisp. Enjoyed this much.
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Kari Fay said:
Thank you Cathy 🙂
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S. May said:
A lovely, well written piece!
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Kari Fay said:
Thank you very much.
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