BLIND MAN
It was such a nice front porch to play my stories in.
I would play being teacher.
Would extend my index finger at an imaginary boy and
sternly say "John Amar you're the limit."
I loved doing that part, think I imitated my teacher very well.
Papa would sit in a large chair in front of the windows, six of them,
smoking his cigars.
One day I saw flashes of red flames all over the windows.
When Papa lit his cigar with those wooden match sticks
one must have broken off and flew up onto the window curtains.
The entire porch was in flames.
I screamed for Mama. She rushed into the porch and pulled all
of the curtains down, stamping on the flames till they died out.
I never knew if she burned her feet and legs.
I didn't play school anymore.
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I love stories like this that center around a memory (I write lots of them myself). This brings so many images to mind, all very clear. And the ending, so poignant.
Very good story told in a child's voice from a believable child's point of view
*
glad you like memory stories, Foster. Thanks so much.
Glad you like this one Susan, thank you.
this one is on fire. loved it. especially that calm sentence before the finale: "Papa would sit in a large chair in front of the windows, six of them,
smoking his cigars."
I like this and what Foster said about stories that center around a memory. Good, old fashioned storytelling. Fav.
thanks so much Marcus, glad you loved it.
Also, Jack, you are always uplifting. Guess I should keep those memories going.
Thanks to you both
"I screamed for Mama. She rushed into the porch and pulled all
of the curtains down, stamping on the flames till they died out."
Strong piece, Estelle. Well written. Great form.
I appreciate your reading this Sam. Glad you found it good.
I loved your chat with Susan, you were great.
Good story, Estelle.
"Papa would sit in a large chair in front of the windows, six of them, smoking his cigars."
This, owing to the detail of the number of windows, inhabits vital nostalgia, has the vividness of lived experience.
*
SO GLAD YOU UNDERSTOOD THE SIX WINDOWS.
THANKS BILL