She felt magnolia petals falling on her grave.
Freshly dug, soil still loose, the mound surrounded by mourners, she heard crying. Noisy sniffles, gentle sobs, painful wails.
She shifted focus from those above her, fixing her mind on the tree. Its branches reached for her. This time of year, it offered pale pink flowers.
This time of year, it needed her most.
And every spring these coming years. Her body would nourish the magnolia roots and, in return, her grave would be speckled with velvet petals. Nourishment for her soul.
When the grieving left, she would dance in nature’s bouquet.
Flash Fiction Challenge over at Carrot Ranch
May 7, prompt: Nourish – In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about something that nourishes/is being nourished.
Dark, yet nourishing. How do you manage that? You have a great gift of pushing into the shadows (and soil).
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Dark and nourshing… I love that description. I don’t know what takes over when I write these things. Aside from the occasional funny one, they all go dark. Thank you, Charli. For the prompts and for the support. 🌸
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A nourishing give and take… great POV.
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I like the idea of give and take. Thanks, D. (Geoff’s flash was titled: Soul Food. I should have used that!)
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Oh wow, Sarah. This is just beautiful. While I’m not ready to do so just yet, my wish is to nourish the soil when I leave. Your opening sentence is a wonderful enticement, your last a fitting conclusion. And everything between is perfectly in place.
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Well that works out nicely. Words perfectly in place, as they should be. Thanks so much, Norah. ❤ 🌸
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💖
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You paint a beautiful picture.
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Aw, thanks, Chelsea. Painting with words is fun. 🌸
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Wow. Sad, heart-wrenching, hopeful, and freeing all at once. It amazes me how you do that with so few words.
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Thanks, Teri, that means a lot to me. And it’s awesome you got all that from this little flash. ALL OF THE FEELS! 😉
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I have one single bloom, on the top of my Magnolia. Beckons to me across my yard, like a small hand!
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Magnolias are beautiful. 🌸 I love that yours is reaching out to you. Happy Spring from the trees!
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This is absolutely stunning, Sarah. What a poignant, graceful, and affirming story.
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Thanks, Diana! ❤ 🌸 Hope you're well.
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I agree with Charli, it’s marvellous how you’ve combined the light and dark. Expecting horror, it’s very moving and a lovely comment on acceptance. After all, we’re all going to die.
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Hmm… Can’t imagine why you’d be expecting horror. 😉 Thanks, Anne. ‘Acceptance’ is a great word for this one.
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Something beautiful to look forward to crossing the line. So graceful and giving, Sarah!
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Thank you, Miriam! 💗🌸
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