Picture courtesy of Adam Ickes
Something I learned years ago in grade school art is that two lines that run parallel will approach a vanishing point, which can provide the proper perspective to your drawing. This photo made me think of that lesson.
Word count: 100
Vanishing Point
When I was eight, life stretched out before me to a distant horizon, endless and unknown.
Now that I am 88, I look back and the horizon I see is that of my youth. It looks far away, but my shadow travels along the path as I remember the moments that matter – family, falling in love, babies, losses. No possessions come to mind, only memories of the people who touched my life.
I’ve lived the full breadth of my life, ignoring the narrow point ahead. Whether I look forward or back, it is always there, vanishing just over the horizon.
© Erin Leary
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erinlearywrites 
Wow! Excellent!
Thank you, Judah!
Erin, perspective changes as we move along through life, doesn’t it. This is a lovely piece about live, love and what’s important.
janet
Thank you, Janet. It is a lesson I keep learning more about.
Absolutely beautiful story about aging. Remembering is the soul of living…
Thank you – I am glad you enjoyed it.
The narrow point ahead – what a beautiful metaphor. I like how your character sees her world, although I think the line “I have perspective” is probably unnecessary – leaving the reader to see that might have more power.
Thanks, Jennifer. I pondered that, too. Now I will struggle to add 3 words!
A beautiful look at life. Well told.
A pretty reflection on a life well lived. I like your use of the vanishing point here. Nice take on the prompt.
All my best,
MG
Erin, this story is so beautiful and meaningful. “When I was eight, life stretched out before me to a distant horizon, endless and unknown.” Love that sentence. Really love this story.
A beautifully reflective piece – really enjoyed it. I wondered about ‘breadth’ of life as opposed to ‘width.’ Even though they are pretty much synonymous I just thought breadth had a better flow to it. Maybe that’s just the Englishwoman in me… 🙂 Well done.
Sandra, I agree with you! Changed. 🙂
Reflective piece.
Interesting and true point. I hadn’t thought on it before I read this but I agree with the storyteller.
Dear Erin,
I loved this from an artist’s point of view. It’s all about perspective. Your narrator has her perspective in proper order. My favorite line: “No possessions come to mind, only memories of the people who touched my life.” Beautiful, full of truth and much to ponder. Bravo!
Shalom,
Rochelle
Beautiful take, Erin. Excellent writing 🙂
Lovely story well done. Your character is right. People, not things, are important and should be remembered in life.
Erin, this is a lovely, tender story about ageing and the affect that has on your ability to see what really is important in life. So well written, beautiful.
Dee
Your tale is an excellent counterpart to Janet’s — yours more sombre and reflective, hers a bit more light-hearted, but both great tributes to perspective.
Lovely take on the prompt
And your title compliments this lovely piece.
What a beautiful way to look at life-love the pov here Erin:-)
A lovely reflective piece Erin, very enjoyable, there is a sense of peace about this writing.Well done.
I love the thoughtfulness of this piece, Erin. Vanishing points at both ends of life, an interesting perspective to consider.
You are a great philosopher! What a poignant story, and so true. Love it, love it, love it. Thanks for writing! Nan
Excellent interpretation! And so true.