Photo Courtesy of Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
This picture has a lot of inspiration packed into it. I made the mistake of reading a couple of entries and now have to see what new twist I can make on the same prompt. I usually don’t read until I’ve come up with my own. Now to let go and see where the creative river takes me.
Word count: 101
Flux
“No man ever steps in the same river twice – all things are in flux like a river.” Elmer said quietly to himself.
“What you going on about?” Opal shook her head. “Old coot.”
He looked at the river, knowing his own feet had stepped there, younger feet, back when his world was new.
Heraclitus had it right. His life barely mattered and any impact would wash away like a footprint in the sand, gone before the next foot landed.
“Don’t forget to shut that damn window. You’ll catch your death.”
Nodding faintly, Elmer closed his eyes, hoping for just that.
To see other stories, please visit the Rochelle Wisoff-Fields site here.
© Erin Leary
erinlearywrites 
I guess there come a day when you just see and endless set of footprints disappearing… The contrast between the young and old is so strong here.
That’s how he felt…and some days, I can relate. The river flows on for us all.
Kinda sad but lots of messages here. Great job.
Thank you for reading!
Poor guy. Life has lost its sparkle.
Yes, he’s stuck In a place that feels like a prison. That’s no fun. Thanks for reading!
Very poignant piece. You have to feel for poor Elmer. Nicely done, Erin.
Elmer has to deal with Opal. That’s burden enough! Thanks for reading – hope your journey is going well!
I like the old coot, and I like this.
We can all relate. I plan to be both an old coot and a curmudgeon when I grow up. 😀
I’m on the side of the old coot too. Good story. I especially like the line with the footprints.
Thank you! It was a line I changed three times so I’m glad to hear it worked for you.
Good poignant story, I enjoyed it
Thank you, Mickey. I appreciate you reading.
I relate to the “old coot”…gee what’s that say about me?
Don’t answer that!
Enjoyable read Erin.
Wonderful feelings here. You say so much about Elmer with your well-chosen words. Lovely, wistful story.
From your words, I got a view of poor old Elmer. The man seems to be without friends and suffering from depression. He needs help but his younger family member is unsympathetic, She doesn’t realize her day is coming. Of course, she sounds depressed also and not the best company for him. Well done, Erin. — Suzanne
Interesting reflections. They raise all sorts of questions for me about Elmer and why he has returned to the place of his youth.
All my best,
MG