In a tunnel beneath the earth’s surface, I stare at the painting on the stone wall.
How could this be?
It’s the same as from my dreams.
Rounding a corner, I spy another.
What could this mean?
I walk on from there, one painting to another.
Others follow. The mystery drives us upward.
I grew up underground. My parents told me of “the surface.” The green fields turned brown. The blackened waterways, polluted skies, and hazardous air. The tipping point was predicted. Few believed. The leaders of my clan prepared. They brought us underground to live in caves and bunkers. “The event” occurred and billions died. My clan survived.
Reaching the top, we are momentarily blinded by a bright light. The main entrance is shattered.
The sight outside the caves brings me to my knees. Hovering inches from the ground is a floating ship. It’s the same as the paintings on the walls.
Ethereal beings onboard beckon us to come.
We sail through the air. The land is green and lush. Waterways are a translucent blue-green. The air is crystal clear. The earth has been reborn.
We are given a chance to begin anew.
Will we be better this time?
~~
Sunday Photo Fiction is a weekly challenge, hosted by Al Forbes, to write a story using 200 words inspired by a photo prompt. This week’s prompt was provided by Jules Paige.
Click on this link to enter your story or to see what others have written.
Blessed 2018 to all!
Nice one. I like to think we will be better this time, but I fancy not.
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I too like the thought of being better! Thanks so much for commenting. =)
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Very unusual and another hint of your fantastic imagination Brenda!
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You are so kind Marie! =) I am having a lot of fun with these challenges. Blessed 2018!
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And that’s the secret…having fun, being creative, bringing joy to your life and others! Blessed 2018!
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Interesting story Brenda. The theme of second chances is very appropriate for the beginning of a new year.
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I hadn’t thought of that. =) Very true indeed! Thanks for commenting Susan and blessed 2018!
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Thank you for such a hopeful piece inspired by my photo.
So often we leave our dreams to our children and their children… but we can also help in small ways to make our present life one to treasure.
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I love your photo! Thank you for your encouraging comment about the post. We certainly do have a responsibility to “be” better people for a brighter future for those who come after us. =) Thanks again and happy new year!
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I even wrote to my photo…
Happy new year to you also 🙂
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Nicely optimistic piece.
I have my doubts…
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Thank you for commenting! “Hope” is all we have but I certainly understand how you feel. =)
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It seems aliens from another planet may have cleaned things up and beckoned those dwelling below to come up and repopulate the surface. This is a very optimistic story, Brenda. Good writing. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Thank you, Suzanne, for reading my story and for your encouragement! =)
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I hope so.
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Good story. It would be nice to see we could learn from our mistakes.
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Thanks! For sure, it would be nice. =)
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