
An icy gust shadows him around the corner grazing his earlobe, cold chills ripple down his spine. But his Italian wool threads not only portray prosperity, but they also combat the frosty temperature while he slides onto black leather behind the wheel. Success sits in his suit pocket, having propelled him to the top rung of the corporate ladder. He accelerates in the Night Blue Porsche. A satisfied smile forms because he knows his arrival is highly anticipated.
Down the street, she walks in her own bubble, and it’s as though she controls that gust, tamping it down to a gentle breeze. Her silver heels click on the sidewalk as she moves effortlessly. With cell on speaker, passersby become privileged to thrilling updates, and then she adds, “Have you heard the latest?” But gentle breeze be gone, she buttons up her long, wine-red coat, tightening the belt as the roaring wind wraps around her like a python. When the hailed driver meets the curb, she smugly skims over the back seat, phone chat undisturbed.
And across the way, huddled against a weathered building, he daydreams of warmth, the wind chill forcing its way through his tattered jacket β he fantasizes about lying beneath layers of fleece and wool, comfort permeating from his shaggy long brown hair to his olive-green socks full of holes. But no complaints slip through his chattering teeth. Homelessness may be his current address; however, sadness will never be his default emotion. Instead, his eyes watch as his mind formulates hope.
Β© Lauren Scott, baydreamerwrites – All rights reserved.
Photo: Pixabay
A repost/revision.
Excellent!!
Thanks, Sharon! β€οΈ
I love these three perspectives on life, Lauren. Well done.
Thanks for your kind comment, John.
π
Excellent presentation in verse on the contrasts between each person’s experience.
Thanks so much, Ian. That’s kind of you to say.
Stories with multiple perspectives are engaging. Well done, Lauren!
Thanks, Michele! Your kind words are appreciated. Have a good day! π
You are welcome! Thank you. btw I am enjoying your book. I will write a review when I finish. π
Oh, that’s wonderful news! Thanks so much, Michele! ππ»π₯°
A very thought-provoking piece of social commentary in flash fiction form!
Thanks for your wonderful words, Liz. π
You’re welcome, Lauren, π
So much food for thought Lauren!
π
‘But no complaints slip through his chattering teeth. Homelessness may be his current address; however, sadness will never be his default emotion. Instead, his eyes watch as his mind formulates hope.’
Thanks so much, Cindy! I’m glad those last lines stood out for you. They do for me too. π ππ
You’re so welcome Lauren. Truly wonderful words!!!! π
ππ€
Beautiful, my dear Lauren! If only such social contrasts didn’t exist…
xoxoxo
Thanks, Marina! I agree…if only….I hope you have a wonderful day and weekend ahead. Hugs! πβοΈπβοΈπβοΈ
You too, my dearest friend! β€οΈπ·β€οΈ
Those last three lines got to me. All we have to do is open our eyes to what is going on around us. Beautifully written, my friend. Hugs!
Thanks so much, Michelle! Those lines even get to me. π It’s also wonderful to see you in blogland. Sending big hugs your way! β€οΈβ€οΈ
Beautifully evoked π«π
Thanks so much! I appreciate your kind words. ππ»
Brilliant and your perspective on life is profound. Lovely story. Awesome Lauren π
Thanks so much, Kamal! I don’t always repost old poems, but I found this one and revised it into prose and felt like sharing again. I’m glad you liked it. Your kind words are a great start to my day. ππ€
Yes completely and light and delighted to read Lauren. Always welcome dear. Have a great Friday ππ€π€β€οΈβ€οΈ
Hi Lauren, I really enjoyed the contrasting social situations you presented in these three pieces all set in the same weather conditions. Well done.
Thanks, Robbie. I’m glad you enjoyed this and your kind words are always appreciated. π
People live very different lives.
Unfortunately, the gap between social classes is huge.
Beautifulβ¦
Thanks so much, Carla!
What an inspiring story, Lauren. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Thanks for stopping by to read, Jacqui. Iβm glad you enjoyed this.
I so love the three gorgeous images that form the whole of this story, especially the description of that woman moving with the wind and the homeless man formulating hope. β€
Thanks so much, Layla. I appreciate your lovely comment and I’m so glad you liked this story. π
Beautifully written, Lauren. Love this. β€οΈ
Thanks, Jeff! I’m glad you liked this story. I hope you’re enjoying your weekend! β€οΈπ
Youβre welcome, Lauren! The weekend is wonderful; I hope yours is too! π₯°
Absolutely fabulous blog post Lauren. I have said this before and I will say it again you are very good at writing poetry and stories.
I really enjoyed reading this one “The Trio” and my favorite phrase it is this “Her heels clicking on the sidewalk as she moves effortlessly” – π₯π₯
As I was reading my mind was imagining the scenario of the activity happening in real lifeπ
I can’t thank you enough for your kind words, Mthobisi. They are truly appreciated. I’m glad you enjoyed this write and could imagine each scenario playing out. Have a wonderful week ahead, and thanks again! ππ»ππ»
“Homelessness may be his current address; however, sadness will never be his default emotion. Instead, his eyes watch as his mind formulates hope.”
Fantastic writing! I loved the theme and how you chose to portray it!
Thank you so much for your wonderful words! I appreciate them very much!
What a stark difference on so many levels, Lauren. Not only between wealth and poverty but blindness and awareness, indifference to others versus emotional sensitivity. There’s also a subtle commentary on resilience and the human capacity for peace and joy regardless of circumstances. Your characterization and imagery are spectacular too. Loved this!
Well said, Diana, and I appreciate your insight. This used to be a poem, but I decided to expand it into more of a prose piece. Homelessness is more prevalent these days, and over the holidays, I drove by a homeless camp with made up signs reading “Merry Christmas” hanging on the tents. If that isn’t viewing the cup half full, I don’t know what is. You are a fantastic writer, so your wonderful words brighten my day. π₯°
It’s a beautiful piece, Lauren. I was really moved.
Thanks again, Diana!
Good one, Lauren! You are a terrific writer.
Lots of mood and mystery, for me in this write.
xoxo
Thanks so much, Resa! That is very kind of you to say. I’m glad you enjoyed this piece of prose. π
ππ
Thank you!
A most enticing character study of the varied status of people. β€
Thanks for your insightful words, Debby. π
β€
This is excellent, Lauren and such an accurate contrast. Thank you for sharing it.
Thank you, Barbara! I’m glad you liked this. Thanks for stopping by.