The following photo is the prompt. Does it speak to you? What does it say?
My story follows the photo and the blue froggy fella. Comments and suggestions appreciated.
Copyright-Kent Bonham
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100
REQUIEM IN C MINOR
“You must practice an hour a day,” said Mama. “People will come from miles around to hear you play. You have a gift.”
“I hate the violin,” I yelled. “I don’t want to be a musician.”
Once Mama made up her mind she only heard what she wanted to hear.
What choice did I have? I was only six.
Eight years later Mama’s prediction came true. People came from miles around to hear me play. My music was the last thing they heard on their way to the gas chambers.
Sweet music, the only color in Theriesenstadt, saved my life.
Author’s note for those who may ask how I arrived at this.
At first glance, this photo said nothing to me other than, “Yuck. Where’s the story in this and why did I choose it for a prompt?” At second glance I thought ‘dead bird.’ Nah. Trashed lollipop? Okay, forget about the articles, what about color? I didn’t see much of that. My mind went to the Holocaust, a part of history I think of in shades of gray. (Not the racy novel 😉 ) Next, Terezin, a town in Czechoslovakia that was turned into a ghetto and renamed Theriesenstadt came to mind. There the Nazis made a propaganda film to show the outside world their kind treatment of the Jews, when, in reality, it was a holding place on the road to extermination for most. My research path ultimately inspired me to write REQUIEM IN C MINOR. Thank you for reading.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Dear Rochelle, Lovely story and I had heard this before. Good story but such a sad period in history.
Nan 🙂
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Dear Nan,
it’s a tragic period in history. I don’t know what makes one race or ethnic group feel that they have the right to annihilate another.
Thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Ah, it’s a bird feather. At first glance I thought it was some sort of strange tribal spoon. Anyway, good story Rochelle, with a sad twist at the end. I shall use the rest of the day to ponder on the picture I thinks!
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Dear Weltchy,
I’m still not sure what the thing is. It will be interesting to see where people go with it.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That was a touching story about a dreadful time. I sometimes wonder if being Jewish colours one’s entire life Holocaust grey.
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Dear Liz,
As a Jewish person, one generation removed from the Holocaust, I’d answer that with a resounding yes. I grew up under the grey cloud of it. Even more affected are the children of survivors.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This would have done a good job in my horror story, but alas, that is now finished.
Your story is very, very moving. I’ve got no other words for it.
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Dear Al,
This prompt should garner varied interpretations.
And the words you used for your comment work just fine for me.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Heavy stuff, Rochelle. Seems we still have many lessons to learn. Well written, as usual.
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Dear Loré,
I wonder if we’ve learned anything from history. From the news I’m seeing these days I fear not much.
Thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Lovely story Rochelle, all these poor kids trying to survive, seeing all the horror around them, instead of playing and making plans for the future, but at least this one in your story was saved by the music.
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Dear Elizabeth,
At the Holocaust museum in Jerusalem there is an incredible exhibit. It’s a room that is lit with candles and the walls are line with mirrors. As you walk through a recording of voices reciting the names of the children who perished is played overhead. I weep when I think about it. So many cut off in childhood. What kind of monsters can do this?
At least there were survivors, particularly these amazing musicians.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Really moving story Rochelle, and beautifully written. We never know where music will lead us.
And I have no idea what that thing is, so hopefully we’re all allowed to let our thoughts wander this week.
Claire
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Dear Claire,
Kent took the picture and he doesn’t know what it is. I look forward to reading where your brilliant mind wander.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A great take on the prompt Rochelle, moving, factual and distressing. And still ethnic groups have yet to take heed. Well done.
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Dear Sandra,
I can’t understand these ethnic groups who feel such entitlement and superiority that they could carry out such atrocities.
At any rate, thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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We have a Swedish opera singer who did music by some of the composers of Teresenstadt, Ann-Sofie Von Otter.. After listening to that I wrote a FF story I think. Such personal stories you get from that one… I will have to think about this story a while..
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Dear Björn,
There was some incredible music to come out of Theriesenstadt, wasn’t there? There are so many stories from the Holocaust. Amazing that anyone lived to tell about it. It hurts to see those voices dying off and their plight being forgotten.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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So many more stories to tell from that time, I’m sure. Great stuff, that.
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Dear Kent,
Just when I think there are no more Holocaust flash fictions for me to write another idea surfaces.
Thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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A horrible time that, alas, has been replayed to varying degrees all around the globe. I hope one day we look back on this with disbelief. As it is, atrocities are still happening with no end in sight and we take it as a matter of course. Wonderful but disturbing take on this difficult prompt.
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Dear Sorchia,
It was a horrible time. It’s mind boggling to me that it still happens.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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My mind often goes to a holocaust of one sort or another for these prompts. Love your take on it. At least the people had a bit of musical joy on their way. Alicia.
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Dear Alicia,
It’s no secret that I’ve written a lot of Holocaust genre stories. Just when I think I’ve said all there is for me to say another idea downloads.
Thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Peace and light to you Rochelle.
A terrible period – revisited in mind, research and memory – powerfully written and evocative – and certainly a prod in the minds as we watch, yet still – at the terrible and horrific tragedies unfolding today – globally. History is such a narcissist.
Shalom
Pat
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Dear Pat,
History has certainly produced some card carrying, self entitled narcissists, hasn’t it? Hitler’s neither the first nor the last, but certainly the most well documented. The savagery is unbelievable and those who dare to say it never happened are doomed to see it happen again…perhaps to them.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I believe – unfortunately – that you are indeed correct.
Peace – and have a wonderful day Rochelle.
Shalom.
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I’ve always been fascinated by this period in time even though it pains me to look.
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Dear Dawn,
It is painful to look at. But thank you for coming by to look anyway. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This reminds me of Leonard Cohen’s Dance Me to the End of Love. Beautiful story.
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Dear LIsa,
I wasn’t familiar with the song so I had to go listen to it. Beautiful song. I’m glad my story reminds you of it.
Thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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I find everything about the holocaust impossible to comprehend and all the more terrifying for it. One element that brings it to a universal understanding is the undividual fickleness of fate – the fact that a simple choice like whether to learn music, could save a person’s life years down the line. That’s what I take from your story, and from so much that I see / read about the Holocaust. It is too big a topic to comprehend en masse, but individual stories make it real.
Hope that makes sense.
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Dear Jennifer,
You make perfect sense. I’ve heard and read so many of these stories. It boggles my mind what a person can survive. (And millions didn’t).
I suppose I come back to this subject often because it was so ingrained in me growing up. It as the elephant in the room. Many relatives perished. When I look at photos from that era I see faces with familiar features that could very well be related to me.
At any rate, thank you for your comments. I take them as compliments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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i think it was a photo of a discarded lollipop. anyway, your story started so innocently that i didn’t expect it to end that way. it’s well written as usual.
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Dear Plaridel,
The consensus is discarded lollipop but even the photographer isn’t sure. 😉
I’m happy to have caught you off-guard a little.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Very moving, Rochelle. And educational. I hadn’t heard about that before.
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Dear R. E.
There are so many stories out there. Just when I think I’ve heard them all another surfaces.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That’s powerful, Rochelle. I think no artist wants anyone to visit them for such a reason. A cruel fate for the protagonist. It’s one more of the macabre things the Nazis did. Excellent as always, Rochelle.
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Dear Eric,
Of all the camps and ghettos I think Theriesenstadt could be the most macabre. It was there that the Nazis staged a propaganda film to satisfy the American Red Cross that the Jews were being treated humanely.
These stories touch my heart and anger me to no end.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a story, Rochelle. Music saved them all right. It was sad watching the video, but also showed the power of music. We must never forget. Well told. Excellent.
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Dear Amy,
I’ve watched that video several times. Alice, the pianist, I believe, passed away this year at the age of 110.
Unfortunately these survivors are passing on, making it to easy to forget.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That took my breath away. Such a powerful, powerful story — it moved me deeply!
I have always been astounded by the very presence of a Theresienstadt , one of the more macabre and ironically cruel Nazi camps. The fact that music and art were allowed, even encouraged in that way blows my mind. Even more astonishing was the fact that the Nazi guards would sometimes thank the performers for the music.
Have your read “A Century of Wisdom: Lessons from the Life of Alice Herz-Sommer?”
I recommend it. Also, see if you can watch the Oscar-winning documentary “The Lady in No. 6” — it’s about her music, her piano-playing in Theresienstadt. She is my heroine. I want to be like her.
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Dear Vijaya,
Alice is a great heroine to have. She maintained a loving, positive attitude until she passed at 110 years of age. Amazing lady. I will have to look for that book. I haven’t read it, nor have I seen the film…yet.
Thank you for your powerful compliments. I can’t ask for better.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dearest,
I got a lump in my throat with this one, Rochelle. You have a truly remarkable talent.
Missing the action,
Stephanie
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Dear Stephanie,
Your comment left a lump in mine. Thank you for such a high compliment.
I’m looking forward to the time you can rejoin Friday Fictioneers.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, this is truly one of the best yet. I too saw those things you mentioned (have yet to look/get past the fuzzy lollipop, actually 🙂 ) but your story is inspirational and so very true. Well done.
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Dear Shandra,
I questioned my sanity at choosing this prompt but I also wanted to see where everyone would go with it and I love a challenge. 😉
Thank you for such nice comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Very powerful. Well done.
I appreciated your explanation of how the picture led you to the story. I’m usually not anywhere as substantive.
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Dear Guapo,
Since I was asked by two friends before I posted how I got from point A to point B I thought it a good idea to share how my crazy mind works. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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bravo on creating such a deep and moving story with a photo of what looks like a hairy animal lollipop. but then you’re always great at seeing past the surface and thinking outside the box.
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Dear K.Z.
Most of the time I try to find something obscure about a prompt. This time the prompt itself was obscure. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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not everyone can write such a story, great!!!
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Dear I B,
Very kind of you to say so. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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As always, your historical fiction holds so much meaning and emotional content. I loved the video you added. I’m currently in a rehab center getting physical therapy to get back on my feet (or at least back on my cane) after surgery. When they play jazz in the therapy room I so do much better! Music is life, and the musicians in the video are truly inspiring,
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Oops! Meant to say “do so much better.” Typing on my iphone….
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Dear Jan,
I wondered what happened to you. I miss your stellar writing and really am happy to see you here even if it’s only to comment. Hope you’re on the mend.
You, of all people, know the healing virtue and power of music. I’m pleased you enjoyed both the video and my story. Those people in the film are amazing, aren’t they?
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
I took music lessons once and enjoyed it, but my teacher didn’t. She threatened to kill me on several occasions. My parents sent me to a music camp and then moved. My teacher ended up dying from an infection she got in her busted eardrum and I had to give up music. Not quite like your story but someone’s got to keep things light around here. Didn’t you get the memo about that?
Your story was stellar, as usual, and serves to reinforce the lesson that each day is precious (and study hard in music class as you’ll never know when it will come in handy). Well done.
Aloha,
Doug
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Dear Doug,
I’m so sorry to hear about your music teacher. Did your parents leave a forwarding address? Y’know this explains a lot.
Life is precious and so are friends who fill it with song.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wow, I wasn’t expecting that ending, I was trying to think of which famous violinist it would turn out to be. I should have realised that one of your stories wouldn’t be quite so mundane.
Great story and thanks for the explanation of your thought process.
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Dear Ali,
I suppose I could’ve gone that direction. 😉 Thank you for such nice comments. Happy to share the process. Sometimes I’m not even sure how I arrived at a particular story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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what a brilliant story. The ending really tugged at heart.
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Dear Rajlakshmi,
Happy to tug. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I never knew this history of Music and how it actually saved lives. What a horrid time for mankind. {{{HUGS}}}
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Dear Swoosieque,
It boggles my mind that musicians were forced to play as others were being led to their deaths. Thanks for the comments and the hugs. Both appreciated.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Very well written Rochelle. And, We had the same initial reaction seeing the prompt only that I was pretty much more clueless than you 😀 (still am 😉 ) Honestly, I am enjoying posts on this prompt more 🙂 Keep up the good work. Best Wishes.
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Dear Shanx,
This prompt seems to have brought out the best in many.
Thank you for your kind words of encouragement.
shalom,
Rochelle
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It amazes me how every week you come up with these wonderful stories and tidbits of history that we are all better off learning from. Thank you dear lady 🙂
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Dear Jackie,
My muse is blessed with insatiable curiosity. I love cutting history into bite-size pieces.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That’s quite the leap,but I’m making it with you.
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Dear Alice,
I love the wind in my hair when I leap. Happy to bring you along.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That story is brutal right there at the end. Well done.
I also liked your analysis of how you got to this story – working with the colours in the picture to derive the themes of the story was interesting.
Cheers
KT
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Dear KT,
One of my greatest and guiltiest pleasures of the Friday Fictioneers challenge is to find an obscure piece of the prompt and turn it into a story. It doesn’t always happen this way for me but when it does, I love getting asked “How in the world…?”
As for my story, brutality begets brutality.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, that is a beautiful, heart-breaking story that finds some bittersweet goodness in something evil and ugly. Love what you did with the prompt.
Shalom,
Anne
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Dear Anne,
It breaks my heart, too.
Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Enjoyed your story … so sad and poignant but the odyssey of how you came to your story from the first look at the photography until inspiration was a great story in itself. Thanks for sharing.
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Dear Georgia,
I love getting asked how I came to a story from a particular prompt. Since two people asked the question before I even posted I decided it was the perfect time to share my process.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Well Rochelle, I’m glad those two other people asked. It was very interesting indeed. Ciao, Georgia
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I’m speechless. So much in so few words. Such a brilliantly written but heart-wrenching piece. To think of all the gifted people who were exterminated in the gas chambers, yet still today atrocities are happening all around the world, which brings to mind the song “Where have all the flowers gone?” and the chorus of “when will they ever learn?”
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Dear Sarah,
I fear the answer to “when will they ever learn?” is “never.”
Your speechlessness gives me reason to smile.
Thank you very much for your lovely compliments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Bravo. A nice reminder of how man treats man and the dilemmas people face in this world of ours. And then there’s sometimes the guilt of the survivors.
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Just watched the video. There are no words …
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Dear Patrick,
I’m amazed and appalled at what people are capable of. All one has to do is watch the news to know that we’ve learned nothing from history. Thank you for reading, watching and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Farrah,
I know this is a stretch, but when I read your story I thought of the old Merle Haggard song “Sing Me Back Home Before I Die.” A lot of us are like Mama. We hear only what we want to hear.
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Dear Russell,
Hm. I may have to check out the song. And we are indeed like Mama. Although in this case I’m sure her child was glad she never took no for an answer.
Thanks for dropping by.
Shalom,
Farrah
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Rochelle,
I love the small, human story that gives flesh and bones to the big events of history – pity that most of those big events are so tragic. A moving story.
Cheers
Marg
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Dear Marg,
One of the things that keeps playing over and over for me as I get older and so much of my past is in the history books is the humanity of history. I like to put faces on it for myself as well as for others. Hope that made sense.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Very touching Rochelle! Very natural flow too, to the story.
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Thank you, Anasuya.
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Rochelle,
Great story and a wonderful photo prompt this week. I also thoroughly enjoyed your author’s note at the end. I often find it fascinating to learn how writers come up with their stories.
All my best,
Marie Gail
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Dear Marie Gail,
My own process sometimes takes me by surprise. 😉 Melete is a capricious little muse at best and leads me in unexpected directions. Gotta love the ride as much as the destination.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hi Rochelle,
Very touching story. The little musician reminds me of my neice and nephew, both of which are learning to play violin. The connection to that horrible period of history puts an interesting color on that instrument choice.
Take care, and as always, thanks for hosting this.
Emilie
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Dear Emilie,
My story was written before I even noticed the image of the little boy with the violin at the end of the film clip. My instrument choice stems from the fact that violin is my favorite.
Hosting Friday Fictioneers is one of my greatest passions.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Violin is right up there for me, too. I think the only reason I never learned how to play is because we discovered tendon issues in my hands when I studied guitar.
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Great story, Rochelle. There’s always a story in everything. I had trouble, too coming up with a story. But it did come. I did the lollypop. 🙂 It was my nickname in school.
Lily
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Dear Lily,
I love your name. The main character in one of my stories in my book is named Lily. Her brother calls her Lily Pad. Lollipop is cute. My nicknames in school were Small Fry, Shrimp and Roach.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I would like to read the story, Rochelle. Is the book finished? I get called Lily Pad, too. I love frogs and lily pads.
Lily
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When I think of such horrors – happening differently, but still today…seems hopeless. I’ve read of these musicians. Can’t imagine reaching deep or far enough to find such determination. We give what we can and they gave a true gift.
Thoughtfully written piece, Rochelle.
Ellespeth
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Dear Ellespeth,
Thank you for your thoughtful comments. They are music to my eyes.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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My eyes are too full of tears to find the letters on the keyboard – the story and then the film. Nearly all my writing comes back to the power, the salvation, of music, and this powerful evidence moves me very greatly.
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Dear Hilary,
This is the best compliment an author can hope for. Thank you for stopping by with such affirming comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks for the explanation of how you got to your story. I hadn’t noticed the absence of colour in Kent’s photo and went with the shape.
As usual the characters in your story are so full and strong. It is bitter sweet that something the child fought against became the thing that saved them. Very well told and emotive.
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Dear Sarah Ann,
A friend pointed out to me that there are some flecks of color in the pavement. Nonetheless it looked monochromatic to me…all grey.
Of course the struggle between the child and his mother is from my imagination. But it is a commonality. I wonder how many famous musicians fought the lessons only to find a passion? In this instance what the child found was salvation through music.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle. Your beautifully written story, highlights something I’ll never understand. I’m glad her Mum made her practice, though. You never know where practice will lead. Wishing you peace. LHN
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Dear LHN,
I think the world would be a happier place if no one understood this part of history and refused to repeat it.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
This reminds me a nurse’s aid, who spend the afternoon with an elderly female patient in a nursing home. The aid spent extra time washing and fixing the woman’s hair and dressed her in one of her best dresses. Much later the same day, she peacefully died dressed for the occasion.
I know your story is a bit more sad, but it made me think of the last gift before one is forever gone.
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Dear Phyllis,
Interesting connection. Both sad stories. Thank you for sharing that.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, your stories always have an extra layer that makes them even more poignant and impactful. This is stunning! The video is heartbreaking and hopeful all at the same time. Just wonderful!
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Dear Dawn,
Thing most haunting part of that video for me is knowing that most of those singing children perished.
Your comments are both affirming and appreciated. Thank you so much.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It is horrific, on so many levels! Those little faces leap off the screen and haunt me. The older survivors are so inspiring, even as they break my heart. Really moved me.
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Dear Rochelle, you always surprise me and for good. What a way to look at a pic and come up with so great tale. I am still figuring what is it. You always think something different. I learn something as always. Thanks.
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Dear Indira,
I never bothered myself with what it is. Kent doesn’t even know and he snapped the photo. I thought it would be a good one to force people to use their imaginations. Judging from the stories this week, I’d say my plan worked.
Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It’s as fascinating to learn the journey of the writer to the story as the story itself. As for your story, I saw a film (movie) recently with Vanessa Redgrave about death camp musicians. It beggars belief, the Holocaust. Yet here we are in the midst of more. When WILL we ever learn?
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Dear Ann,
Judging from history I’d say we never learn. 😦 I saw a clip from the Vanessa Redgrave movie and want to see the rest.)
Since I had two questions on how I got to my story from that photo before I posted, I decided that an explanation would be fun to share.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks for sharing!
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That was a dark and beautiful story. I particularly like the last line.
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Dear Danny,
Glad to see you here. Thank you for the kind comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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