16 January 2015

Published January 14, 2015 by rochellewisoff

Flowers from the Hill Thoreau

Erie CanalRemember the goal is to write a COMPLETE story. BEGINNING, MIDDLE AND END. 

FF copyright banner finalThe next photo is the PROMPT. What speaks to you? Tell us in a hundred words or less. 

*Note: To share a photo you think would make a good prompt please send it to this email address: runtshell@gmail.com. Thank you*

My story follows the prompt and the blue inLinkz frog. I enjoy honest comments. 😉

PHOTO PROMPT - Copyright - Jan Wayne Fields

PHOTO PROMPT – Copyright – Jan Wayne Fields



get the InLinkz code

Genre: Historical Fiction

Word Count: 100

WORDS OF WISDOM

            “I pressed your clothes,” said Mary. “Mind Dad and look after your brother whilst I’m in hospital.”   

            “Thanks, Mum.” Paul buttoned his shirt. “Deese are me bezzies.” 

            “Stop it. I’ve taught you better, now haven’t I?”

            “Not half.” He quipped in falsetto. “The Queen’s English. Ever so posh.” 

            She looked as if she wanted to scold him more. Instead, she embraced him and said, “If I don’t come back…”

            Emptiness flooded the boy.

            “Of course you’re coming back. Who’ll cook for us if you don’t?”

            “There will be an answer.” Mary McCartney kissed her son and whispered, “Let it be.”    
        

*

Want more?   

133 comments on “16 January 2015”

  • A very sad story, and more so, given that events were to repeat themselves later in life. Nicely done Rochelle, I liked that simple “who’ll cook for us?” How like a child to initially reduce tragedy to a very basic level. Well observed.

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  • I LOVE it, Rochelle! It was moving and tender, and perfectly structured. And I always felt so bad for both Paul and John, both children of tragedy — but I’m glad Paul had some consistent love in his life, until his mother died.

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    • Dear Vijaya,

      Paul did, from all accounts, have a loving home life, didn’t he? Perhaps it’s the reason he’s been able to face other tragedies with courage and grace.

      Thank you for loving my story and stopping by to say so.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

      Liked by 1 person

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    • Dear Janet,

      It seems, from all the accounts I’ve read, that Mary McCartney went out of her way to shield her children from the tragic possibilities. Ordinariness of tragedy. I like that. 😉

      Thank you.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

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  • Dear Rochelle,
    LIke Michael, until I read your story, I always thought this song held references to the Mother of our Lord. But that always flummoxed me a bit. Your explanation holds much truer. I enjoyed this one. It is the fourth and final of your Beatles tales, is it not? Would you consider reposting all four together later in the week so we can have the pleasure of reading them all together?

    Peace,
    Marie Gail

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    • Dear Marie Gail,

      I think your idea is a grand one. You might just see all four stories by the end of the week, minus the prompts. I think it’s fair to let them stand alone. 😉

      I remember seeing Sir Paul on an interview years ago when he shared his inspiration for the song. .It somehow gave me new appreciation for him. I think he’s been wrongfully accused at times of being crass and unfeeling.

      Glad you enjoyed and came by to say so.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

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    • Dear Alicia,

      Some people have more trouble showing their feelings than others. I think that young Paul was one of those. He probably didn’t know how to voice his underlying fear and love for his dear mum.

      Thank you for your kind comments.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

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  • I’m so glad I clicked on the “Want More?” link. Knowing the story now, gives the song so much more power. Absolutely brilliant, Rochelle. The story alone is powerful and touching. The additional story affected me strongly. Another wonderful piece!

    By the way, the blue guy is missing, and I can’t add my link. Would you let him out?

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    • Dear Eric,

      I’m basking in your words and I’m also pleased that you took the time to check out the link. I believe that, in many cases, Sir Paul has gotten a bad rap because, unlike John Lennon, he doesn’t share his emotions in public. Still waters run deep.

      As for the blue guy, he doesn’t seem to be responding to my coaxing. There is a little square where he usually resides. If you click it it will take you to the list. Alas, I have no control over him.

      Thank you.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

      Liked by 1 person

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  • My heart skipped a beat, I think, having recently had a similar conversation with my son and husband. You know, a just in case sort of talk about passwords and such. “Here, I wrote them all down for you, just in case,” I said. Who’d do the cooking never came up.
    You always bring the power, Rochelle. Very powerful story.

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    • Dear Clair,

      Most of us really didn’t know the actual inspiration for the song. I believe I found it out in an interview on series the Beatles did in the late 90’s called The Anthology.

      Thank you for your sweet words.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

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  • Although I have read this story a number of times, it always bring both, sorrow and joy in the outcome of sorrow in our lives. Wonderful story based in true history. Although I live with you, you amaze me every day.

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  • Well done, Rochelle. I learn so much from your pieces. And, to now know the inspiration for “Let it Be.” She sounds a wonderful, calming presence in his life, to lay out clothes before going to the hospital. Now that is dedication and love.

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  • Rochelle, I’d never heard about this till now. How beautiful, and sad. Thank you for sharing it with us.

    (Hey, I think that little blue frog is on hiatus. Do you know when he will be returning so I can post my story?) 😉

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    • Dear Lynda,

      Sorry about the mess up with the blue frog. I think I’ve figure out the solution but it looks like you did as well.

      Thank you for your lovely comment on my story. Good to see you back.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

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      • LOL, I just went to another participants page and followed the link, then copied the URL. BTW, I notice that many WP users are able to get the little froggy to appear on command, but I still can’t get him to sit and stay.

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  • Personally, I go for “A Day in the Life”, “Let it be” was just the last gasp of an already-deceased band.

    But I s’pose it doesn’t fit the prompt photo quite as well.

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    • Dear Dave,

      “Let it Be” wasn’t necessarily my favorite Beatles song. As a matter of fact it’s far down the list. However, the influence for the song is what helped Paul through that difficult time as the band fell apart.

      Thank you for your comments.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

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  • Dear Rochelle:

    This is such a moving story .. I never realized what was behind this lovely song but it has helped me time and again to get through “times of trouble” … thanks for writing this. Ciao … Georgia.

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  • I’ll repeat that this was lovely Rochelle. I also didn’t know the story of Paul’s life. You presented it in a very natural and heartfelt way. I understand that song better now. Well done as always. 🙂 — Suzanne

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    • Dear Patrick,

      I don’t think it was until much later (or maybe I just missed it) that Sir Paul shared the influence for Let it Be in an interview for The Anthology. At any rate, I’m pleased that my story touched you.

      Thank you.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

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  • I had no idea of that McCartney story. Apart from being entertained (and this was very nicely written), I feel like I get a little better at Quiz Night Questions every time I visit.

    Cheers
    KT

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    • Dear Alice,

      Yes, very sad. It’s hard enough to lose a parent, but to lose her when he was young and then to lose his beloved Linda to the same beast.

      I’ve gone back and reinserted the linkz code. I’m not sure what the problem is, although the little square above the link would’ve taken you there.

      Thank you.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

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    • Dear Marshall/Michael,

      I love learning about the lives behind the stars. The Beatles have always been a personal obsession of mine. It was great fun to write their stories.

      Also, I think I’ve solved the link problem. Try again.

      Thank you for your kind comments.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

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    • Dear Ellespeth,

      I’m always happy to hear that one of my stories is someone’s favorite. Sir Paul admits to being one who doesn’t show his feelings and it was particularly true when he was a boy.

      Thank you for your kind comments.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

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  • Dear BB,
    Perhaps Martha Stewart wouldn’t mind cooking for Sir Paul when she returns from her stay in the Ritz-Carlton correctional facility. I’m sure she’d have some words of wisdom for him too. – Robin

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  • Rochelle, you never cease to amaze me! You were there?!? OMG. Too cool. And I loved all four stories. The last one made me tear up. Very, very nicely done. And a lovely photo by Mr. Fields as well.

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    • Dear Erin,

      I was where? If you mean at any of their concerts or met any of them…no, only in my imagination.

      The young man in the photo is actually my eldest son on a tour at Hyde Hall in upstate New York. Jan seized the opportunity for a great photo.

      I’m glad you read all four. I probably had the some of the most fun with them of any of my FF stories.

      Thank you.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

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  • Well, the master of historical flash fiction strikes again — and very effectively. You may soon be responsible for a Beatles music comeback. It’s hard for most of the public to relate to popular performers as real people, isn’t it? But your stories bring home the “real” for your readers.

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    • Dear Sandra,

      It might be hard for the Fab Four to make a comeback when they’ve been reduced to the Terrific Two. 😯

      I’ve always loved biographies and love finding out what people are really like. Sometimes it’s a disappointment and heroes have a way of falling off of pedestals.

      Comments like yours make it all worth the effort.

      Thank you.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

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  • Brilliant, Rochelle! I look for a twist or a historical hook with you. I was reading carefully, watching for cues, and still, those final, perfect lines, were a wonderful “gotcha!” Reading it again, was a joy, with that song running through my head. You’ve outdone yourself this week. Fantastic!

    A side note: check your *note in the FF instructions at the top… I think there are some typos.

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  • Dear Rochelle

    Beautifully written as always. Not many people know that the ‘Mother Mary’ in the song is actually a reference to Paul’s mother and when you find out, it makes the song all the more poignant.

    George was always my favourite Beatle – we all had one didn’t we? I loved the way he and Paul were like a mirror image on stage – he right handed and Paul being a leftie. Thank you for the trip down memory lane.

    Take care

    Dee

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    • Dear Dee,

      I was immediately enamored with Paul and his beautiful brown eyes. I think at this point I’d be hard pressed to say which is my favorite. They were and always be my first loves in rock music.

      Glad you liked the story. Thanks for such nice comments to end my Friday Fictioneers week.

      shalom,

      Rochelle

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply ↓

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