Today Pegman takes us to Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Feel free to stroll around the area using the Google street view and grab any picture you choose to include in your post.
To enjoy stories inspired by the What Pegman Saw prompt or to submit your own 150-word story, visit the inLinkz button:
For guidelines and rules for the What Pegman Saw weekly writing prompt, visit the home page.
Many thanks to Karen Rawson and her highly significant other J Hardy Carroll for hosting this refreshing prompt challenge.
Below is my prompt of choice. 🙂
Word Count: 150
Genre: Speculative Fiction
QUEEN OF THE ILLYRIAN SEA
The sea laps against the shores of former Ragusa, Yugoslavia, now Dubrovnik, Croatia.
In the words of exiled sixteenth century Portuguese poet, Yeshaya Cohen, “If I had to find a peaceful place to rest in my old age, above any other city I would fancy only Ragusa.”
Although it sounds boastful, I must tell you I have survived two earthquakes and several major wars.
Torah scrolls within my Holy Ark, Moshe Rabaynu’s words inscribed on lamb skin, are centuries old. A handful of the faithful still worship the God of Avraham, Yitzhak, and Ya’akov within my formidable 700-year-old walls.
Humans can’t see my tears, but I’ve shed many. They seeped between the stones and juddered my walls when I helplessly watched beloved Rabbi Baruch being taken captive by swastika-ed guards. Babes in arms perished with him on the Island of Rab.
Despite harassment and persecution, like my people, I stand.
Love how you’ve personified this ancient city and brought its history to life. As always, a splendid story.
I was struck by the beauty of this city. There was so much to see that captured the imagination and the picture you found is a perfect example.
Thanks for doing Pegman Rochelle!.
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Dear Karen,
Actually, it’s the POV of the synagogue. 😉 But the city works, too. The city is beautiful. Glad you enjoyed my story. This is only the second story I’ve written from a building’s POV. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ah, I took it at first as the synagogue but then something made me think city. It really works though, an effective way to tell a tale.
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I won’t do that often and usually don’t like anthropomorphic stories…particularly animal ones…but if the muse moves…;)
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A lovely post in remembrance of the people who suffered and died in that occupation, Rochelle. My daughter has gone with a small group of actors for a short time to Croatia to hold workshops in comedy performing. —- Suzanne
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Dear Suzanne,
Croatia has gone through horrible times. Glad you liked my story. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Not sure why I’m not finding your posts in my reader anymore but looking at the URL, maybe that’s because you’re not on WP anymore. Anyway, glad I made it over to read your story. Have a wonderful week.
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Dear Janet,
Technically, my blog is still powered by WordPress, but I did upgrade so I can use colorful fonts and have more options with photos, etc. At any rate, it was a good move.
Glad you stopped by to read and comment. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Lovely POV. “If these walls could speak” taken to a new level.
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Dear Lish,
I’ve only used this POV once before in my short story anthology. Ironically, that story is titled “If These Walls could Talk.” 😉 I’m glad you enjoyed. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Poignant account, well written. Kudos to you. If only the walls and streets of those old cities could tell the scenes they’ve witnessed! Too much bloodshed, too many innocent people. And if you go back in history to the time of the Islamic invasion of Europe, even more bloodshed; the populace of whole cities executed.
I find the original spellings of Biblical names intriguing. These names have been changed over centuries into so many variations. John, Sean, Jan, Johan, Ivan, etc.
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Dear Christine.
Agreed. Too much bloodshed.
Of course, if I were using original spellings of the name they would be in Hebrew characters and no one would be able to read them. 😉 Most of the names we know in the Bible have been Anglicized. There’s no J sound in Biblical Hebrew.
I’ve realized my lifelong dream over the past 10-15 years of learning Hebrew. The meanings of the names are clearer now. Yitzhak really does mean literally, “He will laugh.” Thus, a reflection of Sarah’s laughter when the angel of the Lord told her she would bear a son in her old age. And I could go on, but will refrain.
At any rate, I’m glad you liked my story and took the time to comment. Your comments are always so comprehensive and enjoyable. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Shalom, Rochelle! And AMEN! What a powerful write this week! Perfect for us as a reminder that no matter what evil and pain the world brings us, we may rest safe and secure in God’s arms. May He truly hold us all in his arms all the tighter given this morning’s attack in Egypt, and the attack in Stockholm, Sweden. Took extra time in prayers this morning for those hurt this week. Entering Passover on my knees, with songs upraised for protections.
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Dear Jelli,
Passover is a special time. I’m pleased you gleaned so much from my 150 words. You do know how to read between my lines. 😉 ❤ Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ah, Rochelle. How nice to find an old friend in a new location. I did a quick post on Pegman this week also. I like yours much better than my own though.
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Dear April/Melody,
I’m enjoying this prompt challenge, too. I’m not sure if it’s the 50 more allotted words or the fact that I’m not facilitating. 😉 At any rate, I’m happy to see you here, too. Of course I’m pleased that you like my story, but don’t sell yourself short. I enjoyed yours, too. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Such a dignified queen. I felt the last line summed up her quiet determination to stand and bear witness to the future as well as the past. There will be more stories to be told.
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Dear Sarah Ann,
Since this synagogue was built in 1408, I’m sure she has many stories to tell. I could only fit a little in 150 words (a novel by FF standards 😉 ) Thank you for reading and taking the time to comment. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Despite harassment and persecution, like my people, I stand. What poignant lines.
Liked the POV here. Excellent, Rochelle.
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Dear Neel,
As always I’m pleased that you took the time to read my story and leave such a nice comment. This is only the second time in my writing career that I’ve written from that particular POV. Glad it worked. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Very effective way of telling the story.
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Thank you, Margarisa. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The words “Illyrian Sea” evoke a wonderful image all by themselves. Lovely story.
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Thank you, Josh. Glad you liked it. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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