The next photo is the PROMPT. Remember, all photos are property of the photographer, donated for use in Friday Fictioneers only. They shouldn’t be used for any other purpose without express permission. It is proper etiquette to give the contributor credit.
PHOTO PROMPT © Dale Rogerson
Photo description: A large gnarled stump of a tree is in the foreground. Behind it is a stone building with a staircase that leads up to an entrance with double wooden doors.
Genre: Fiction…sort of…
Word Count: 100
SLINGS AND ARROWS
“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never harm me.” Elise stuck out her tongue and ran home, her playmates’ taunts echoing in her ears.
Brenda had wrinkled her nose. “I don’t want Elise on my team. She’s a lousy catcher.”
“I don’t want her either.” Mindy had scowled. “She’s slower than frozen molasses.”
Elise wrapped her arms around her stuffed lion and burst into tears. “If you were a real lion, you could rip those brats apart.” She sniffed. “When I’m a famous artist they can choke on my paintbrushes.”
Nonetheless, their words hurt like hell.
*********************
This is unrelated to the story. It’s a painting I did of my granddaughter a few years ago. 😉
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Her hurt and rage are there. I just hope she becomes a famous artist, so that canker can be lanced
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Dear Neil,
Well, she is well known in certain circles. Not sure about the famous part. 😉 She came to girps with the fact that she was never going to be proficient in team sports. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I was the kid no one wanted on their team because I was lousy at sports. Still am.
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Dear James,
You may have guessed that I was also that kid. When I swim I compete with no one but myself. 😉 Thank you. I hope you had a wonderful birthday.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Not everyone is made for sports! They will appreciate her skills one day, but hopefully all will leave behind the bitter and unkind words. And so your tale inspires thought, the whole point right?
The painting of your granddaughter is alive with realism.
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Dear Clare,
Yes, the kids have grown up and changed attitudes. Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
Oh, those words can be so painful. Kids are so damn cruel. Once Elise is over her hurt, she will focus on what she is very good at. We cannot all be athletes, we need the artists, too.
Wonderfully written. Her pain was palpable. And I love the painting of your grand-daughter!
Shalom and lotsa creative love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
Elise has definitely come out on the other side. 😉 She may not be a team-sport player but I’ll bet she can swim rings around those other “kids.” Thank you for your sweet words re my story and painting.
Shalom and lotsa authentic hugs,
Rochelle
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😉
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Words can wound. Words can destroy. Words can stunt a child’s soul.
Just as words can build and wrap and bolster and foster growth.
It is how we use them that matter – hugs or beatings, both by hands. But the difference remains in the how and why and what for.
Well done!
Na’ama
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Na’ama Y’karah,
You were ever on my mind as I wrote this. I knew you’d understand completely. Thank you for your generous response.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hopefully she’ll have the last laugh. For many, being bullied makes them all the more determined to succeed.
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Keith’s Ramblings, btw!
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Dear Keith,
Let’s just say Elise has overcome and gone on with her best life. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Why did you write about me, Rochelle? 😀
Yeah, many of us share this kind of pain, and the memory never leaves. Well told.
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Dear Gabi.
Too many of us share this story, don’t we? I hope you’ve been able to overcome those slings and arrows. Hugs. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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So much truth. I was never bullied as a child by other children- but in life? That is a whole different ball game.
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Dear Violet,
The bullies are out there in all shapes, sizes and ages. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Humans are the best (artist, sensitive) and the worst (bullying, cruel) aren’t they. I wish there was a way around it. Young bullies look for the sensitive kids they don’t expect to fight back. I’m so sorry this young child was harmed by cruelty. I think of my granddaughter and how fierce like a lion I want to protect her. Good (though sad) story.
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Dear Lisa,
So true about humans. It’s mind boggling the harm we can do to each other. I’m happy to say that Elise is grown and happy living her best life. 😉 Thank you for your generous comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle,
You are welcome ❤
Shalom,
Lisa
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Kids can be rotten and the pain is real.
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True story, Will. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Good story, Rochelle, and more than a ring of truth. Elise will get the last laugh though, her art will always bring her joy and comfort more than their petty prowess
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Dear Jen,
Elise has found that as those athletic kids have gotten older that she can swim rings around them. 😉 Not to mention paint rings as well. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I hope she became famous. Pain makes good art, I’m told.
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Dear Joy,
Elise has grown and is living her best life. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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choking people with paint brush…..that’d be awesome…
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Dear Nandini,
Elise would never use an expensive paint brush to choke anyone. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wonderfully written Rochelle, kids can be very cruel
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Dear Angela,
Kids can be very cruel indeed. Thank you
Shalom,
Rochelle
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kids are sometimes mean — it’s a part of growing up that everyone experiences.
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Dear Plaridel,
Part of growing up perhaps, but a sad part. Some kids aren’t taught how to be kind humans. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Aww i feel for Elise. Art is better company than most people 🙂
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Dear Dahlia,
Art is great company. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Children can be very cruel. It seems to be a human trait.
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No argument, James. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh poor thing. That drive stems from such horrid pain. Life isn’t fair and kids are brutally unkind in groups. You’ve certainly painted a familiar picture here, Rochelle
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Dear Laurie,
It’s a scenario we’re all familiar with, isn’t it? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle
Words do indeed cut like a knife, they can also heal most proficiently. I hope you have found healing in your words, Rochelle. And if not… how’s about a quote: ‘Poetry heals the wounds inflicted by reason.’ Also, I was always the last one picked for team sports at primary school… can’t remember the comments or maybe I have chosen to forgive and forget, anyway I was always shoved in goal where no-one wanted to go. Over the years, I embraced goalkeeping as if I had chosen to be there.
Shalom
Kelvin
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Dear Rochelle
I hope my comment this morning got through and is awaiting moderation.
Shalom
Kelvin
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Dear Kelvin,
Nothing’s awaiting moderation. Thank you for your generous and kind comments. Also thank you for identifying yourself. Many have had issues with this in Word Press.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I have read all the stories this morning, Rochelle, and commented on the all. I am afraid my comments got lost on some stories somehow. The ones asking for a subscription and not giving an option to decline that subscription. Not that my comments are invaluable, however others readers’ comments might be.
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