PHOTO PROMPT © Fatima Fakier Deria
Last night the boy dreamed of two boats. One arrived filled with hot dogs and ice cream and even boxes and boxes of Tootsie Roll Pops—his favorite. The other boat arrived with toys he’d seen on TV – Xboxes, Legos, Play-Doh.
The street was empty and silence rang in his ears. He approached the boats to look closer, hoping to find the only thing he really wanted.
“Papa? Did you come for me?”
The man on the boat turned.
He woke from his dream, an orchestra of cries surrounding him.
I want Mama!
Where is my Papa?
THE END
99 Words
Please click HERE to read about the similarities I see to another period in our history when we used “camps” for “security” purposes — a period when, as a child, my own mother was placed behind barbed wire. But, at least she was permitted to stay with her parents.
Friday Fictioneers is a compilation of writers from around the world who gather online weekly, guided by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. The challenge? To write a story in 100 words or less based on a new photo prompt.
To read more stories in an online flash fiction anthology by Friday Fictioneer authors, click:
Dear Jan,
This breaks my heart. I went to minute 5 on the video and could only listen for a couple of seconds before wanting to throw up. “New communities?” “Nourishing food?” And, as always, the youngest and most helpless are the victims, aren’t they? There are too many similarities. A generation hasn’t passed away before history is repeated. 🙁
Shalom,
Rochelle
The attempt to spin something like this positively obviously continues today. I watched Fox News last night just to see what was being said and it sickened me, like the video sickened you. If that’s all people watch, it’s no wonder our country is split in two.
Nicely rendered outrage
Sometimes I wonder if my outrage is often too nice. Thank you, Neil.
It’s often more effective for being understate
I like how you have channeled your anger. Looking on (from over the ocean) slightly bemused and horrified by the whole thing. Stop illegal immigrants by all means, but what good does it do to separate children from their parents? Very upsetting to see the footage, and the similarities are scary.
Thank you, Iain. Yes. We must do something about the illegal immigration problem. But so many spout that “whining” about the separation of children from their parents equates to wanting open borders. What a ridiculous leap. But sadly, many succumb to that propaganda.
Very powerful.
Thank you, Trent.
I’m glad you did this. We need to stop this madness before it goes that final step. I wish “undocumented” would replace the word “illegal”, but people’s minds are set.
Stu, there have been so many times I’ve thought we need to stop the madness, but we keep sliding. I also wish some of the news media would quit using the word “alien” in place of “immigrant.”
Not difficult to divine your inspiration.
I’m glad, James. 🙂
I find the news of the separated children absolutely horrific. Can’t believe this can happen, after all we should know.
I agree, Jilly. But I must add, I can’t believe much of what goes on these days.
Really well done. When jingoism become policy, everyone loses.
Agreed, Josh. Thank you!
Your story is heart-rending. You’ve constructed it beautifully out of the longings of a child, and its message simply explodes. That’s truly excellent writing, Jan.
Thank you, Penny. I hope you’re enjoying Greece–I know you are! 🙂
Which was the nightmare? Welll done.
Thank you, Andrea!
I echo everyone in saying this was superbly done (my country won’t let me see the video but I gather I would only have gotten more angry…)
Thank you, Dale. Yes, I think you would have gotten more angry if you’d been able to see the similarities. Seems we never learn, or, at least our memories are short.
What a powerful tale Jan, I feel for you, and thousands of those poor kids. Terrible terrible terrible.
Just yesterday, UK news was dominated by reports and sound recordings of distressed children currently being held in cages on the US-Mexican border. Sad, cruel, heartless.
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So relevant to what is going on in the world today. Brillant work x
Soul-gripping write this week. I can’t speak much of the current situation without thinking of how many times I was ‘yanked’ from my Mom’s arms and shoved off to yet another foster home…always a stranger in exile, it seemed. Can’t watch the news without tears and memories these days. It absolutely sickens me.
This is gorgeously written Jan. So much emotion and very moving. Relates a lot to what is happening in the world right now sadly. A very powerful piece.
Heartbreaking and very powerful
Well done, Jan. So much sadness.
Heartbreaking. The other article has me in tears…
A moving tale that reflects true situations. Very sad but well-written!
The nightmares of the children call out to us!
I had family (daughter and new grandbaby!) in town during the last week, so have not been able to read everybody’s stories. My apologies! I hope to get to them in the coming week. Thank you for all of your comments! 🙂