28 Comments
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Jill CampbellMason's avatar

Like doesn't show a tenth of the short story, so I'll express it another way: Compelling and forceful and unfortunately totally truth of fiction.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Yes. I am sure the reader can fill in the rest of the story. We all have ideas of why relationships fall apart, don't we? Sometimes ( not always) it feels like less is better.

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James Ron's avatar

I remember this one, Sharron, my hands are cold and deep in my pockets.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thanks for giving it a second look. I revised it, added a photo and some music. I think it is more interesting now. I look forward to seeing what YOU are working on.

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Richard Blaisdell's avatar

I believe The Supremes song “Arret” in the name of love , comes to mind. The frozen sign says it all too.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Hah! Yes. "Think it over!" she said

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Feasts and Fables's avatar

Chilling, in every way.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Brrrr.

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Mark Starlin's avatar

Brilliant. This says so much and yet leaves so much to the imagination.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

I am pretty sure each one of us can imagine what might have caused the riff. So many possibilities...

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Sue Cauhape's avatar

Interesting juxtaposition of that sad story and the hopeful Utopia music. Then again, the music did end on a indefinite phrase. Excellent.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Glad you found the music interesting, Sue. I find the Danish duo Bremer / McCoy to be soothing and a hopeful kind of music, albeit New Age. This piece, titled Åben Bog (Open Book) is from their album Utopia.

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Jim Cummings's avatar

One of my favorite of your pieces, Sharron.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thank you, Jim. I revised it this time and added a photo and some music. Experimentation... Since you are taking a wee break, how about re-posting a few of your best!

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Yael Gelardin's avatar

The Danish Duo is very well suited to the story. Thanks i

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thank you, Yael. I thought so, too. I hope you will explore some of Bremer/McCoy music ( Youtube). I find them very calming at the end of the day. You might, too.

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K.C. Knouse's avatar

"He breathes in frozen moonlight..." It's passages like this that make your writing so enjoyable, Sharron. A beautiful portrait of loss and despair.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thank you, Ken. So glad we found each other. I am a big fan!

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Justin Deming's avatar

I can feel the bitter cold setting in my bones. A chilling tale!

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Leaves quite a bit to the imagination.

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C J O'Hare's avatar

I had three different interpretations of this piece after each read through - absolutely brilliant story telling and a real lesson in subtext (which I will now personally work to improve!) - thanks for an inspiring read.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Your comment made me gasp, Mr O'Hare. And then I cried. I take writing so seriously -- too seriously. My diligence is absolutely driven. Sometimes I succeed and often I don't. This comment of yours is such a gift, one that I, myself, have sent to two other writers - Jim Cummings and Jim Wilsky. I admire them so much and I never dreamed anyone would say it to me. I am so touched. You have changed my perception and for that I thank you. I will run over to Lamposts now and see what's up there.

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C J O'Hare's avatar

Oh wow - well I can definitely say the pleasure was all mine. I haven't been writing for a long time (only a few years), but I know I'm a fast learner, and I feel like your craft in this story really opened a doorway in my mind. These are the kind of story's I'm looking for right now! Look forward to reading more.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

I write mostly micro-fiction. You might take a look at this selection of 50-word stories. Some are very successful, but, of course, not all.

https://sharronbassano.substack.com/s/50-words

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C J O'Hare's avatar

I think that will be my Sunday evening covered! Cheers Sharron.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Ha ha ha - sorry. No obligation whatsoever. I just wanted you to see what a "section" looks like.

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Rebecca Holden's avatar

Oh gosh, this is bone chilling! Feels soooo real. x

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thanks, Rebecca. I know it requires a bit of imagination on the part of the reader, but any interpretation is the right one.

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