By Tom Baldwin
Times were winter-hard. With little game to hunt, and fruit, nuts, and berries increasingly scarce, the tribe was on the brink of starvation.
The old man, too slow to hunt, too arthritic to gather, and too blind to cook, had given his all to the tribe but now knew he was a burden. The young of his people were the future.
He asked the young men to carry him deep into the forest. They understood. Once there, they knelt, bowed their heads, and left him naked on the cold ground.
At peace, he watched them go. The tribe may now survive.
Hello Tom,
Nicely done. The underlying theme of tribal respect among all members elevated this piece.
Thank you, Cathryn. I’m glad you liked it.
Nicely written and complete.
Thank you, Toni.
Good writing and interesting story.
I too believe that there must be a sacrifice. Thank you!