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101 Word Short Stories

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Myrtus Communis

November 7, 2020 12 Comments

By Charles Barrow

Pain lances through her chest, stealing her breath. Foolish to be exerting herself like this, but damn the doctor’s orders. She grasps her trowel, determined, and layers warm soil over the shrub’s vigorous roots.

Myrtle had, long ago, flourished here in this garden when she and Thomas were courting. Its heavy scent freighting their dreams, its white petals falling like confetti over summer lawns; as the soldiers later fell like autumn leaves upon the charnel fields of Flanders.

Denied her own nuptials then, her final wish now is to bequeath the blossom from this plant to some future June bride’s bouquet.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kelly Louisa Balliu says

    November 7, 2020 at 7:30 am

    A lovely sentiment to finish

    Reply
  2. Kelly Louisa Balliu says

    November 7, 2020 at 7:30 am

    A lovely sentiment to finish

    Reply
  3. Andy Pentreath says

    November 7, 2020 at 7:39 am

    Both evocative and touching.

    Reply
  4. Cathleen O'Connor says

    November 7, 2020 at 7:50 am

    Beautifully written – conveyed the age of the woman and gave us her reference in history. Poignant and moving.

    Reply
  5. Drew Fisher says

    November 7, 2020 at 8:27 am

    Poetic and ethereal.

    Reply
  6. Linda Casper says

    November 7, 2020 at 9:39 am

    Very moving and poignant

    Reply
  7. Claire Ransom says

    November 7, 2020 at 11:14 am

    I love this, poignant and beautifully written

    Reply
  8. rena says

    November 7, 2020 at 2:10 pm

    beautiful

    Reply
  9. Vivian says

    November 7, 2020 at 7:53 pm

    Beautiful

    Reply
  10. James B.Revell says

    November 8, 2020 at 1:17 pm

    Timely and evocative.

    Reply
  11. Virginia says

    November 8, 2020 at 1:58 pm

    Great writing. Well done!

    Reply
  12. Sarah says

    November 9, 2020 at 3:49 pm

    Beautiful & poignant.

    Reply

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