Motherhood
We used to go for walks across the bridge. In the middle there’s this bit that sticks out, so you can stop and look through the fence and watch the trains and swans underneath. The trains chatter and race. Mummy used to say they were racing to the next delay.
I liked the swans better. They glided down the river however fast the river flowed. Last time we went, there was a mummy swan with a little baby. Mummy said she was teaching it to swim, but the little swan was going first. I think it was teaching her too.
elmowrites 
The logic is impecable
And not too far from the truth in my experience!
What a charming story. It’s rare that we have a soliloquy on Friday Fictioneers, and this one is beautifully written.
Melanie (the child speaking) is one of my favourite characters to write. I’m glad you found her charming too.
Absolutely spot on! Well done.
Thanks Sandra!
Dear Jen,
I loved the metaphor of the baby teaching the mummy swan. Life is like that, isn’t it? Our children do teach us things. 😉 Lovely write.
Shalom,
Rochelle
They absolutely do; I’ve told Sebastian that he taught me to be a Mom… and they both continue to do so.
Feels like lovely memories. Well done, Elmo.
Fictional ones, but I’m glad they felt sweet.
You did well making them feel real.
From a far I watched a pair of swans on their nest this morning. I hope that we humans can learn to cherish the ability to learn
They are incredible creatures! I think animals have so much to teach us.
This one brought a smile. The baby swan was clearly a go-getter!
Haha, I imagine so!
We’re constantly learning. Once we think there’s nothing left to learn, we’re in trouble.
Ain’t that the truth!
Beautifully written from the child’s voice and viewpoint. Love it.
Thanks!
This is lovely, and rings very true to children’s view of life, and their interpretation of the Truth, that, indeed, they are sometimes their parents’ teachers! 🙂
Thanks Na’ama, I’m glad you felt Melanie is true to life
🙂 did indeed 🙂
It’s lovely to write with the voice of our inner child now and again, and what you’ve given us today is simply delightful.
Here’s mine!
aw, thanks!
Such a charming piece. I really enjoyed reading this. Thank you!
I enjoyed writing it too!
Most times a child’s perspective on life is so relaxing.
Melanie has some tricky perspectives in other pieces, but this one was a nice pastoral, I agree.
Beautiful story this week. Wonderful image.
Aw, thank you
Love this. I almost wrote my entry about kids walking along the path as well, but switched it up last minute! Great work!
I’ll have to come and check out which way you went instead. Thanks!
Such a sweet story, beautifully done.
Thanks!
What a sweet story, Jen. I love the POV and the lesson.
I’m glad you liked it, Russell. Is there a story from you this week? I haven’t looked at the list for a bit… heading there now!
methinks, little swam had the courage to go first knowing that mummy had its back. 🙂