
Nothing
Nothing—I’m doing nothing, resting from my researches. Beyond the window, two swifts skywrite, and trees fitfully shake their green pompoms in the light breeze. Halyards strum masts in the harbour. Dappled sunshine through the leaves warm my closed eyelids and fire-up pictures. Images, red and flickering, dance in the darkness, making shapes that twist and curl. A bear cavorts with a polyhedron for a moment and then disassembles into a torrent. I see the answer to the puzzle—it’s simple and I reach out to grasp it. The solution prances away in a shower of fireflies.
I have nothing.
.
Friday fictioneers is a weekly challenge set by Rochelle Wisoff Fields to write a 100-word story in response to a photo prompt. You can find other stories here

Dear Neil,
I’m imagining a bear cavorting with a polyhedron. 😉 Nice imagery even with nothing.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks so much, Rochelle
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Wonderful descriptions that took me to a different place, especially the shaking pom poms and the halyards strumming against the mast. Strumming – the perfect verb for what that sounds like. And the nonsensical images the brain conjures up when drifting into repose. Good one.
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Thanks so much, Sandra
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I particularly like “The solution prances away in a shower of fireflies”. Great image.
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Thanks so much, Tannille
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You sure made a unique post out of nothing 🙂
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Thanks so much, Linda
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Deep. really deep. Almost meditative to read. Love it!
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Thanks so much, Bear
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“Halyards strum masts in the harbour.” I love that sound. From nothing we spring and to nothing we return. Nice touch.
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Thanks so much, Jade
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You’re welcome 🙂
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Sometimes when you try, this is what you get. Well done.
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Thanks so much
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Oh I hear this lack of inspiration, regardless of the setting or circumstances sometimes you just have nothing!
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Sometimes nothing can be a cool hand
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Very gentle rhythm and tone in this. Lovely images, and a good representation of how it feels to be in a state of drifting. I’m interested that he’s resting from ‘researches’, yet reaches for solution to a puzzle. It seems he’s hoping a solution to his puzzle is going to surface as he ‘rests’ in a semi-meditative state, but just can’t quite get there. Fascinating.
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Thanks so much, Margaret. Research is often described as trying to solve a puzzle.
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The brain at its best… and worst.
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Brains gotta do what brains gotta do
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And yet you gave us such wonderful imagery!
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Thanks so much, Dale
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i’d say don’t give up. keep on trying until reality sinks in. 🙂
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Thanks so much
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An enjoyable read, Neil. Very artful.
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Thanks so much, Bill
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This read so beautifully it was quite enjoyable.
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Thanks so much, Dawn
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Highly evocative, rich in imagery.
Lovely to read.
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Thanks so much
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There’s nothing worse than an elusive solution. At least, the trip was entertaining.
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Thanks so much
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Such a wonderful write!
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Thanks so much Dahlia
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When something appears to be within reach … I was rooting for him. Maybe next time.
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Alas, it may gone for ever
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