Photo prompt credit – TBD

Every morning that door is in my view;
The iron gate rusted but reminiscent of glory days.
I prefer to walk the other direction,
Past 1214 with its smiling cement lions, welcoming, whimsical
I smile back in spite of myself.
But no, mornings would not be for that.
It was to the park and green lawns beckoning a run, the toss of a ball.
Maybe if one were lucky, a friendly neighbor with treats to share.
Five years going round back, past that locked door.
Habits linger until today.
Time to sweep and put the dog bowl in the trash.



This post inspired by and photo prompt provided by: Friday Fictioneers at Rochellewisoff.com.


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21 responses to “Lingering Habits of Love- A 100 Word Tale”

  1. Vartika Avatar

    I can feel the sadness in your story. Nicely done

    Like

    1. CGraith Avatar
      CGraith

      Thank you so much Vartika!

      Like

  2. pennygadd51 Avatar

    A sad story of loss, but I like the optimistic ending where the bereaved dog-owner finds the strength to move on.

    Like

    1. CGraith Avatar
      CGraith

      Thanks! It does take strength to move on, but time has a way of pushing us toward that decision.

      Like

  3. Margaret Avatar

    There’s a lovely gentle but sad feeling in this. I like the phrase ‘reminiscent of glory days’. Nice.

    Like

    1. CGraith Avatar
      CGraith

      Thank you Margaret!

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Bill Avatar

    Oh dear. Such a life. Well done.

    Like

    1. CGraith Avatar
      CGraith

      Thanks Bill, appreciate the comment.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Brenda's Thoughts Avatar

    I felt the sadness hinted at along the way to the last line. Very well done!

    Like

    1. CGraith Avatar
      CGraith

      Many thanks Brenda!

      Like

  6. Nobbinmaug Avatar

    Your vivid description had me scouring the picture to see if I missed the address or the lions. I did miss the dog bowl. Those things left behind can be hard to get rid of like somehow they’re a link to those who are gone. Well done.

    Like

    1. CGraith Avatar
      CGraith

      Thank you! I would like to see smiling lions myself, but they are purely fiction.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Na'ama Yehuda Avatar

    Oy, so sad. Well penned, though!

    Like

    1. CGraith Avatar
      CGraith

      Thank you Na’ama!

      Liked by 1 person

  8. James McEwan Avatar

    A lovely feeling of lost memoirs in the story, perhaps a new companion is the answer.

    Like

  9. Anita Avatar

    The dog bowl looks abandoned like the home… Who will put it in the trash?
    “Old habits die hard.” I agree we keep doing the same things.

    Like

    1. CGraith Avatar
      CGraith

      I saw the door as well kept, just the exit abandoned…a back door that the occupant could not bear to deal with since her pet died.

      Like

  10. Iain Kelly Avatar

    Funny how much we take things and places and people for granted until they are suddenly gone. Good atmosphere.

    Like

    1. CGraith Avatar
      CGraith

      Thanks Iain!

      Liked by 1 person

  11. neilmacdon Avatar

    There’s a lot of terrible things hinted at in this

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    1. CGraith Avatar
      CGraith

      Now I’m scared…terrible things were not planned.

      Like

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