Here is my offering for Alastair’s Photo Fiction this week, inspired by the photo below. Why not take part? And why not visit his photography and writing blog to take a look at his other photos…?
– On Top of the World –
I stand on the swaying platform. The wind is scratching at my cheeks, clawing tears from my eyes. For a second, I remember a hiking trip in the Cambrian mountains…
My heart jumps in my chest with fear and laughter as I slip-slide backwards, my feet losing their grip on the scree skittering far below. The echoes of our joy career all around as you and I collapse safely at the top, lungs burning, chests heaving with the effort. Life is rainbow-hued.
Now, everything is fear. I inch forward to the edge of the platform, scanning the seas as they boil below. I see the top of The Shard cutting through the oily waves, and the summit of Heron Tower in the distance. London is gone. You are lost to me, flotsam and jetsam – somewhere.
I steel myself, zip up my diving gear, check my oxygen tanks and mask. The time has come.
*****
For non-Londoners, and non-Brits, here is information on The Shard and Heron Tower…
Freya Writes... 
Wowza! A lot going on in there. Like the idea of ‘clawing’ tears, good image.
Thank you, Paul. At the top of a windy mountain, it definitely feels like tears are being pulled out of my eyes! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Well done again Freya. The only two things standing are two of the three tallest buildings. You are an excellent story teller.
Thank you, Alastair – and for the inspiration!
Extremely evocative! Your use of imagery is excellent. Very impressive.
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
Another superb story! I enjoyed the contrast between past and present.
Thank you, Gabriella. I’m looking forward to reading your offering later…
You certainly get a feel for the character’s pain and suffering. Very well done.
Thank you – I’m pleased the message came across to you 🙂
Great imagery in this well done piece!
Thank you, Lorri.
Wind clawing tears, is suggestive of a strong wind, I like that image. Also the flotsam and jetsam reference to a person who now means nothing, like rubbish. Very powerful Freya
Thank you. In my mind, the wind was powerful, so clawing felt apt. As for the flotsam and jetsam reference… Well, compared to the forces of nature, aren’t we all insignificant?
Your story creates such a vivid contrast of the joyful memory and fearful present — and the ruined present, from how you describe London. Your story makes me wonder what happened to the world… and what will happen after the character dives into the water. Good stuff.
I like to leave readers wondering sometimes – it seems that I managed it in this case. I’m pleased that you enjoyed it.
That’s a deep piece. A flash of life before the death-defying plunge…Ilove it. Well done.
~Chris
Thank you, Chris.
Such fabulous imagery Freya!
Thank you, Joe!