There was a sound coming from the central square. A sound they’d never heard before, so smooth and soft, so beautiful. There was something in the tones, between the tones that made the world seem like a better place, the sky a bit bluer, the problems lighter to carry.
There was a man sitting there. He had a strange widget in his hand, a box with many strings and a bow, but it was not for hunting. They all stood and watched, listened, paralysed by the calm beauty in his melody. After a long time he stopped.
The world came back. The bad harvest, the accident last week. All the problems.
More! Said the blacksmith. Please, play more!
Yes, the others agreed. Please!
I’ll be back tomorrow, the man said. He disappeared around the corner and into the forest.
The next day they heard the music again, this time from outside the little village. They all walked like in a trance, following the soothing tunes.
He was moving now. Up and down, around in circles. The tones were happier, more cheerful. They stood and watched for a while. The fisherman started swinging from side to side, others joined in. They stayed and listened until night fell.
He stopped.
Please, dear sir, the Major said. Please continue!
But there was no more that night. The musician left.
The day after they waited. They listened, but they heard no music.
Where has he gone to? Will he ever be back?
The sun was going down.
He’s gone, said the blacksmith. He’s gone. He sat down on a big stone outside his house, his head in his hands.
Hush! Listen! The fisherman’s daughter held her hand to her ear, her head high.
A tone. A low, far away tone from somewhere deep into the forest. They followed the sound. Men, women, children, even dogs, chickens and cats. They walked and walked through the increasing darkness, hypnotized by the melody.
Look! Said the major. Lights!
The musician was sitting on a big rock in the centre of the opening. Several fires were lit. They had found him. They were so happy, so joyful. The blacksmith took the fisherman’s daughter’s hand, and they all danced. They danced all night, they sang, they laughed and they cheered. There were hugs and kisses, love and friendship.
When daylight broke, he stopped.
Thank you, dear public, he said. Farewell.
The next day and the days to come they listened. They walked into the forest, but no music could be heard. Those were sad days, even sadder than before he had arrived.
The blacksmith was standing in the his workshop clinging his hammer to a glowing piece of iron. The fisherman’s daughter looked up towards him.
She started humming a sound to the rhythm, a nice little melody by her pretty voice. The carpenter joined in, hitting his wooden hammer to a log, and his helper took the saw and a knife and slid them together. Soon others started clapping, and yet others humming different tones, lower, higher, up and down.
They danced happily around and all the village joined in. Once again their troubles were gone, once again they felt the joy of living. It wasn’t as smooth as the tunes of the violinist, not as melodic or soft, but it was fun. It was so much fun.
http://www.ancient-origins.net/ancient-places-europe/origin-music-00972
https://writingontangents.com/2017/09/05/fiction-the-sparrow-and-the-sun/
The Way Things had Always Been
That was amazing. You’re so talented.
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Thank you 🙂
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Wonderful piece.💯💯 In deed music is the soul’s tastiest food.
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Thanks! Music is very important 🙂
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it’s good https://goo.gl/sAewub
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Thanks 🙂
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A story about inspiration which, itself, sets out to inspire. Very meta-magical. 🙂
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Thanks a lot. Nothing’s better than knowing you inspire 😉
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Nice
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Thanks! I have a lot more 😉
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My pleasure,n would like your review on my blog..if any 🙂
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Scars get healing from musics
It turns a muggle into magic.
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It does 🙂
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Nice story and image, I’ll look further later. Now the day starts. I’ll have to be off.
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Thank you. I wish you a very good day.
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Yeah, sometimes people just want to exit the valley of sadness.
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Music’s good that way.
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Indeed!
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I thought the story was going to take a darker path about midway through when they all went to the forest. But this was a really good read. Heart warming?
/thumbs up
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Thank you. I wasn’t really sure where it was going myself, and was playing with the idea of a mass murder, but I found it more interesting this way..
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I thought the story was very nice. The townsfolk being soothed by the music was an interesting thought. I actually expected something sinister was afoot when I saw it was a mystery in the description.
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Most of my readers was probably quite surprised of how happy everything turned out, especially those who’s been around for a while. I was a bit surprised myself, to tell you the truth 😉 Maybe I’m getting soft… Thanks a lot!
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Reblogged this on Robert C Hartwell, Writer and commented:
This is a cute little story. I truly enjoyed it
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Music came to mind. … It makes me feel real good…
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Great! That makes me feel good too 🙂
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Great post music changes the world. We are all influenced by music in some way, for better or worse. Flightministries.com
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We are, and usually for the better. Thanks 🙂
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Thanks, I like it!
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Great! 🙂
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coool))
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Thanks a lot! 🙂
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I really enjoyed reading this! It was very simple and to the point, but was something that so many people can relate to, albeit in a less dramatic way. Well written! I could really almost hear the music myself as I read, which is great!
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Thanks! That you heard the music is the best compliment you could give me 🙂
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This was such a quaint, sweet tale. 🙂 Visually led me through the forest in a trance as well!
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Thanks! Happy to hear I accomplished what I wanted.
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https://httpadnama72.wordpress.com
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Your illustrations are very beautiful and creative! Mind checking out mine?
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What a story! I love your writing–made me paint this image in my mind and think about my lovely walks with nature. I have these highs and lows as we all do but nature and of course a great song always helps me with this! The best part of feeling this way is that knowing that everyone can find this love and peace within themselves. I got the music in me. I can’t sing but I love to.
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Nature is a very healthy place indeed. Most of us live too far away, and we’re even getting sick from it. We need to find a way to combine modern life with natural lifestyle. Thanks a lot, highly appreciated.
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likewise.
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What a lovely tale. I love such short stories. You could actually hear the music playing.
I started a page for people to share their stories through arts and words while promoting artists and writers. It gives people a way to express their emotions and sorrows to the world. It’s a community.
Would love to publish your tales on the community website!
visit: http://themakeofyou.com/
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Thanks! I’ll check it out 🙂
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So very simple and honest. A sweet little tale. daniel
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Thank you, Daniel, glad you read it.
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What a beautiful story!
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Thank you 🙂
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