© Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
Santiago set his guitar on its stand, and then closed the cover on “the Beatles complete easy guitar” book. This small upstairs room was his refuge, someplace where he could visit his youth. Aging fingers would never be as nimble again, nor his voice as clear.
He whispered,
“Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away…”
Hearing a car pull up, he walked across the room to the window that overlooked the driveway and smiled. His children and grandchildren were here. Today, he turned sixty-four and would let himself rejoice in the present and whatever future he had left.
I wrote this for the Rochelle Wisoff-Fields writing challenge. The idea is to use the image above as the prompt for writing a piece of flash fiction no more than 100 words long. My word count is 99.
When I saw the songbook (I looked it up on Amazon to verify the title), I immediately thought of Paul McCartney’s Yesterday, but since I turn 64 next month, When I’m Sixty-Four also came to mind. Growing older is often a mixture of anticipation and regrets. You can never go home again, but you can sometimes visit.
To read other stories based on the prompt, go to InLinkz.com.
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He might well have half as long to come yet. Better not put that song-book away.
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I don’t think he’s ready for the grave yet, but as Picard said in the 1994 film “Star Trek: Generations,” Lately, I’ve become aware that there are more years behind than there are ahead.”
Of course that was nearly 25 years ago, and Patrick Stewart is still plugging along.
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rejoicing in the present is good advice
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Thanks, Neil.
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A couple of classic songs – my Dad had the complete Beatles guitar book – fond memories of him strumming away.
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Must have been a great way to grow up. In 1965, I was 11, so I remember when those songs were being newly played on the radio.
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Loved this sweet, uplifting story!
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
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Thanks, Susan.
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Dear James,
You aren’t fall off on the photo. It’s my husband’s getaway room downstairs. Of course I hear Sir Paul singing in my ear…”When I get older, losing my hair…” 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ha! Nailed it. 😀
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There’s a great demo of how Paul came up with this song on Youtube. “Originally called Scrambled Eggs.” Well done with this story. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-P3UpuGnYKA
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Yes, I read about that. Thanks, Josh.
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Life changes, but new joys emerge — nice story, James. Funny how when I first heard that song, 64 seemed so old, and now it seems middle aged to me! (Okay, *late* middle age.)
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LOL. I know what you mean, Joy.
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Well, his fingers might not be so nimble, but he still loves his life and what more can any of us ask for? Lovely story James
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Thank you, Lynn.
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Life sure isn’t over at 64… and for some it’s their prime! All in your head, I say… Because some are not given the chance to make it there and others go way past it. Methinks it is a good thing to live each moment.
I think his life is pretty darn good
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I got my haircut over my lunch hour and was longingly looking at the senior discount price, which for me, won’t kick in for another 13 months.
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Haha! Silver linings…
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Literally.
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😉
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Smart man!
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You post has got me thinking, if I lived for a hundred years, there will still be things to achieve… publishing a story..
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Hopefully, it won’t take that long, Michael.
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Well, at least he hasn’t given up on trying to learn. 🙂
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True enough. Thanks.
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I remember singing along with ‘When I’m 64’ – it seemed so old at the time!
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Yeah, I know. Thanks, Liz.
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What an evocative and sentimental story. I could identify so easily!
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I think a lot of us can now. Thanks, Linda.
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Great story, James. I’ve played and sang a few songs with my Granddaughter (age 7). Rejoicing in the present can be a lot of fun.
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Yes, it can be. Tonight, we’re celebrating my granddaughter’s 3rd birthday.
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Will you still need me, when I’m…?
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I imagine so. Thanks.
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I think there is someone still who needs him when he’s turned sixty four.
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I agree, Björn. Thanks.
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Lovely story.
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Thanks.
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I didn’t even see the song book. Good eye!
Your story certainly speaks to me.
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Age should never be a barrier. The Stones are currently touring and they all passed 64 many many years ago and now have a combined age of 294!
Click to read my FriFic tale
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I hear they need teleprompters during their concerts because even after all these years, they can’t remember the lyrics. 😉
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Nostalgia’s fine but he’s wise to put as much effort into the future. As John Lennon said, ‘life is what happens when we’re busy doing other things’
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Probably true of all of us, Michael. Thanks.
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Great story, James! Lovely character, and lovely atmosphere. Taking pleasure in our grandchildren is an excellent way to stay young at heart!
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Agreed. My granddaughter’s third birthday was yesterday and it was a lot of fun. Thanks.
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Lovely story – kids and music are sure to keep anyone young at heart.
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Thanks, Ellie.
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He’s a smart man, doing things that bring him joy like music and spending time with family. A beautiful story, James!
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Thank you, Brenda.
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Sixty four? Lots of future left.
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There’s a high degree of variability involved. Some people live a lot longer than others.
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Very uplifting. A really lovely piece.
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Thank you.
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Yes, I like that he focuses on the present. Lovely.
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Thank you, Sascha.
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Music is ageless. And at sixty-four he has many happy years ahead of him. Just think of The Rolling Stones! Lovely story, James.
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Thanks, Jilly.
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