The line for today is If you are a dreamer, come in.
The line is from Shel Silverstein’s poem, Invitation, as published in his wonderful book, Where the Sidewalk Ends.
“If you are a dreamer, come in.”
The old woman seemed to be talking to her closet.
The home health aide had become accustomed to ignoring conversations that made little sense. She asked her again,
“Edna, are you comfortable? Need anything?”
“No dear, we’ll be fine. See you in the morning.”
Edna Jenks had been a Kindergarten teacher for sixty years. She’d never married. So, when she’d retired, four years before, she became perilously lonely and depressed.
But, recently, her spirits had brightened dramatically. Her nurses caught her having conversations and giggling and her appetite had strikingly improved.
That very afternoon she’d sat for hours reading children’s book aloud while asking questions and applauding soundless answers.
They found her the next morning unresponsive with a peaceful smile on her face and a careworn book in her lap. It was opened to Shel Silverstein’s “Invitation”.
(144 words)
Meet me where the sidewalk ends…. | dVerse (dversepoets.com)
https://dversepoets.com
Sillyfrog's Blog 
She slept away thinking of flax golden tales. Nice.
Lovely comment. Thank you very much!
Ohhhhh…..I wish you were in this room with me….you would have heard me utter an “ohhhhhh” out loud. This is WONDERFUL! What an amazing response to the prompt. I think Shel Silverstein would love it! You made my day. WONDERFUL!
Truly humbling response! So very happy it touched you in a special way. ❤
🤗😍
🙂 Thanks!
🙂
Bittersweet, but well written Susan
Thank you. I found it a happy way to pass. 🙂
Excellent crafting, Susan. Enjoyed this a lot.
Always uplifting to hear! Thank you!
Very cool!!!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks. 😀
I’m sure Shel would have loved your story. A beautiful yarn. I’m glad she passed on in peace.
It pleases me to my toes to think he would have. Thanks very much! 🙂
You’re very welcome.
Wow, Susan. This is actually brilliant. It’s got a taste of the surreal, but it’s totally grounded in reality. Fantastic! BTW – I think you have a tiny typo in this line:
Yours,
David
THANKS for pointing out the typo! and Thank you for your kind critique!
This was very touching. I am pleased this old lady found solace in her book, but sorry she had been so lonely!
Much appreciated! Dreamers never are quite all alone, are they? 😉
I so enjoyed your poignant piece, Susan, especially as you included the book open to the poem from which the prompt line has been taken!
Thank you! Your comment pleased me! 🙂
This is a beautiful written piece. Sombre and yet full of respect and loving energy well done.
Thanks Mason. Much appreciated!
A moving story that does Silverstein’s poem proud. Edna was a dreamer, and it’s wonderful that gave her peace.
I’m so pleased with your comment and praise. Thank you.
I hope I can go out as peaceful and happy as Edna.
OH, me too! Thanks Ron. 🙂
Beautiful story. Powerful in it’s brevity! 💝
That’s what I like about flash fiction. Thank-you!
Absolutely wonderful, Susan! What a peaceful way to go!
Absolutely. Thanks so much!
🙂
As an early childhood educator, this really moved me. Made me wonder if that will be my final days as well…alone and reliving the 40 years of nurturing little souls. There are children’s stories and songs that will be forever ingrained in my mind.
I can also relate from 42 years with little ones. ❤
Those memories will certainly continue to enrich us.
Yes they will!
What a great tribute to Shel’s poetry… really good I think but also a bit sad
Many thanks! 🙂
Wow! Amazing piece. I like it very much.
That pleases me! Thanks.
You’re welcome.
i can feel the love towards the old lady from those around her coming to me from your words. wonderful
Very pleased that love was conveyed. Her love for the children was present too. ❤