What's So Funny?
Russell Gayer, author speaker
I Hear a Symphony
Today’s Friday Flash Fiction post is my take on the photo prompt provided by Madison Woods. Visit her website http://madisonwoods.wordpress.com/ and find links to other Friday Flash Fiction stories from authors around the globe.
I Hear a Symphony
He extended a cupped hand as I exited the train.
Did he expect a tip?
It was the first time I’d ever been approached by a clean-cut, well dressed man asking for a hand-out?
But who was I to judge? Lots of people are out of work. Even the street musicians are barely getting by.
It was an awkward moment for both of us. The sadness in his eyes reaffirmed my suspicions.
Lowering his eyes, he mumbled something about paying the fiddler.
I slipped a ten into his palm and squeezed his hand.
“Here you go, Maestro. Long live classical.”
7 Comments on “I Hear a Symphony”
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What's So Funny? 
I love your take on the prompt! It had a great message as well. Here is mine. You are welcome to leave a link in my comment section as well.http://susielindau.com/2012/01/27/just-another-day-100-word-flash-fiction/
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A great take on the prompt.When I looked at the photo again you're right, he does look like someone holding his hand out for a tip.
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Hi Russell, You found a totally different way to view this, and explain that look on the man's face. Good job!Here's mine: http://bridgesareforburning.wordpress.com/
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I just think this was beautifully done, Russell. Thanks for sharing.Here's mine, although it's based on last week's photo: http://thecolorlime.wordpress.com/2012/01/27/time-pause-play-rewind-101/
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A clever take on the prompt, Russell. Love "paying the fiddler" and especially the last line. Once again, I want to know more about the narrator. :)Here's my link:http://www.jansthoughtsovercoffee.blogspot.com/2012/01/flashfriday-fridayfictioneers-that-girl.html
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I love the wordplay on "Conductor" and "Maestro." It also reveals some things about the narrator–"he" is younger than the man who approached him for money (which is one of the reasons he references "classical.")The narrator is also entrenched in music of some form. All people are musicians. "Street musicians" can refer to average people who work average jobs."Paying the fiddler" is a common phrase for paying for one person paying for a service that everyone uses. But here, it is used as another musical reference. But the man saying it is wearing thick, heavy gloves. No way has be been playing a fiddle. The use of "Maestro" is a wordplay. Our narrator thinks in terms of music. Annnnd I've been babbling. I love this story, by the way. It is one of those I would love to see extended, even if my analysis is wildly off the mark. Just that it is making us think makes it worth exploring more. Great job!This is the link to my drabble for the week: http://quillshiv.wordpress.com/2012/01/26/grounds/
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Love this. You're so observant to notice his cupped hand. And the commentary about the economy is timely. Wish I had been in town to write one for this prompt. Well done.
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