SANDCASTLES
Juan built sandcastles. Every day he went to the beach, collected damp sand from the tide-mark, and constructed dreams. Tourists watched and took photographs – some even threw money into Juan’s bucket, although never enough – but Juan loved the attention.
Lucia wasn’t happy being the only wage-earner. “You must get a real job – the rent is overdue again.”
“I have a job,” Juan replied grandly, “I am an artist.”
But the next night he came home to find Lucia and their possessions in the street – the landlord had thrown her out.
It was time to stop living in cloud-cuckoo land.
Clouds = castles in the air = the train of thought that led to this week's story for Friday Fictioneers.
Thanks to Rochelle for hosting it for another year, and to Na'ama Yehuda for the photographic prompt.
I won't wax philosophical - there will be enough of that around as it is - so I will simply take the opportunity to wish everyone who reads my stories a very healthy and Happy New Year. I shall be opening the bottle of Prosecco that we didn't consume at Christmas - how will you see in 2021?
Dear Liz,
ReplyDeleteSadly, few artists or authors can support themselves without "regular" employment. Nicely done.
Shalom and a happy new year,
Rochelle
'Regular employment' sounds so much better than 'a proper job' - Shalom X
DeleteYep, there are too many of us starving in garrets!
ReplyDeleteIf you'd told me sooner I'd have sent some turkey!
DeleteMaybe he can build them a castle on the beach! (At least till they can get better housing)
ReplyDeleteThat would only last until the next crowd of drunk tourists came along!
DeletePretending you're an artist can cover a multitude of indolences
ReplyDeleteBeautifully put!
DeleteArtists, musicians, actors; so many rose from rags to riches. There is hope.
ReplyDeleteHope, yes, but a roof over one's head is important too.
DeleteToo bad we live in a world where creativity is less appreciated than it ought to be!
ReplyDeleteIt's a sad reality.
DeleteAn ingenious take on the prompt. Sad that many talented artists can't make a living from their art.
ReplyDeleteThanks Penny. It would help if more people bought our books, paintings etc!
DeleteHoping Creatives everywhere have their sacred spaces to create and not have to starve to do it. Happy Holidays!
ReplyDeleteIt's what we all wish for, Jade, but one must be realistic.
Delete"Cloud Cuckoo Land" indeed. Well done.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Linda.
DeleteUnfortunately talent doesn't necessarily pay bills. He may find someone who can help him hit it big but it's way too much of a long shot
ReplyDeleteThe problem is that sandcastles are ephemeral 😊
DeleteA rude awakening for Juan. I can imagine Lucia's frustration.
ReplyDeleteSo can I - tourist tips don't pay the rent!
Deletesadly, some folks live on dreams until reality finally sinks in.
ReplyDeleteIf he kept one foot in reality he could dream as well.
DeleteIt's a shame artists have such a rough go of it.
ReplyDeleteRonda
It is, for art is one of the things that distinguish us from animals.
DeleteThe life of an artist is never easy. Wonderful take, Liz.
ReplyDeleteAn artist has to be supurb to make a living - very good isn't enough. Life ain't fair!
DeleteI enjoyed this take on the prompt. Some artists need to grow up and accept there is more to life than their art.
ReplyDeleteThey do, and building ones one's life on sand isn't a smart move..
DeleteSince the landlord threw "her" out, my impression is that Juan is much younger (or less mature, anyway) so he has plenty of time to develop a following. Once the rent is paid! A good, thought-provoking take on the prompt.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't considered their ages, which just goes to show that a few lines can be interpreted many ways. Thanks for your comment, Eugenia.
DeleteSo now, the artist will be at his best? Aren't they suppose to thrive when suffering? Enjoyed!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure - true, some of the best poetry is written from a base of misery, love lost etc, but whether sandcastles would improve is debatable.
Delete