The Greeting Tower -Friday Fictioneers

 

Photo prompt by Fatima Fakier Darier

 

All day long she sat in her small tower and watched the horizon. She had the harbor log, knew the names and the origins of the ships that arrived that day.

She greeted them all the same way. She turned on the microphone, played the anthem of their country, welcomed them in several languages.

She knew the details of every ship.

The years went by, and one day her tower was empty.  

Sailors from all over the world showed up that day she was laid to rest. They all saluted and said goodbye.

“Farewell my friend, travel safely.”

(Word count: 99)


Years ago I traveled to Hamburg, Germany, and found a place, right at the harbor called “Willkomm-Hoeft.” There, every day ships are welcomed and bid farewell with their national anthem. I spent a few hours in the cafe, ate too much cake and watched the big and the small ships passing by. Today’s photo brought back some nice memories.

Fridays Fictioneers are held by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields.

 

45 thoughts on “The Greeting Tower -Friday Fictioneers

  1. I agree with many of the comments here. You certainly have a lovely way of expanding on your personal experiences by extending them with some fiction. I just had to find out if this is still done. According to Wikipedia, I was happy to discover that it is! This type of welcome is now needed more than ever. Wouldn’t it be great if something like this could be started somewhere in the US?

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    • Someone once said, “A life is measured on how the people react when you die.”
      I want to think she was happy during her life. She reached out, welcomed the world at a time where many close their doors. A life well lived, comes to mind.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. There is something in this that makes me think of a princess in a tower, but although she’s regal, she’s no prisoner. She feels more like a Queen, welcoming people to her land, and was due a royal goodbye when she could no longer say hello.

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