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| Copyright -Mary Shipman |
He felt butterflies in his stomach
as the stacked houses of the old Favela came
into view. Eyes bored into his back as
he walked through the gates.
Memories from the past came up as
he saw people congregate in the streets laughing and yelling. The children were playing in the soccer field
of dirt and stone where he learnt his skills.
He turned into the narrow street and
its stench of raw sewage and fried food.
The crumbling apartments block where his family stayed, housing rooms
with broken walls and occasional rodents.
Soccer had liberated his family
from penury.
**
Written for Friday Fictioneers. Word Count : 100
I was going to take a break too, just like our fearless leader, but then this is Soccer World Cup time. Which presents a perfect opportunity to pay a tribute to all those wonderful soccer stars who came from the Favelas
And this is probably the best World Cup song of all time.
Dear Subroto, Good story and I love the song - thanks! Here, in the United States, Soccer has taken over to a High Pitch! I'm really glad it is finally getting it's "due" in the U.S. Our football is a great game too, but the Soccer Football is so interesting, even though some of the fans seem a little over zealous - they are very passionate about their game! Thanks again! Nan :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading and commenting Nan. It's been a great world cup so far even though the difference in time zones means plenty of 'sleep sacrifice' on my part.
DeleteYour story is such a moving and relevant one since we're seeing in Brazil how football has transformed many lives. We're pretty bleary eyed at our house, too. Australia is out at the end of this round but the world cup is too exciting to miss. Thanks for the great story, Subroto.
ReplyDeleteSo true Karen thanks for your comments. Soccer's role in social transformation cannot be understated. It helped to knit Brazil together into one country and played a key role in incorporating people of African descent into the polity.
DeleteI do plan to wake up early to watch the match on Monday too :-)
Great timing with the story. Well done.
ReplyDeleteThanks Alicia glad you liked it.
DeleteIndeed the football have saved many from poverty.. love how you have incorporated smell into the story.. I always think when that is well done we can do something on that.
ReplyDeleteThank you Björn the time was right for a soccer story :-) I am glad you liked it.
DeleteSubroto, Good story with great description. You placed me at the scene. Well written and timely. : ) ---Susan
ReplyDeleteThanks Susan glad you liked it. My sleep timings are disrupted presently due to the world cup, so I thought I'd use the occasion for this post.
DeleteA well written story and that too when the soccer fever is raging.
ReplyDeleteI think I am down with that fever :-) Thanks for reading and commenting Kalpana.
DeleteA very timely post. For a lot of young men from poor countries professional sports in the only way up and out of poverty. I feel sorry for the ones left behind.
ReplyDeleteTrue for every star that succeeds there are hundreds left behind. Thanks for your comments Russell.
DeleteDear Subroto,
ReplyDeleteCatching up on a few before the next prompt is up in the morning. I'm glad I stopped by. Well timed and well written story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thanks Rochelle. And I did get it in time, so no penalty kicks for me then :-)
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