Copyright – Ted Strutz
Fragrance from his old cherry tree drifted in as Kyoshi struggled to wakefulness. Breathing was difficult. His journey was nearly over.
He had dreamt again of the camp, of the women’s singing, their notes becoming cherry blossoms, floating down, covering his tomb.
He remembered every song, smelt again the stench of diseased, imprisoned bodies, heard their harmonies lifting above the putrid camp confines and guard towers, beyond the fences. Defying, accusing.
As a young soldier, he had obeyed his emperor. Afterwards, he obeyed his conscience. He had done his penance.
Kyoshi watched the blossoms blowing about, carried by the wind.
*****
To me, the Friday Fictioneers prompt this week spoke of beauty in unlikely places.
The idea for my story came from a radio interview with Australian actress Marta Dusseldorp. She spoke about the film ‘Paradise Road’, based on the true story of a group of women in a WW2 Sumatran prisoner-of-war camp, who formed a choir and performed for the other captives, during 1943 and 1944. My character, Kyoshi, is entirely my own invention.
The trailer for the film (below) covers the main points of the true story, and includes a segment of the singing from the film.
Thanks to Rochelle Wisoff-Fields, who selects the photo prompt and hosts Friday Fictioneers. You can read all this week’s 100 word stories here.
Onto the page 
A brave theme for 100 words, but like a haiku, it captures it. Well done!
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I did wonder if this was too big a topic for the word length, so I’m very pleased to read your comment. Thank you so much for your encouragement.
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Dear Margaret,
Beautifully crafted story…almost poetic. I really loved this one.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That’s great, Rochelle. Thank you so much. Cheers, Margaret.
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This was beautifully written indeed… and now there is a movie I need to watch! Thank you for adding the clip. Somehow I never saw this one…
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I’m glad you liked my story, Dale. Like all such movies about atrocious times ‘Paradise Road’ is difficult to watch. I just saw ‘Schindler’s List’ on TV last night – I missed it when it was around in the cinemas (partly couldn’t bear to watch it), and I was astounded once again by the duality of human nature. How is it possible we have such opposites in us?
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the women’s singing, their notes becoming cherry blossoms, floating down, covering his tomb.
Oh, my, what a beautiful line. I agree with the responses above. I really love this.
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Thank you, Alicia, for your lovely words. I’m so glad you liked it.
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This was wonderful.
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Thank you, Dawn.
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This was so beautifully done, I had to read it several times. There’s a languorous feel to it, almost rendering the reader drowsy. Very good job.
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Thank you for your lovely comment, Sandra. I hope you didn’t become too drowsy after several readings!
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Death and hope, and life and beauty, and all in 100 words… masterful writing, the perfect answer to the ‘beauty in unlikely places’ theme. A great story, Margaret.
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It was a lot to cover. I was glad to find the movie trailer with its very succinct summary of the events just in case I’d left too many gaps. Thank you, Gah, for your lovely comment.
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Such a lovely piece! It’s all there in 100 words.
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Thank you. I’m glad you liked it.
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Indeed very poetic and beautiful. So many more layers hidden inside the story
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I did try to cover a lot of territory – tricky in such a short piece. Thanks for reading and leaving a response.
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