Baggage Claim, Up One Level
by Anna G. Joujan
Shiny black boots with pointed toes step swiftly, confidently. Wheels slide behind them, carrying a stylishly businesslike suitcase.
Tiny pink sneakers with glittering laces hop, running to keep up with simple gray flats, cross-strapped in place.
Large athletic shoes, emblazoned with the miniature image of a leaping wild animal, lope casually. Next to these, a set of fabric boots, rimmed with brown fur, keeps close pace, so close as to lightly brush against the neighboring shoes.
Finally he spots the perfect set. Gathering his courage, he watches as they near, focusing on the edges of the denim that hangs low over the soles. Finally, the moment comes. He springs into action, watching for the cue to follow those denim ankles, imitating the motions as he steps on . . . slides forward . . . starts to ascend.
Success!
He has conquered the obstacle, and he is rising towards the top—towards the future. So this, he whispers to himself, this is America!
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Listening for the words in a quiet corner of the night. The fiction, poetry, and photography of Jason Evans.
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- Aine
- Collaborator and night owl.
Past Contests
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- "Endless Hour" Short Fiction Contest
- "Silent Grey" Short Fiction Contest
- "Lonely Moon" Short Fiction Contest (with Anne Frasier)
- "Midnight Road" Short Fiction Contest
- "Two Lights" Short Fiction Contest
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12 comments:
Yes, America, where we bailout our financial institutions without question, and give our manufacturing facilities the third degree. I'm wondering who maintains the escalator? Still, wherever your character is from, his perception is that of many.
very nicely done :)
A bug's life? :)
Good one,loved the description!
Nicely optimistic interpretation of a new beginning, Anna. I liked the different perspective. All those shoes...a melting pot, you might say. ;)
Thank you all, for your kind comments. As for optimistic or not, that is open to interpretation, I dare say . . . you could possibly find a bit of irony in that, if you so chose ;-)
This is such a great description, through a unique set of eyes, of people watching at the airport.
But I definitely feel like the character is headed for some sort of a downfall/disappointment! :)
You've captured the excitement and the hope very well.
Ahaa entry to "america" might be or might not be what he really wants.
Gee, one wonders, does he really actually WANT to be here? And how will he feel about it 5 years. I think it depends on where he came from, but the grass is always greener! Nice the way you used the shoes, liked it.
Hmmmm - sure hope the person in denim doesn't find some kind of exotic creepy crawler in his bed later! This is potentially a very scary story (particularly for a person, like me, who doesn't like bugs, or worse, spiders!!). Nicely done.
jana
No matter where they come from, there is nothing like good 'ol U.S. of A.
Very nice - I love it.
I see him as someone fresh who wants to be here - it has been his dream. And the future holds beautiful, wonderful things.....
Very nicely done.
Great job with voice!
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