18 Comments
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Joyce Wycoff's avatar

Victor, this incredible piece reminded me of so many places and took me back to my childhood when I listened to Hank Snow's "I've been everywhere" with lust in my heart. I hope my last moments are spent revisiting the places I've been.

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Victor D. Sandiego's avatar

Thank you Joyce. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Now I'll need to take a listen to Hank Snow, and I too hope the last moments (yours, mine, others) are cherished ones. I really appreciate you reading and taking the time to comment.

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Jeanne S's avatar

Art

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Victor D. Sandiego's avatar

Thank you Jeanne, I appreciate you taking the time to read and comment.

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Trilety Wade's avatar

Daaamn. Well done.

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Victor D. Sandiego's avatar

Thanks Trilety, I'm glad you enjoyed it.

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Stephanie Loomis's avatar

Just, wow. Beautiful words.

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Victor D. Sandiego's avatar

Thank you Stephanie, very kind of you. I'm glad you enjoyed the piece, and Welcome!

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Mike Leavy's avatar

Very touching homage to the events that make up a life, and the vague uncertainty of whatever comes after. I loved this story. It even referenced Santa Cruz - my home away from home! Thanks for another great story, Victor.

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Victor D. Sandiego's avatar

Thank you Mike. I always appreciate your beautiful comments, means a lot to me. As for Santa Cruz, it was my home a long time ago. A wonderful place and I especially loved the rocky coast north of town. Thanks again, friend!

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Jim Cummings's avatar

"His feet rested on birdbone thin branches and his body swayed from side to side in the secret upper chambers of the sky."

A life fully lived involves accepting the associated risks. William did well for a while on the swaying birdbone thin branches. A sad ending but I doubt he had any regrets. Another brilliant tale, Victor!

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Victor D. Sandiego's avatar

I'm glad you enjoyed it despite the sadness / tragedy part. The one word prompts are inspiring for me. Thanks for reading, Jim, and your lovely comment.

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Kristi Keller 🇨🇦's avatar

This was a beautiful albeit sad story of many human stories all in one.

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Victor D. Sandiego's avatar

Thank you Kristi. As you've pointed out, seems like life itself is a mixture of beauty and sadness for many. Glad you enjoyed the piece.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

The structure of this story is just brilliant -- a man's entire life in mere seconds. Its complexity makes my head explode.

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Victor D. Sandiego's avatar

I really appreciate your comment and I'm happy you enjoyed it, Sharron, even if it is on the tragic side. Thanks so much for reading.

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James Ron's avatar

"due to the immense capacity of the human spirit in catastrophic throes to stretch a second into a lifetime" - really good, Victor! Another one hit out of the park! I so look forward to your stories.

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Victor D. Sandiego's avatar

Thank you James. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I try to have fun writing stuff, although this one did creep me out a bit because the accident is based on a true event that I couldn't get out of my head.

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