The Crane Wife [Sing-Song Challenge]

by JMSquire

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The field was barren, had been for years. A small house sat by the side of it, inside dwelt the man who had owned and worked the field for years. He had barely survived the last winter, and now that Father Frost was rearing his head once more to let loose the furious tumult, he didn’t imagine he would be surviving this one.

It was dark, when he heard the noise of sadness outside his window. Bundled up in old furs and worn boots, the man crept out through his door and was shocked to see a naked woman clutching her left arm tightly, blood seeping through her fingers.

The arm was broken, and by the look in her eyes so was she. He brought her in and gave her his furs to keep her warm as he set her broken arm. He turned what was left of his food into a stew and gave it to her, all the while she looked at him with her painful green eyes. They fell in love on that night, and married soon after.

She sewed beautifully, turning his tattered rags into wondrous dresses to wear. They had happiness together, for awhile.

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Comments

Average Reader Rating: 5.0 stars out of 5

  1. The Crane Wife [Sing-Song Challenge]

    THX 0477's Buddy Icon THX 0477

    Posted 3 months ago

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    Lovely story, with a sort of folk-song or country feel to it, though I’m stumped on the actual song referenced.

  2. The Crane Wife [Sing-Song Challenge]

    JMSquire's Buddy Icon JMSquire

    Posted 3 months ago

    The song a 3-parter with the same title as the ficlet, by a group of neat people known as The Decemberists. I have a bit of an obscure musical taste, I guess…

  3. The Crane Wife [Sing-Song Challenge]

    Ana Cristina's Buddy Icon Ana Cristina

    Posted 3 months ago

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    When I read the title, I immediately thought of The Decemberists. This was very nicely written, and I do love that band. =)

  4. The Crane Wife [Sing-Song Challenge]

    Music-Hearted's Buddy Icon Music-Hearted

    Posted 3 months ago

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    Nice job! And I’m with Ana Cristina- The title caught my eye, because I LOVE The Decemberists.

  5. The Crane Wife [Sing-Song Challenge]

    John Perkins' Buddy Icon John Perkins

    Posted 3 months ago

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    Beautiful entry here. Very well done.

  6. The Crane Wife [Sing-Song Challenge]

    Jenunique's Buddy Icon Jenunique

    Posted 3 months ago

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    Never heard of the song or the Decemberists before reading this, but I absolutely loved the story! Wonderfully written.

  7. The Crane Wife [Sing-Song Challenge]

    Apostrophe 's Buddy Icon Apostrophe

    Posted 3 months ago

    i agree with Jenique on this one.. Lovely story. Never heard of the song or band. But the story is beautiful. Amazing how a simple act of compassion can spark a romance. Good stuff!

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