The sound of the train whistle and feet made her heart beat faster as she heard the travelers walking her way.
"Oh look, they are so beautiful," one woman said as her husband continued walking the Taj Mahal in the distance and the reason for their journey. He looked over his shoulder, tired and wanting a shower, he walked back to where his wife was standing. Dropping his pack on the silk, he scattered the carvings and asked his wife, "What one do you want?" She looked at him and at his wife, eyes blazing, picking up the elephant and said in perfect english, "1,000 rupees each." His wife chose two, a leopard and a tiger and handed her the money before he could speak. She smiled and smoothed the silk as they walked away, knowing that her children would eat and hearing the words of Ganesha as she placed the elephant back on his stone, the sun setting against the spires of the Taj Mahal.
Just another Magpie Tale---read and create more stories here!
Given my love of the Southwest, I must say I was troubled by that fact that I could not identify this little guy. As a collector of fetishes and kachinas, I make it a point to understand the essence of the creation and firmly believe this knowledge is an homage to the hands that create the work and the culture in which it exists. Looking through my books, all I could think of was that he was waiting to be held and understood. Namaste.
27 comments:
nice tale...waiting to be held and understood...he is not alone in that quest...i am sure.
I love this. What a beautiful little carving.
Oh, this was lovely, C.M.! I was transported to India and those carvings on that piece of silk. Nice.
I ADORE Borland's March quote on your sidebar!!
Very nice contrast of the tourists and the dignity of the craftswoman.
Pretty cool.
"reminding her to smile with her eyes"
The relationship between tourist and local is beautifully realised.
That paints such a picture of the difference between "tourists" and "travelers". Well done, C.M.
C.M.,
I too am a collector of trinkets and love to fondle and caress them to a fine oil rubbed glow. Sometimes I ask them how they came to be.
rel
Nice storytelling C.M. - a dreamlike quality to it. And I loved your postscript too.
We all held him this week..and happy to see Ganesha in our midst..thanks for this tale!
A lovely tale , and a reminder that someone took the time to make the precious craving, like Rel I am a visual and a tactile person Your story got my imagination working over time --- -- I have a small broken piece of pottery from Pompeii a half of a wine or goblet of some sort with the stem intact my hand fits perfectly around the stem -- I can image sipping water or wine while I wrap my fingers around the stem and think about who was the owner of this cup that fits my hand and theirs so well.?
Good tale,
Joanny
Ah, but who is the lucky one to purchase the elephant...leaves one wondering, and waiting:)
What a great storyteller you are! Enjoyed this Magpie Tale very much.
A heart warming story, really... The vendor took pride in her trinkets, then "...smiled and smoothed the silk as they walked away..." I really felt for her at that point!
And "...waiting to be held and understood." That's really why we're all here. Loved that obserrvation!
Thanks for visiting me...
Rick
I am grateful for your attention to the hands that carved this piece. Your story is a lovely homage.
I also think it is very apt for International Women's Day. Women still own a tiny slice of the world's wealth and commerce. And there are so many obstacles empowered against them.
Namaste.
Nice. I agree with Peter Goulding and Catalyst...
Yes. the story told from the "other" perspective. Nice. I hated him for his clumsiness 'he scattered the carvings' And his lack of regard.
thank you for your kind words on my piece.
i enjoyed your story very much. i too had problems with trying to put into words how i felt about the animals lost for consumerism.
well crafted indeed!
warm smiles,
I so loved the location of this story. The idea was excellent. Waiting to be held and understood. Wonderful description.
QMM
So many other comments have said it all, a lovely thought provoking tale.. through your words you illuminated anticipation, humility, hope, realization and impatience! Lots of emotion in the words and recognitions.
a piece...no a creation...of layers.
one, that once peeled...has many implications and insights.
well done.
there is a sense of being somewhere foreign in the story, though I have no knowledge of Ganesha and had to look it up
thanks for your visit
ooo ...comment box not working? if this goes through i'll be back! lol
The souvenir shoop is easily dismissed by tourists who only view the serendipity and carefree of purchasing items with abundant cash. Meanwhile, the saleswoman must make the sale or her family will starve. Great juxtaposition of rich vs poor, greedy tourists vs humble selfless saleswoman. A well-woven, visual and thoughtful story. Thank-you.
Beautiful. Interesting how such diverse people's lives entwine..?
Came via San, glad I did.
To all--I thank you for your thoughts and kind words of encouragement. Given my schedule I am focusing on posting and reading your posts. Thanks for stopping by and I wish you the following--
“May flowers always line your path and sunshine light your day. May songbirds serenade you every step along the way. May a rainbow run beside you in a sky that's always blue. And may happiness fill your heart each day your whole life through.”
my best-c
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