Wonder

~ A flash fictio piece based on the prompt 'wonder' ~

Hello all!

I’ve just got a short little piece of writing for you all today :) I wrote this piece a couple of months ago for a writing event, based on the one word prompt ‘wonder.’

My inspiration for this came from some random thoughts about how differently we view the world around us when we are children compared to when we grow up, and both the different difficulties and blessings that come with this change.

And potentially the song Carnival by John Michael Howell…

Enjoy!

---

James watched the little boy’s wide eyes as they gazed in awe at the sights and sounds around him.

He was clutching his mother’s skirt with one hand and with the other, a small teddy bear ragged from years of love.

They stood in the middle of a circus camp as people bustled around them on all sides, each absorbed in their own activity.

A colourfully decorated clown strode past the little boy as James watched. The boy’s face lit up with a grin, eyes ablaze with mingling curiosity, delight, and wonder.

James glanced away. All he saw was empty lives and a pretense of amazement and talent hiding the true, flawed people beneath. He clenched his teeth, hating the very thought of such a thing.

Where this child heard tales of other-worldly adventures and daring escapades, he heard nothing but lies.

Where the boy saw bright colours and awe-striking skill, he saw cheap paint and faked acts.

Glancing back towards the child once more, James saw him grip his mother’s hand tighter and pull her towards the main tent of the thoroughfare.

Smiling, his mother followed him as he chased wherever his wide-eyed wonder led.

A deep, heavy sigh escaped James’ lips and he turned to leave, one final thought crossing his mind. Oh for the innocent wonder of a child not yet exposed to the world’s cruel facade of lies.