Sisyphean Dreams

Avatar Author: Feasible Joint AFGNCAAP Read Bio

One night, a wandering beast came upon a boy in his bed. The beast hungered, but the boy had a defender, a stalwart bear. A terrible struggle ensued, ending with the beast wounded. As he was leaving, the beast asked,

“Bear, why do you fight? The boy does not stir.”

“He sleeps deeply.”

The next night, the beast returned. Again the bear fought valiantly, and again the beast was wounded. The beast remarked,

“Bear, the boy’s chest does not rise.”

“His breath is shallow.”

The third night, the beast came once more. The fight was brief, but the beast lost yet again. The beast said,

“Bear, the boy has not moved in days.”

“He is exhausted from his long illness.”

Seeing a haunted look flash across the bear’s eyes, the beast came to understanding. He took his leave, never to return.

The bear stood over his charge and settled in for another night.

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Comments (8 so far!)

Average Reader Rating

  1. Ahfl_icon THX 0477

    Absolutely lovely little allegory. Has a very nice fable feel to it. Great job.

  2. Avatar Concerned Reader

    I love this style of writing. A very good dramatic and bittersweet piece.

  3. Avatar Abby (LoA)

    I agree. It’s a great style with the power to enforce morals. The repetition is to be praised, very in-keeping with your chosen format. Great write, and nice angle on the challenge.
    Abby x

  4. Avatar Feasible Joint

    I appreciate the comments, but I fear you give me far too much credit. There wasn’t any active choosing of formats or insertion of morals, and although it feels like there could well be an allegory, I’m not aware of one. This was just the way it felt like it should exist.

    On the other hand, who am I to tell you what is or isn’t in the story you read?

    All the same, thank you all.

  5. Avatar ElshaHawk (LoA)

    I can’t decide who is correct, the beast or the bear.

  6. Avatar Wednesday [PJ] ((LoA))

    Fables disagree with me. For some reason, it feels too simple. … Or maybe I’m just done in the head because everyone else loves it. Ignore me. I don’t know what I’m talking about. It’s opinion rather than critique.

  7. Avatar Feasible Joint

    I kinda side with the beast, but I’m a pessimist like that.

    I’d be a hell of a hypocrite if I was offended by a difference of opinion. Honestly? I don’t love it myself; this is just how it happened into my head. Then it demanded to be written, or something.

    Too pretentious? Probably.

    Anyway. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment.

  8. Avatar Kay-Teaze

    Has a very “red riding hood” feel. I enjoyed it, but I can’t really think of what the allegory of it would be… (why would a bear grieve for this boy?) maybe my brain is dead from fatigue at the moment.