Short Story

Lower Forty Soliloquy

The Sicilian Storyteller

Written for The Unicorn Challenge where we are asked to be creative
in 250 words or less, using this image as inspiration. This is my story

© Ayr/Gray

“Where you been, girl? You got anythin’ goin’ on in that head of yours besides them nonsense rhymes? Your Ma’s been cookin’ all day and she sure coulda used your help with them black-eyed peas but you was nowhere to be found. You best not-a been hangin’ ‘round that good-for-nuthin’ boy again, girl. If I told you once, I told you a thousand times … keep away from him! There’s somethin’ not right with that boy! He’ll bring nuthin’ but misery. You start messin’ around with him and you’re gonna live to regret it. Then try and find yourself a decent husband! No man I know wants used goods!
Now stop makin’ excuses, girl! I’m your Pa and I know when you’re lyin’ 
 just like you was lyin’ about not bein’ out by the river. You know how I know that? ‘Cause somebody done seen ya. I see by the look in your eyes that it’s true. Yeah, you was seen by that new preacher man. And that ain’t all, girl. He said you was with that troublemaker and you had your heads together like you was plottin’ somethin’ real private-like.
I swear, girl, you ain’t got a lick a sense between ya. Stop this dang foolishness ‘cause it’s gonna lead to no good! C’mon now, girl … dinner’s waitin‘.
Anna, your cookin’ is fit for a king!
What you goin’ on about, woman? Jesus! I seen that boy just yesterday. Now, why’d he go do a fool thing like that!”

NAR©2024
250 Words

The Unicorn Challenge-26/04/24

This is “Ode To Billie Joe”  by Bobbie Gentry

NB: Bobbie Gentry remarked that the message in Ode To Billie Joe revolved around the “nonchalant way” the family discussed Billie Joe’s suicide. She also said she included the verse about something being thrown off the bridge because it established a relationship between Billie Joe and the daughter, providing “a possible motivation for his suicide after meeting with her“. Gentry told The New York Times in 1969: “I had my own idea what was thrown off the bridge while I was writing it, but it’s not that important. Actually it was something symbolic. But I’ve never told anyone what it was.” The last time Bobbie Gentry appeared in public was at the Academy of Country Music Awards on April 30, 1982, almost 42 years ago to the day. Since that time, she has not recorded, performed or been interviewed. A 2016 news report stated that Gentry lives a secluded lifestyle in Los Angeles; she has refused to speak to reporters about Ode To Billie Joe or to give interviews.  

All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and is not for use by anyone without permission. NAR©2017-present.

40 thoughts on “Lower Forty Soliloquy”

  3. This one snuck up on me, held the suspense until the connection to the song was confirmed. Just like the song!

    I can remember listening intently to the song as a kid — and yes, that shiver of fiddle is unforgettable — and debating with my friends about what was thrown into the muddy waters off the Tallahatchie bridge. đŸŽ¶đŸŽ¶

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    1. It’s amazing how a song can capture the attention of the world!

      One of my favorites, I’ve been mesmerized by it since it was released; after all this time I don’t know any more now than I did back then but I have a deeper appreciation for its subtle poignancy.

      Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Liz.

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  5. Confession: I didn’t know the song. (I think I’ve said before I’m only now getting round to filling the big hole where music should have been in my life.)
    So I read the story fresh and it near broke my heart; the Pa’s voice speaking out the family dynamic perfectly, the girl silenced – and then that ending!
    It’s so good, Nancy.
    And now – of course – I’ve listened to the song,
    What a beautiful voice – and the mystery behind Bobby Gentry’s life.
    Thanks for all of this.

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    1. Jenne, you are the person this post was written for …. someone who has no preconceived notions or expectations, someone who reads the entire story without having an ‘aha!’ moment, someone who can judge the story on its merit alone.
      Not that I don’t appreciate all my other commenters; I absolutely do! You and they know what I mean.
      As a teller of tales, I’m delighted to know that my story moved you in some way.
      As a music blogger, I’m thrilled to introduce you to an epic song, a masterfully done number shrouded in mystery.
      As a new-found listener, Jenne, I have a request of you; play the song again and really listen as the story unfolds, how the music plays with the words, how the family makes small-talk in the midst of tragedy, and to the final cascade of violins. I wonder if you’ll come away with an even greater appreciation for the song. I wonder what the final chorus of violins represents to you.

      Thank you for your most gracious comment, Jenne. I am thrilled to know you enjoyed my story as a stand-along piece. This song was the soundtrack of my youth and I will always love it.

      Thank you!

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    1. It gives me chills every time. BG’s voice is perfect for this tale of dark mystery and the cascading violins at the end are the sound of flowers being tossed off the bridge.

      People need to listen to what BG is saying, not just hear a song in the background. It’s truly powerful stuff.

      Thanks, D!

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  13. whT a great story Nancy you have a great way with words. I really enjoyed the story I could see it all.

    As to Bobbie Gentry and the Ode to Billy Joel ..what a great piece of advertising hype …employed by more than one artist…”I can neither confirm nor deny!” It works a treat 💜💜💜

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    1. There is so much mystery and intrigue attached to this song, Willow. I am not one to buy into conspiracy theories; that said, I have done a lot of research about this song and I believe it’s the story of a young black man named Emmet Till and the horrific way in which he was murdered. There has to be a reason why Bobbie Gentry has gone into seclusion and refuses to talk about this song. It’s been over 40 years; that reaches beyond her being simply eccentric.

      Regardless of the song’s possible darker side, I have loved it all my life. There are a couple of songs that framed my youth; this is one of them.

      Thank you for your great comment, Willow.

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      1. i agree , I wondered if it was a baby… But apparently not but she would not say… It could be something it could be nothing 💜

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  14. Great voice. Captures the story behind the song perfectly. Thanks for the notes on Bobbie Gentry. I wonder why she became reclusive. Although given the harm sudden fame can do to performers, perhaps she got out while she still had a life to call her own. She had a great voice. Has??

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    1. Thank you, Margaret. As far as I know, BG is still alive. As I responded to Willow’s’ comment, I believe there is a very dark side to this story, something that happened in real life, and because of that Bobbie Gentry is now leading a life of forced seclusion. Despite all that possible intrigue, it’s a fabulous song and has impacted my life greatly.

      I’m delighted to know you enjoyed my story.

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  15. A true example of the tale-tellers craft, Nancy. I could just about smell the cornpone and collard greens. Pity she wasn’t throwing Pa off the bridge. If he’d been told once he’d been told a million times not to exaggerate 😉

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