Lisa is serving as host for today’s dVerse Prosery prompt.
We are to write a piece of up to 144 words and include the line
“But that smile was the last smile to come upon her face”.
This is my response for Lisa’s dVerse Prosery prompt.
We were living in Tennessee with my Aunt Luella and Uncle Boz after my mam and pap were killed in the South Carrollton, Kentucky train wreck of 1917. Just five days before Christmas and our family was torn apart. My mam and Aunt Luella were sisters; mam’s death nearly destroyed Auntie.
Back in January we all had such high hopes for 1917. My cousin Henry, Aunt Luella and Uncle Boz’s firstborn, was set to graduate high school in June, the first one in the family with that distinction. Aunt Luella was so proud of Henry, she couldn’t help smiling thinking of Henry’s bright future.
But that smile was the last smile to come upon her face.
Henry enlisted in the army one month before graduation. He died in the Battle of Cambrai on Thanksgiving Day.
We lost too much that year.
NAR©2024
144 Words
This is Stephen Foster’s “My Old Kentucky Home” sung by Paul Robeson
This portfolio (including text, graphics and videos) is 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.
The Elephant's Trunk 
Nancy, it’s so touching how you intertwine personal grief with historical context, creating this moving reflection on the enduring pain of losing loved ones during challenging times.
~David
LikeLiked by 1 person
Death is always sad but it strikes me as so incredibly tragic when someone dies around the holidays. Those times will never be celebrated the same way again.
Thank you for your great observations about history; that’s a favorite subject of mine.
Your kind words are always appreciated, David. ❤︎
LikeLiked by 1 person
So touching and sad! But beautifully written, Nancy! Love it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you kindly, KK.
Death is never a comfortable topic;
when it comes to young men in war, it’s tragic.
I appreciate your continuous support and kind words.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome!
LikeLike
Oh damn war. Nicely done, Nancy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
War is hell, Dale, and I don’t know how those young men did what they did or how their mother’s went on living after their sons were killed. What a horror!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts today.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I cannot even imagine, either. Awful.
My pleasure!
LikeLiked by 1 person
With about 11 million soldiers killed (and as many civilians) that story must have been repeated every second somewhere. Such a senseless waste of life 😦
LikeLiked by 1 person
As is all war.
Thank you, Jane;
I appreciate your thoughts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very sad story 💔
LikeLiked by 2 people
Told too many times.
Thank you, Sadje. 🖤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed 🥹🥲
LikeLike
As dark ink as it should be for a story about the last smile on someone’s face.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Grazie, caro.
Inchiostro nero 🖊️🖤
LikeLiked by 1 person
oh no .. so sad Nancy! 😪
LikeLiked by 2 people
And too common, Cindy.
Thank you.
LikeLike
A significant and meaningful response to the prompt. Such heartbreak. Well done, Nancy.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Many thanks, Michele.
We were given a meaningful prompt;
I simply tried to respond in an appropriate way.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are welcome, and you always do, Nancy. Appropriately and creatively!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, so sad!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Isn’t it just?
With that prompt line,
it was just too good to resist.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nancy, you told this family’s story well and with respect. I agree with Carol on your conclusion. Thanks for joining in on the prompt.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much, Lisa.
It was a beautiful prompt line to work with.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re very welcome ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
‘We lost too much that year.’ – such a great line to bring your story to its’ conclusion. Great writing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Carol. I’m so glad you like this one!
I thought the prompt line was gorgeous;
I had to do it justice.
LikeLike
Heartbreaking, but it happened to many families. Good write Nancy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Di.
Yes, it happened to too many families.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Tragic tale, Nancy. Beautifully written. 🌹
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much Lesley.
We had a beautiful prompt line to start us off.
LikeLiked by 1 person
💗
LikeLiked by 1 person
The first world war brought so much devastation, and in 1918 was the year of the flu pandemic killing millions, but it was also the year my father was born…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent points you make, Björn; it was indeed a rough time in history.
My parents were born at that time as well …. 1915 for my father, 1917 for my mother.
LikeLike
A sad story delivered in beautiful prose. Well done!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Helen.
We had a wonderful line to work with.
LikeLike
Wonderful story Nance! So sad and moving!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, CA. I always appreciate your comments.
LikeLike