The Brevity Challenge – Sarah & Rohini
invite us to borrow a six word story and
expand on it or create one of our own.
I created my own and expanded it.

Music faded; the stage went dark,
and I stayed to hear the silence finish speaking.
The mic stand bows like an old friend
who’s said everything he meant to say.
There’s a bottle of water no one opens now,
some pages of a song I couldn’t finish.
I’m not sad, exactly …. just aware
that every stage, when it goes quiet,
is asking to be remembered for the music.
NAR©2026
This is “Closing Time” by Leonard Cohen
Everything on The Elephant’s Trunk was created by me unless otherwise indicated. Thanks for your consideration. NAR©2017-present.

I absolutely love Leonard Cohen.
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Me too! It just felt so right writing a poem for him. Thanks.
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Powerfully pensive, in a quiet kinda way…
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Beautiful poem, Nancy, and I love the song by Leonard Cohen ❣️
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Thanks for your very kinds comments, Lisa. 🥰
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Lovely & descriptive comment, Liz. Thanks.
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As Jim Morrison said, “When the music’s over, turn out the lights.”
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Exactly. Great song.
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Perfectly done
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You are too kind, Sarah. Thank you!
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Oh, very nice. I love how you wrapped it up.
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Thanks, D. This was an interesting challenge.
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The audience has gone
the curtain is drawn
The afternoon light is quiet
and my stage is silent … but I’ll be ok for my birthday tomorrow …
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Sweet dreams, my dear friend. You have an exciting day tomorrow. 🥰
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In between dreams my friend
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Great Nance – love the ending and the Leonard Cohen track ❤️
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Thanks so much, Ange. I’m glad you enjoyed this one. 🥰
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🙌
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That was beautiful, Nancy! And I love Leonard Cohen. 💖
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Thanks, Debbie. I’m so glad you like my post. Leonard Cohen is the best! 🥰
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