Here is another of those two-sentence stories with poetry added. I’m thinking of them as “Minuscule” and quick to read.
Read the first Minuscule, the explanation of why I wrote it and got started on this idea, and search under the category Minuscule for others in the series.
And now – all the Minuscule stories have been made into a print book – each story with a pen and ink illustration. Click to see Minuscule on Amazon.
Awakening
Do you recognize me, thought the statue of the goat-headed man with fingernail claws, wearily opening another day trapped in this jail they called a museum, do you recognize me, and if you do, will you say my name? The small boy standing in front of him said nothing and the statue waited: the boy reached up, grasped the statue’s cold hand and held on until it became warm and alive, the two of them oblivious to the clanging alarms and the rush of people and the cries and commotion, because it was enough.
The dusty window
washed. The sunlight that pours in.
The hand that grasps mine.
(Haiku 405)
7/5/18
Claudia McGill Writes Poetry, Did You Know That? 
What a fantastic idea for a story! Yet you said it all already.
Thank you. I was thinking of statues in the museum and if I would like to be stared at all day by people who just knew what was in the guidebook.
I wonder sometimes if the people who walk around with their guidebook open at the right page really enjoy themselves. Often they look bored rigid.
I think they are just checking off the boxes. So they can say they saw the famous or noteworthy sights.
And if you were to ask them what it looked like, they’d say, oh, wait, I must have a photo somewhere.
Exactly right. Ugh.
Tourists are a special breed.
I took a series of photos in the Louvre of people taking selfies with the Venus de Milo. She must be bored rigid when all she sees are the backs of people all day. Must only give her a glance before spending much time arranging their poses.
People want to score points for the visit, must document! We have the Rocky statue here in Philadelphia, set outside next to the art museum, and day or night, no matter when, you go by there, people are getting a photo made. At least usually not selfies because it’s not right if you don’t raise your arms like the statue is doing, so another person needs to take your photo. Still, no one is actually looking at the statue. I really enjoy watching people take these photos, though, I will say that!
Lovely idea, Claudia.
Thank you. Visiting a museum will give you something to think about in ways you never expect, sometimes…
One magic monument, great story.
Thank you. Museums are full of surprises and inspirations. And possibilities!
This story really touched me. Thank you.
You are welcome. I hope for everyone to be noticed, and to feel that they matter. That’s what I was wanting to say. I liked writing this, it made me happy.
Children know. (K)
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