Hero's Requiem
A short story24 total reviews
Comment from Bill Schott
I see how the story could build as it did. It was a bit confusing at first, when reading that initial chapter. Then it became clearer and darker. This story is a bit cynical, but I guess I expected the General to throw the man in the wheel chair on the grenade. Tough to explain though. The 'three ghosts' ending and final line were both suggestive of death of honor altogether.
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I see how the story could build as it did. It was a bit confusing at first, when reading that initial chapter. Then it became clearer and darker. This story is a bit cynical, but I guess I expected the General to throw the man in the wheel chair on the grenade. Tough to explain though. The 'three ghosts' ending and final line were both suggestive of death of honor altogether.
Comment Written 26-Apr-2015
Comment from l.raven
HI Michael, I don't I would know how to feel unless I were in there shoes...I would stand tall...but would not ever consider myself a hero...it is in our nature to try and help...very well thought of you...very well written...Luff Linda xxoo love ya
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HI Michael, I don't I would know how to feel unless I were in there shoes...I would stand tall...but would not ever consider myself a hero...it is in our nature to try and help...very well thought of you...very well written...Luff Linda xxoo love ya
Comment Written 25-Apr-2015
Comment from Michaelk
I liked it. My father always told me, "You never know how you're going to react in a situation until you're there."
I've always believed that to be true. Anyone can say they would dive on a grenade, but how many would have their hands in the middle of someone's back?
A provocative story with no clear cut ending. Well written. It took me a second read to understand what they were doing to each other in part one.
Brilliant flash fiction. Very well done.
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I liked it. My father always told me, "You never know how you're going to react in a situation until you're there."
I've always believed that to be true. Anyone can say they would dive on a grenade, but how many would have their hands in the middle of someone's back?
A provocative story with no clear cut ending. Well written. It took me a second read to understand what they were doing to each other in part one.
Brilliant flash fiction. Very well done.
Comment Written 24-Apr-2015
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
That was really good, Mikey, I am so pleased you continued with it. We never know what we would do in such dire circumstances, I know I would throw myself under a train to save my sons and grandchildren, without hesitation, but other than that, we wouldn't know unless we are placed in that situation. Brilliant story, my friend. :) sandra xsx
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That was really good, Mikey, I am so pleased you continued with it. We never know what we would do in such dire circumstances, I know I would throw myself under a train to save my sons and grandchildren, without hesitation, but other than that, we wouldn't know unless we are placed in that situation. Brilliant story, my friend. :) sandra xsx
Comment Written 24-Apr-2015
Comment from Deborah Marie
Well penned short story; I like the way you have it divided it into chapters - enhances presentation as does your photo. Thanks for sharing and God Bless, Deb
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Well penned short story; I like the way you have it divided it into chapters - enhances presentation as does your photo. Thanks for sharing and God Bless, Deb
Comment Written 23-Apr-2015
Comment from nelliesellie
Our heroes tend to be the dead. They can not verify the facts. I think there is no real heroes. They tend to be in a spot at the right time. They tend to help others live whether they intend to or not. Some of the living may not be that grateful. I think most of it is luck where war is concerned. Great work.
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Our heroes tend to be the dead. They can not verify the facts. I think there is no real heroes. They tend to be in a spot at the right time. They tend to help others live whether they intend to or not. Some of the living may not be that grateful. I think most of it is luck where war is concerned. Great work.
Comment Written 23-Apr-2015
Comment from jpduck
I thought this was a great concept. But I was puzzled by the rank-changing. In chapter one the narrator was a sergeant. In chapter two he had been elevated to general. In chapter three he had sunk to corporal. It all seems a little curious.
Adrian
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I thought this was a great concept. But I was puzzled by the rank-changing. In chapter one the narrator was a sergeant. In chapter two he had been elevated to general. In chapter three he had sunk to corporal. It all seems a little curious.
Adrian
Comment Written 23-Apr-2015
Comment from lancellot
Very interesting way you gave us different views and an open ending. What makes one man a real hero? I think you wrote it. Self sacrifice in the face of danger for others. Well done.
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Very interesting way you gave us different views and an open ending. What makes one man a real hero? I think you wrote it. Self sacrifice in the face of danger for others. Well done.
Comment Written 23-Apr-2015
Comment from CR Delport
I think Sergeant Randall dove on the second grenade and saved the guy in the wheelchair showing him that he is not a coward but the guy in the wheelchair is for not living and appreciating that he lived. Good job and well done.
Take care.
Christelle.
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I think Sergeant Randall dove on the second grenade and saved the guy in the wheelchair showing him that he is not a coward but the guy in the wheelchair is for not living and appreciating that he lived. Good job and well done.
Take care.
Christelle.
Comment Written 23-Apr-2015
Comment from Dean Kuch
Heroes didn't leap tall buildings or stop bullets with an outstretched hand; they didn't wear boots and capes. They bled, and they bruised, and their superpowers were as simple as listening, or loving. Heroes were ordinary people who knew that even if their own lives were impossibly knotted, they could untangle someone else's. And maybe that one act could lead someone to rescue you right back.
The truth is that the heroism of your childhood entertainments was not true valor. It was theatre. The grand gesture, the moment of choice, the mortal danger, the external foe, the climactic battle whose outcome resolves all--all designed to appear heroic, to excite and gratify and audience. Gentlemen, welcome to the world of reality -- there is no audience. No one to applaud, to admire. No one to see you. Do you understand? Here is the truth -- actual heroism receives no ovation, entertains no one. No one queues up to see it. No one's really interested.
This was an excellent, gut-wrenching story with many facets of feeling, Mikey. I especially enjoyed the open-ended climax. A smart move leaving the outcome up to the reader. It generates great "audience participation."
Great story...~Dean
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Heroes didn't leap tall buildings or stop bullets with an outstretched hand; they didn't wear boots and capes. They bled, and they bruised, and their superpowers were as simple as listening, or loving. Heroes were ordinary people who knew that even if their own lives were impossibly knotted, they could untangle someone else's. And maybe that one act could lead someone to rescue you right back.
The truth is that the heroism of your childhood entertainments was not true valor. It was theatre. The grand gesture, the moment of choice, the mortal danger, the external foe, the climactic battle whose outcome resolves all--all designed to appear heroic, to excite and gratify and audience. Gentlemen, welcome to the world of reality -- there is no audience. No one to applaud, to admire. No one to see you. Do you understand? Here is the truth -- actual heroism receives no ovation, entertains no one. No one queues up to see it. No one's really interested.
This was an excellent, gut-wrenching story with many facets of feeling, Mikey. I especially enjoyed the open-ended climax. A smart move leaving the outcome up to the reader. It generates great "audience participation."
Great story...~Dean
Comment Written 22-Apr-2015