Here's a writing prompt that you can use to start writing today. Instead of just a photo prompt, this one incorporates both a visual image and a phrase.
Study the picture and then begin writing using the phrase she was stronger than she thought. I've made the picture extra-large so you can see more detail. You can completely ignore the many items in the photo if you like and use only the words. The phrase is more important. The details in the picture might be of some further inspiration. The more you look at the picture, the more you see.
Give it a go and see what comes from your creative mind. Write a paragraph, a story, or a poem. Maybe even a personal essay. Your choice. I'd love to see the results but the comments section will only take a small word count.
Have fun with this one!
I was only 13 years old.
ReplyDeleteMrs. Fischoff, the Holocaust survivor who was hosting me, stepped up to the subway door, and then stepped off. Assuming I was behind her, suddenly, she stepped out of the car, the door slammed shut, and the train took off, leaving me in a strange city all alone.
Astonished, I didn't know what to do.
Fortunately, a kind woman who saw what happened came to my rescue. She said, "Little girl, we'll go to the next stop together, and then we'll get out and wait for your friend to find us.
I was terrified, as my mother had taught me not to speak with strangers. Frightened, I stood silently beside her in the station, not knowing what else to do. I had no other option.
The train rattled on and stopped at the next station, and the lady told me to stay by her side.
Within minutes after we stepped out, Mrs. Fischoff, who was also frightened, showed up.
Both of us were incredibly relieved when we saw each other.
That evening, Mrs. Fischoff told me that if one is lost, it is best to get off at the next station and wait for the other person.
I took a deep sigh of relief, knowing that if something happened again, then I would know what to do.
In retrospect, I am extremely grateful that our society, from native-born to immigrants, has trustworthy people who are willing to take the time to help us.
As it turned out, my time with the Fischoffs in New York City was one of the most valuable experiences of my young life. They sensitized me forever to the plight of refugees.
Back in their apartment, both Mr. and Mrs. Fischoff talked with me incessantly about their experiences in Hitler's Germany. At one point, he rolled up his shirt sleeve to show me the brand marks emblazoned on his arms in the concentration camps. "That is why," he said, "I wear long sleeves year round."
In the week that followed, I had many conversations with the Fischoffs. Their suffering impacted me profoundly.
To this day, 6o years after our visit, I am sympathetic to refugees' concerns because of my firsthand experiences with this incredible couple.
A few days later, the Fischoffs put me on the train to return to Harrisburg where my parents were scheduled to meet me.
Though I came back as the same girl they sent, during my time with the Fischoffs I had become a young woman whose heart had been sensitized forever.
This is a lovely personal essay. Thanks for sharing it.
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