This painting by Harald Slott-Moller is one I find absolutely intriguing. The girl sits with her bare feet at the water’s edge, a crown of flowers on her head, and an expression on her face I would describe as mournful, but it could be simply thoughtfull. A flock of birds that look like mainly blackbirds (except that blackbirds don’t flock) fill the bare trees around her. The title of the painting is Spring. That may be the title, but it seems to me there is a long story behind this sad-looking girl. Is she drawing the birds to her, or are they there to give her a message? Is she an allegory of spring? Then why does she look so sad? The landscape is broad and flat, like salt marshes with the sea in the distance. What is she doing in such an isolated spot?
If you would like a few prompt words:
Spring, sorrow, silence, solitary, submerge
No obligation to use the words if they’re not appropriate. Write a short story about this scene and post the link to your post in the comments box before next Thursday. I’m looking forward to reading what you make of this one.
Jane Dougherty Writes 
Fascinating picture but six birds are not blackbirds and we can’t be certain if those in flight are blackbirds. To me she looks like the artists apparition I suspect a lost loved one but I wait with interest to read what others have to say.
Sounds like a reasonable hypothesis to me. Why not write her story, Kersten? By all means ignore the blackbirds if you like 🙂
Another great picture. You’re right, there’s definitely a story. I’m not sure mine is the right one, but here you go:
https://fmmewritespoems.wordpress.com/2016/09/16/microfiction-for-jane-dougherty-spring
series of haiku from me, Jane 🙂
https://ladyleemanila.wordpress.com/2016/09/16/microfiction-challenge-14-spring/
Hi Jane, have a good weekend. Here are my thoughts:
https://summerstommy.com/2016/09/17/microfiction-spring-darcy/
Thanks Michael 🙂
Not a happy tale: https://phylor.wordpress.com/2016/09/17/brita-in-the-spring/ but a stand-alone. Not sure I got the story out quite right.
There seems to be so much to this painting. Maybe this is part of it. Comment away. 🙂 https://merrildsmith.wordpress.com/2016/09/18/she-waits-microfiction/
A boon to those she “serves”
https://rivrvlogr.wordpress.com/2016/09/18/maiden-of-the-tides/
I think you know this house…
https://methodtwomadness.wordpress.com/2016/09/19/postcard-fiction-what-she-saw-part-2/
The story of Henry and Hannah continues…unapologetically over word count, but I did manage to incorporate the painting. 🙂 – Kat
https://kmmyrman.wordpress.com/2016/09/21/seasoning-part-11/