Preparedness
In the boat on the way there I knew we'd see something spectacular, and was prepared.
When the glacier dropped large pieces of ice into the Arctic ocean and sent a long wave at us, I screamed and screamed.
My parents had their backs to the glacier and missed everything.
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Author's Note
From a trip to Svalbard in the Arctic.
First posted in Kaffe in Katmandu.
Other stories by Berit Ellingsen
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this is great. and anything with "svalbard" in it gets my nod. you nordic kids! grownups just tend to miss stuff. because, as kids, they had it all, perhaps. or perhaps because they've stopped looking. or perhaps because they're too prepared for the wrong things.
I agree. Looking at friends who have babies or young children, parents are prepared for the wrong things and they keep their eyes on their children more than anything else. I guess when you are a parent, that never goes away no matter how old the child becomes.
If you ever have the chance to go to Svalbard, take it. It will be worth it.
Simple and succinct. Nicely done.
Thank you, Susan!
Scandinavians tend to be composed. I find it difficult to scream in most situations. ;)
wonderful brevity.
Thank you so much for the kind comment!
I've always been haunted by the missed moment. Really like what you do in the closing here, Berit. Nice work.
Kids never miss a thing. I love this.
Oh, yes. I like this very much. How tight and image driven it is. I agree with Sam about the haunting "missed moment" at work in this piece. Really good writing. *
This is cinematic. Small and marvelous.
Love the last line. Small piece with big punch. Funny how much you can miss if you turn your back for only a moment.