“I thought you were a dolphin, man.” Garrett’s eyeballs scraped as he opened his heavy lids.
“I’ll take that as a compliment.” Eric took his pulse again.
Garrett clutched at the wet sand, choking and spewing more seawater.
“Lay still a few more minutes.” Eric slowly pushed him back. “The ocean and heroin aren’t a good mix.”
Garrett’s head jerked up.
“It’s not rocket science.” Eric pointed at the fresh track marks.
“Guess not.”
“Your body has struggled for life.”
“Mahalo, mahalo.” Garrett knew he came close to dying out there, and would have if the dolphin hadn’t saved him.
“Give your spirit a chance to catch up.”
.
_________
Beauty of the World: In this series I use an “untranslatable word” in a story. These wonderful words capture the beauty of languages around the world.
.
Untranslatable Word:
Mahalo (Hawaiian, n., v.): thanks, gratitude, admiration, praise, respect.
.
_________
For more wonderfully untranslatable words, see:
- Untranslatable Words, by Tim Lomas, PhD.
- Lost in Translation: An Illustrated Compendium of Untranslatable Words, by Ella Frances Sanders
.
I’m enjoying these words (and their context) Danica!
PS. I’ve just opened another blog for non-music (or perhaps, more accurately, “not-entirely-and-completely-music) writing. It’s called Lonely Keyboards.
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I’m happy you’re enjoying them, Bruce! The words are fun for me to discover and I enjoy the short stories that unfold around them.
Wow, your writing is wonderful! I’m so glad you opened another blog to feature your stories. I’m looking forward to a lot more!
Please visit Bruce’s new blog LONELY KEYBOARDS for wonderfully written stories, including fiction and memoir (so far).
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Thank you very much Danica, for the encouragement and support. Don’t quite know how two blogs will work, but time to branch out a bit!
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It’s an exciting time! Based on the stories I’ve read it’s definitely a good decision.
I know of bloggers who run multiple blogs, so while it may be more time consuming it can be done.
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Might just have to give up work. 🙂
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Haha, yes. 🙂
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This works beautifully. These are like finely carved cameos.
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Thanks so much, Rob. Your compliment means a lot to me. 🙂
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You’re welcome, Danica.
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Mahalo, indeed!
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Absolutely! 🙂
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Interesting how you chose to use mahalo, Danica. Very creative! 🏖🌅
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Thank you, Robin! I appreciate your generous feedback. 🙂
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Rad 1st line!
When I’m working on fiction, Th First Line usually strikes me hallway thro, or towards th end of working on th draft, or not at all!
I remain – as always – in awe of A Beautiful Life
Many thanks, Danica
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Thanks, Brad!
Yes, first lines can happen that way… same with last lines. Not at all happens too!
Thanks so much for your kindness. I appreciate it, always, Brad.
How’s your artwork coming?
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Not at all happens? too?!
Surely not Not! 😉
Taken a break from th art – might get back into it this weekend?
Cheers!
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