Ovis and Aries – A Very Short Story; Thursday Doors Writing Challenge

Posted bySuzette BenjaminPosted inPoetry, Short StoriesTags:
Image credit: © Dan Antion

A Very Short Story (A fictional tale)

*


Ovis and Aries bickered, accusing each other regarding their present hemmed-in state for eons now, it seemed.

“It was your fault,” Ovis said, pouting, her nose poking through the magical portal.

Aries chided his sister. “No, it was your idea, aka mistake, that got us banished to this stone pen, this backwater of… God knows where.”

“Well, our little mistake has put us in this predicament. Yes, yes, those humans look happy… unlike us!” Aries continued, his voice quivered with an irritating tone, replying in advance to what he knew his sister Ovis was about to say…as she did every day at this time.

“Look… look at them,” said Ovis, pointing her wool-tufted nose longingly at the happy folks enjoying a day out at a farm’s tourist attraction.

“Don’t they look happy? We are here stuck until Odin-Fire sees fit to release us..to our fate. And you know how that will go.. right?”

Just then…

A husband and wife touring the farm’s grounds approached the two, Ovis and Aries, standing on the other side of the locked sheep gate.

The husband and wife pair looked with deep compassion upon the two sheep behind the locked sheep gate, and then the husband and wife continued on their tour.

But…

Suddenly and to their surprise, the binding magic that locked the gate to their (Ovis and Aries) eons-long prison fashioned to the human eye as an unassuming gate to a sheep enclosure opened unaided…on its own!

Ovis and Aries could not believe their luck!. The brother and sister jettisoned to the other side of the sheep gate, immediately regaining their true form and seraphim wings.

“Well,” said Aries, soaring into the third heavens alongside his sister Ovis, their collective wingspans blending with the heavily clouded midday sky,

“I guess Odin-Fire was right. We have a thing or two to learn from humans. We were doomed to remain in that state, appearing as sheep, unless: a) Odin-Fire relinquished his anger at our little mistake at Carthage, or b) until we were released by a human being’s greatest key, the emotion of compassion.”

~The End?

For Dan Antion’s ThursdayDoors Annual Writing Challenge (#TDWC)

Published by Suzette Benjamin

Positive thinker, inspirational, writer, faith

44 thoughts on “Ovis and Aries – A Very Short Story; Thursday Doors Writing Challenge”

  3. Such a lovely tale! I adore the names—Ovis with her proud genus title and Aries, the gentle domesticated one. I felt their sadness being penned in, yet there’s that deep longing to belong—not hidden away, but truly seen.

    The storyteller captures something so true: some humans, through their deep compassion, become like angels, opening doors—portals of possibility—for those who’ve forgotten they had wings.

    The image of them taking flight, woolly feathers mingling with clouds, is just beautiful. Compassion truly sets us free. And yes, maybe it’s time we all let go of the anger.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Oh, you have captured and encapsulated the sentiments and premis of the plot with great wisdom and heart
      I love your entire reflection. Your points that there are those so full of compassion that their very existence reminds ones that have forgotten “that they have wings”.. Superb and very true.
      Amen to the freedom that comes from compassion gift of letting go.

      A beautiful meditation on the story.

      P.S. Well spotted that Ovis and Aries are the taxonomy ascribed to classifying sheep.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Well, dear Poet, I found myself researching their names just to better shape my thoughts and feelings—about angels, humans, portals, and the sheep who carry the key to the cathedral of Compassion.

        I absolutely loved the dialogue between the siblings—unforgiving, yet still clinging to each other; hoping for the best, even while speaking doubt over blessings. And their reflections on humans were especially striking.

        Indeed, sheep are angels too—when they find their way.

        Thank you too, for sharing this moving short story, that provokes deep conversation.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Thank you for taking the time to research the finer points of the character’s name. I am delighted that you found good purchase in that activity. Research is so find ( I find).

        The bond between the Ovis and Aries is strong, you are right “clinging to each other.”
        I love your point that ‘sheep are angels when they find their way’…brilliant and poignant.

        I appreciate your deep reflections on the story. You are most generous in your support. I am grateful.

        Liked by 1 person

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  5. I am honored to have provided the door that inspired this story, Suzette – I love it! The sibling bickering was well done, as was the family bond that gives them strength. The message about compassion was a perfect ending, although, as the question mark indicates, I’m not sure the story is over. Despite the names and the hints, I was pleasantly surprised at the ending. Well done!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. So glad you enjoyed the story Dan. Thank you for your excellent photo for inspiration.

      Regarding the ending, question mark, one never knows whether a story may have other “lives.” Maybe, perhaps Ovis and Aries may…may..kinda sorta.. resurface in the future, eh?

      Have a great day and long weekend. Cheers

      Liked by 1 person

  8. A wonderful story, Suzette! The dialogue between the two siblings is very impressive. And names of characters, as usual, are unique.

    Liked by 1 person

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