(A flash fiction piece prompted by carrot ranch. The theme for this prompt is solstice, and I used the occasion of this summer solstice to bring up the subject of self preservation. Link below.)
https://carrotranch.com/2021/06/19/june-18-flash-fiction-challenge-3/
As the wheel of the year once again reached its midpoint of light’s apex and increasing darkness, humanity stood at a precipice. Going forward on its current path meant certain destruction. Turning in either direction was safer but still treacherously close to the same steep edge. Reversing away from the precipice was the safest option, but counter to the prevailing forward inertia.
At the earthly turning point the instinct for group preservation fought against the forces of self enrichment. And those attempting to save humanity tried to get across that when at the precipice, progress is a step backward.
©2021 Robert Kirkendall
Robert Kirkendall 
It’s the winter solstice where I am.
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That’s right! A happy winter solstice to you ❄️
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What a treacherous balance, self growth or preservation of the whole. Generational traumas are common and cling tight to large groups, only those focused on self healing can help the whole to grow. We can only hope those we love follow along and break away too.
Wonderful take on the prompt Robert.
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Thank you, Rebecca! And your comment is spot on.
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Can’t improve on what Rebecca said, Robert. Well done.
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Thank you, Doug! Rebecca hit the nail right on the head.
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Yep, Rebecca’s take on Robert’s take.
It sure is hard reversing that forward “progress”, you wrote it well.
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Thank you, just hope we turn the ship around in time before we go over the waterfall.
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I like that – when at the precipice, progress is a step backward. Contemplation required.
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I first heard that bit of wisdom from former Northern California congressman Dan Hamburg over two decades ago and it’s stuck with me ever since.
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When they make meaning, they stick. 🙂
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Such a wise analogy. Your story expresses the power of literary art to make a point in 99 words that reports and data cannot do.
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Thank you, Charli! I wasn’t sure if I had hit the mark or not.
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