I was contemplating what sort of post (and if, in fact, I would do a flash fiction inspirational post this week in favor of some other inspirational/contemplative idea) to do this week when the lyrics to John Lennon’s “Imagine” popped into my head.
It led to a story that is about 935 words and hopefully will supply some food for thought.
John Lennon
John Lennon. He was assassinated a year after I was born. I have always had an admiration for him. Perhaps it’s because “he’s a dreamer” and just wanted some peace in this world.
I’ll be honest: part of why I meditate so much is because I so often feel and wear the emotions of the world, my community, those around me, and those closest to me. I had an encounter with someone recently that I’ve known for years and it did not go well.
Days after the fact, I still felt the emotion of that encounter. Interactions – especially negative ones – affect me deeply: they affect my sleep, my thoughts, my waking life, my thoughts, and even the things I create.
It’s written into my DNA to be sensitive, to want a peaceful world, to shy away from conflict at all costs. Honestly, I go through the world rather wounded and occasionally wonder just how this “blessed curse” can have any positives. Perhaps I am a “delicate snowflake.” You know what? I own that. I crave, need, want, expect, hope, and embrace peace in the world.
Before I start the story that Mr. Lennon’s line “imagine there’s no countries” inspired, I want to share his “Imagine” video – it’s such a perfect reflection of my worldview and thoughts about life:
Imagine There’s No Countries – A Flash Fiction Story
The ambassador sat in the back of her stretched limo. She had protested against riding in a motorcade to the museum, but country leaders had insisted, citing heightened security alerts. There were probably ten cars in all, with hers right in the middle. It was virtually indestructible.
She wasn’t sure if an entire motorcade helped or hindered traffic, but given that she was at a standstill in a sea of cars, her anxiety began to grow. They were still over a mile away. People honked and gestured from their cars. No one could move.
The Meeting of All Nations would begin in 30 minutes, but Mabryn was the one who had been the force behind making it all happen. Years of talks. Years of negotiations. Her tireless efforts had convinced the world leaders of 194 countries to effectively dissolve their borders. There was just one more: the one country with a military and armament budget that exceeded the next ten countries combined.
Finally, under pressure from all other world leaders, the last country agreed to sign the historic peace treaty, on two conditions: that the leaders of all nations convene at the National Building Museum and that each former country remain a sovereign state while becoming part of the Global Federation of Nations.
The ambassador glanced around. She’d worn her signature attire: a glimmering shawl over a faux suede purple pantsuit. Purple was her lucky color. She wondered whether it would be smarter to abandon her motorcade and to walk the last mile, or just to wait.
“I’m getting out. We don’t have time for this,” Mabryn announced.
“But Ma’am,” the driver protested. She was already out the door running across the street, into a patch of mulch and grass at a small park. Her security entourage tried to call her back, but this meeting was too important. It meant a path to world peace.
She could see the museum in the distance and almost welcomed having to run this last stretch to get there. She’d learned to control her nerves long ago, but this would help dissipate any pent-up energy that might arise before she got there.
She passed old historic buildings and increasing traffic congestion. A quick glance behind revealed a group of well-suited men and women running on foot to keep pace with her: the security detail.
She arrived at a busy intersection with hundreds of cars waiting to turn, merge, or otherwise speed through. She smelled exhaust and sighed. Perhaps her next great feat would be to convince world leaders that driverless solar cars would ignite a surging, but balanced economy.
The pedestrian walk button signaled that it was time to cross. Almost there. Just a half mile to go. Before reaching the other side, she looked to her right at the stopped traffic. Before she understood why, instinct took over and she started running. A rogue car she hadn’t seen when she’d started to cross veered in her direction.
She picked up her pace, losing a shoe in the process. With about ten feet left before she got to the sidewalk, she leapt, hoping the vehicle wouldn’t have time to compensate. She felt the wind of the car at her feet. She sailed through the air, then landed along the gritty walkway. She rolled a few times. Everything went black.
The next thing she saw was the driver of her car holding her head. “Ma’am, are you all right?”
Mabryn nodded and blinked until her vision grew clear. “Help me get up.”
“Let our medic take a look at you. I think you should lie still.”
Mabryn looked at her watch. “That meeting starts in 15 minutes and I intend to be there. Do I make myself clear?”
Mabryn stood up with the assistance of her driver. All the others in her security detail arrived then. “Ma’am, this is why we wanted–”
“Save it.” Mabryn held her hand up. Looking at their shocked faces she smiled at them. “Do you want world peace or not?” They all stood motionless. “Well? Are you going to help me get to the museum or do I need to try to find a cape so I can finish flying over there?”
They all surrounded the ambassador as she continued her trek to the museum, with one of them putting Mabryn’s arm around his shoulders so she wouldn’t have to limp too badly without her left shoe.
A few minutes later, she found herself exactly in the middle of a long negotiation table in a grand meeting room. She addressed the delegation.
“Forgive my appearance. Just as people throughout history have met change with resistance, today is no different. But that was not going to stop me from being here in this historic moment. Today is the day that our world history changes forever. The first day when all nations set aside their country borders and agree to become a Global Federation of Nations. No longer are we separate countries trying to compete and survive, but from this moment forward we are all part of a world government with a common currency, and a common legal system. Now, we will witness equality for all, that honors individual cultures, diversity, and all people. No longer will some countries have so few resources that they struggle to survive but will be able to freely share and receive what is needed – with all. Everyone stands to benefit from the innovation, cooperation, and progress this treaty sets in motion. We will have a world that has a vested interest in not only surviving, but thriving as one human race.”
As a huge Beatles and John Lennon fan, I couldn’t help but smile so much this morning reading this and seeing his inspiration and imprint on this short story. Plus, now I have his famous song in my head this morning, which is never a bad thing, because we is and will always be one of my favorites. Plus, loved the motivation behind this tale as I am with you on this one and than some wishing and hoping for world peace more than I can even begin to explain. but still thank you for this and more. Many hugs once again this chilly, wintry Monday morning my friend <3 <3 <3
Sweet Janine – aww, I love it that you’re a Beatles fan! That makes two of us, hehe. He was a great inspiration. Imagine…what if the world were just as he sang? Sigh. We can all hope…and dream. 😉 So glad you came over to visit, sweet friend. Your comments always make me smile. They always leave me feeling so connected with the world. Sending you big hugs and wishes for a great week! xoxo
I actually know some people who are super patriots who say the world would come to an end if we ever abandoned nationalism and were all one under one flag. Note, I didn’t say I liked these people. LOL Loved the story….love Lennon….love love!
Hugs Lil Sis!
LOL, Big Bro. Sigh…nationalism. That right there. What we need is a good ol’ healthy dose of globalism. LOL. Ah, well. I’m glad you aren’t cahoots with the nationalists. I’d have to come wrap you in a peace flag. 😉 HAHA. Sending you big hugs, Big Bro. You MAKE ME SMILE!
I can’t ‘Imagine’ a Monday without some inspiration: Cynthia – style.
You have creatively developed one of my ‘top five’ all time songs – how odd that Mabryn reminds me of you… 🙂
And this is one of the coolest names I’ve heard in awhile.
Forgive my loose association but I am also humming my favorite Kirsty MacColl tune…!!!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISzoUdtMSH4
Happy, peaceful Monday hugs and love, Maria
Maria – what a sweet comment. 🙂 I went to the video and what a neat song. I bet it was in your head for awhile. Hehe. Now, I didn’t know that you had “Imagine” as a top five song, but that’s pretty neat! Love that and love you! The name Mabryn…you know I totally made it up. I was thinking of former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright – I loved her name and all that she accomplished while in that role. But I didn’t just want another common name…so I kept changing it until I came up with something I liked. 🙂
Happy Tuesday to you and here are wishes for a fantastic week! xoxo
I like your vision of the future Cynthia. And John Lennon’s music and values were decades ahead of your mass consciousness. May we remember the truth of our common humanity and choose love and cooperation.
Brad – aww, thank you! John Lennon was avant garde, wasn’t he? I just love what he tried to accomplish in this life. And writing this post led to some other ideas of things I’d like to explore surrounding this topic. I love what you said: “May we remember the truth of our common humanity” <– YES!! So often, if we just stop and think (and not react) we can get so much further. We all respond so well to love. Here’s to its cultivation more and more and more. 🙂
Cyndi, Maria emailed me with the link to this story. I’m so glad she did! I didn’t know you have your own blog.
John Lennon is one of my favorite artists and “Imagine” is my favorite Lennon song. The words speak to me in a very personal way. I love your story and I love the thought. If only……
SHA!!! WOWZA!! WELCOME! I hope you’re well. <3 So good to see you here. I’m slowly getting the word out about this here site. Hehe. I’m so grateful to Maria that she let you know about it and thank you for coming over.
That “Imagine” song is so powerful, isn’t it? Decades after he created it, people still listen. It’s going to be one of those that withstands the test of time, I think. He was so ahead of his time. I love that the words speak to you so. Thank you for your feedback and here’s to Peace. One. Day.
So enjoyed your vision of a New World United, no divisions.. And I adored John Lennon, and cried buckets when he died .. He dared to be different and speak up out of his heart and dream of Peace.. Imagine has always held a place in my heart… He I feel came to challenge our thinking, as he used his personality to show the world there was another way. And that Peace was possible.. IS Possible, if we Imagine it into BEing.
Like you I wound too easily, as my heart is often too open for its own good, So feel others hearts, and pain, and often had to step back to distinguish just whose pain I am feeling. Being so emphatic has its downs sides as well as good.
So I can so relate how a friend whom you had known years, affected you so.
Your descriptive style of writing is amazing, in that it takes you right into the action, as I visualised the scenes you had set.. Including the lost shoe and the vehicle speeding past, to the security team in black trying to keep up.
Amazing Write…
I do not know why you doubt yourself .. For this along with all else I have read is just so good..
Wishing you a continued Wonderful start to your New Year. And I know I still owe you an email.. 🙂 xxx Hugs my friend. Much LOVE
Sue xxx <3
Sweet Sue! Thank you for making me smile! A New World United. Just “Imagine!” Ah, sigh. He did dare to be different. He spoke up about peace and love and I just want to emulate that so much! Ah well…we each have our own path and have to approach it in the best way we know how. 🙂 I love, love that song. He did challenge our thinking. I always ponder the lyrics and the possibilities when I listen. The power of music. Peace is possible. You’re right: we need to BE it.
You are a kindred spirit, sweet friend! Sigh…sometimes I wish I didn’t wound so easily. Conflict is just so…difficult for me to deal with. I just want love, love, love! But, yes…I have to be careful with the news. I must stay informed, but I have to watch out…sometimes it can take only 30 seconds before I go on a tailspin of despair…I have to balance my need to be informed with the need to honor the need to function normally. But yes…it has its positives and that’s what I seek to focus on.
AS for the writing…hehe, you know, flash fiction I CAN do. This is actually really fun, doesn’t stress me, and I feel like I can spin a good story. It’s when they get longer with plots and subplots, rising actions, climaxes and resolutions with all the elements in place…then I start to get overwhelmed, but perhaps I’ll figure it out just by…writing more stories. 🙂 Thank you, from a humble heart, for your sweet compliment. Your words so encourage my heart to keep going. <3
I wish you a wonderful week, a wonderful January, and sending you so many hugs and light!! BIG HUGS!!
Such a beautiful image to hold in one’s heart. I’ve often dreamed this myself. No nation states. The structure of government would be of the utmost importance, in order to preclude autocracy. If everyone acted from a place of love in their hearts, all would be well. And I do believe it is possible.
I know the struggles of an empath, Cynthia, which is what your are. I wrote a post on this that you might be interested in ~ The Many Faces of Empathy https://tinafrisco.com/inspiration-2/empathy-empathic-vs-empath/. There are quite a few of us in this little blogging community of ours. It’s imperative we support each other. I sense that the empaths of the world will play a vital role in moving us into the Golden Age of Enlightenment we are now entering. Hugs to you, my friend ❤
Tina – Oh, I just love this response. I was giddy all day on Friday after having received it! Thank you for your sweet words and feedback. “If everyone acted from a place of love in their hears, all would be well.” <– EXACTLY. And I know I need to remember this even when I feel wounded by someone else to respond with the same kind of love that I’d expect. Much easier said than done – especially in light of your second paragraph: being an empath.
I’d often wondered if I fell into this category. The definition always seemed a bit “out of my parameters.” But I went over and read your post and now I think that perhaps I really am. I know for certain I am so sensitive that people have said this to me my entire life. In fact, my sweet husband remarked one day when I came home that, “you have to be THE most sensitive person I have ever, ever met.” Hehe. He meant it to be helpful in the context of a conversation. But yes…perhaps this explains it.
I love your third paragraph, too: there are quite a few of us. I am finding them and meeting them and my heart warms! The empaths of the world – this makes me smile. Forgive me, but I grew up when the Care Bears were popular and I’m imagining all of us lining up and beaming our special brand of love into the world to fend off any evil. Hehe. Sending you big hugs and thank you, THANK YOU for your sweet words! xoxo
So happy to be of service, Cynthia. It is difficult to keep one’s heart open when feeling wounded or angry or in despair. Yet my experience has taught me that it not only is possible, but also offers the greatest possibility for growth. Thank you for reading my post on empathy. Sending hugs and blessings, my friend ❤
Tina – sweet friend! Yes, this was helpful. 🙂 I just saw an article about how Sarah Silverman responded to a terrible troll on her Twitter feed with compassion and grace and effectively found out that he was just expressing his pain in unhealthy ways and got him help. <– That is how I would like to learn to respond to people who spew anger. To exercise compassion and grace despite all my own failings, for me, would mean that I have connected with myself beyond thought, but to the heart where nothing can rattle it and it only can respond to love. All this to say that I agree: keeping one’s heart open even when feeling wounded can offer the greatest possibility for growth. Sending hugs and blessings to you! <3 <3 <3
How wonderful of Sarah Silverman to respond with an open heart! Isn’t it a blessing to be able to transcend time and space and connect with like-minded souls across the globe? I’m so happy to have met you, dear Cynthia ❤
Tina – such wise words. Yes. To be able to respond with a calm heart – yes, that! And yes, it’s very much a blessing to connect across time and space with special souls, such as yourself. 🙂 Nice to have met you, too! Sending you big hugs. XOXO
It’s such a co-incidence…I am working on a story with an ‘Imagine’ title courtesy John Lennon’s track.
Loved your story, Cynthia and I cross my hands and whisper “Amen” with all my might!!
Ruchira – it’s wonderful to see you and I’m so psyched that this article resonated with you. Imagine – it’s all so catchy, isn’t it? I love Lennon’s work and what he stood for…
And AMEN❣️❣️❣️🕉🕉🕉