Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Ding-Dong (05/16/13)
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TITLE: Hear My Bell | Previous Challenge Entry
By Brenda Rice
05/21/13 -
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Ding! Ding! Ding! The stillness of a winter’s night was broken by the high, tenor bell as it sent out a distress signal. Someone was in trouble in the harbor or beyond, in the Atlantic Ocean. Dark, frosty windows lit up the little fishing village. Within minutes, rescue boats roared away into the blackness. My bell grew silent again.
Dong! Dong! Dong! Shopkeepers rushed out of their shops to investigate. Dark smoke billowed over the village. Firefighters rushed to the station; soon sirens replaced the urgent, deep voice of my bell.
I’ve been a part of this picturesque village for almost 100 years. Yes, I’m old. But I have experience…maybe I should call it, wisdom. I know stuff about a lot of people, but I’m not talking.
Ding-dong! It’s Sunday morning and my bell awakens the villagers early, giving them plenty of time to get ready to worship.
Mystic Harbor Christian Church was founded in the late 1800s, and it’s the only church in town. The building wasn’t built until 1912 or 1913. There’s some speculation about the exact date. I’m the only one here old enough to settle that issue, but I’m not talking.
My bell arrived in Mystic Harbor in 1915 from a foundry in Pittsburg. It was so heavy it took two weeks to get it installed. Several teams of draft horses were used to pull the bell up the incline to the church, and raise it to its lofty location in my steeple.
Oh, hear my bell? It’s good news! Marla & Wade Epperson‘s baby was delivered this morning by Miss Zona Hall. Zona has delivered all the babies here for the last 25 years. She has heard my old bell ring out its happy message many times.
I especially like Christmas. My bell goes crazy starting on Christmas Eve right after the mid-night service, going all the way until noon on Christmas day.
At noon, the villagers gather to share gifts with one another. The gifts are home-made such as jellies or jams, crocheted items, seashell dolls or slingshots. But each year, everyone acts as if they have never received a more wonderful gift.
Yep, that’s my favorite time for my bell to send out a message.
Weddings are special in Mystic Harbor, too. Since everyone knows everyone else, they are family affairs. My bell begins singing in its clear, tenor voice about an hour before the ceremony and stops when the bride starts down the aisle.
From my viewpoint, I can usually tell if a couple is ready for marriage.
There is no bell tone for the marriages that end in divorce. But it is always a sad time in the village, because two families are hurt. That can affect a large number of people, who may be married into one of the couple’s families.
One amazing thing about Mystic Harbor is the way they pull together, even in difficult situations like divorce. Living separated lives or holding grudges is impossible in the tiny village. Their livelihood depends on them working together.
So, the families come to the church and pray together. When they leave, unity has been restored.
Not everyone knows about these meetings. But I do, and I’m not talking.
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I especially loved the line with the "I'm not telling" That was just very nicely done.
Lovely piece and good pacing. I enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing!