There was a fireplace in my old bedroom, or rather, an empty space where a fireplace used to be. Except that the empty space had now been filled by a blue-and-white chest of drawers. Every night, I’d wait until the grown-ups were asleep and then I’d move them. Because only I knew that behind that chest of drawers was not an empty space at all, but a secret staircase behind a hidden door.
At the bottom of the staircase was an old curiosity shop shaped like a cat. On his collar hung a sign which read ‘If you are a dreamer, come in.’ Then all you had to do was tickle his nose, and he would open his mouth wide so you could enter. Inside were many wonders, greatest of all being a feeling of comfort, and of absolute protection from the world outside.
Written for dVerse
Tonight, Lillian is hosting Prosery, and has asked us to incorporate the line ‘If you are a dreamer, come in’ from Shel Silverstein’s poem ‘Invitation’ into a short prose piece of 144 words or less. This story is based on a recurring dream I had as a child, where the cat/curiosity shop took the form of Bagpuss (pictured.) It was tough to condense this dream into a 144-word flash fiction!
And if you’ve never seen Bagpuss, or fancy a trip down memory lane, you’re in for a treat:
Oh my….I love your dream, how you’ve recounted it here and used Silverstein’s line….and I’m currently engrossed in the video. So very very sweet! I shall share it with my grandchildren.
Oh that we could always have a secret place to take comfort and hide away 🙂 Shall go on to other posts etc but will definitely come back to finish the sweet video! Thank you so much for sharing!
Thanks Lillian: it was a childhood favourite 😊
I love anything by Oliver Postgate and used to watch Bagpuss with Ellen when she was little. I also love the idea of having a secret staircase in my room, with an old curiosity shop. I lovely story, and thanks for the Bagpuss episode, Ingrid! Those mouse voices are so cute!
Thanks Kim – I was a big fan of the show too! Interesting how I conflated the curiosity shop and the cat in my dream!
loving the bagpuss pics.the woodpecker always freaked me out as a child. loved the prose about dreams.
Judging by the comments, Bagpuss is very much a British phenomenon!
I dont think it traveled well
I love the way the story grows, becoming more imaginative as it moves along, making me wonder what will happen next. How interesting that you had this recurring dream, Ingrid….AND that you still remember it!
Thank you Mish. Yes, it seems this one has stuck for whatever reason!
I did not grow up with those stories… sometimes I feel a bit lost with references, but then some of mine would probably make you at a loss. Love the dreamy atmosphere, and have such a safe place. I actually wish for one as a grown up as well.
I think this show was only popular in Britain. I also wish for that safe space, and sometimes I find it!
What a marvelous story and a blessing she had such a safe place to go. Never saw that TV show but as a kid I would have loved watching it.
Thanks Lisa 😊
You’re very welcome!
I never heard of the show, but I’m sure my daughters would have loved it. It’s funny how you dreamt about a Bagpuss shop.
Strange indeed! The show seems to be a British phenomenon. It was very popular there when I was a little girl!
I guess the children’s programs didn’t get exported much.
Unfamiliar to me as well, but the story is very creative and enjoyable.
Thank you Beverly 😊
Great post!
Although I now have ‘The Mending Song’ stuck in my head!
Thanks for that… 😂😉🖤
There’s nothing wrong with that 🤣
🤣🤣🖤
My kind of story. Luv it
Happy Monday
Much💛love
Thanks Gillena 🙏
The fantastical elements in this are wonderful.
Thank you Carol 😊
Shades of Narnia, and specks of Alice’s Looking Glass for me. A fun and surreal tale, that leaves me warm and fuzzy.
Thanks Glenn, pleased you felt the warmth 😊
I love your chidlhood dream Ingrid and this great share of Bagpuss that put a smile om my face! thanks for sharing it! 💖
I’m glad it made you smile Cindy 😊
a wonderful one to share with my grand cat lol
😺😹
Sounds like a show I would have watched! Entering a cat’s mouth is quite a journey! Love the expression on the cat in your image! 😍
Notice how I didn’t mention the exit 😂 I don’t remember that part…
Under the stairwell is so often a magical place, and this one is no exception with it’s cat-shaped shop that we’re all eager to go in and explore. Love the narrative voice as it’s something my two littles would enjoy very much.
Thanks, I’m sure they would 😊
A perfectly well written enchanting dream! Loved it!
Thank you Susan 🙏
This is captivating Ingrid. Heart warming and wonderfully fantastical. Excellent writing my friend.
Thanks Rob!
Love your story of a child’s fantasy safe zone! A very creative use of the prompt. Love the big cat!
He’s a British children’s classic 😊
:>)
Wow, Ingrid – you really captured a child’s imagination so well! This could have come out of my daughter’s mind!
<3
David
Just memories really, thanks David.
I think every child has that secret place. Probably most adults, too, though they keep it very well hidden. (K)
True!
This is wonderful, Ingrid! I would keep that as a secret, too 🙂
Thank you Dale, I’m glad you enjoyed this!
🙂
This is so imaginative and delightful Ingrid!
Thank you Linda!
what a creative magical story, love it!
Thanks Kate 😊
my pleasure Ingrid!