I thought about the many places in fiction that might suit the topic, but there was this link and I reflexively pressed it, and I couldn't resist this place.
Rottingdean Wishing Stone (Wishbringer)
Deirdre M. Murphy
G-D Diatonic Autoharp
G D A7 D
There is a fence for wishing if you’ll travel that far
G D A7
Though you’ve got to be careful don’t get smashed by a car
G D A7 D
You may wish for wisdom or hope for true love
G D A7 D G7dim
But don’t dare ask for money or smash the foxglove
G7dim
Touch the stone on the nose
D
With your right forefinger
G7dim
Close your eyes and spin thrice
D
And you mustn’t linger
G7dim
If you do it just right, it just might
D
Be your wish bringer!
G D A7 D
The fence is in England at Kipling’s old home
G D A7
Did he wish for adventure? or to pen a grand tome?
G D A7 D
He left, wanting quiet, his fame grown too wide
G D A7 D G7dim
But this odd stone remains on the old fence, outside
Chorus
G D A7 D
What would I wish for, if I traveled there?
G D A7
Peace for the world? or just thicker hair?
G D A7 D
I’d rather have peace, or a world health breakthrough
G D A7 D G7dim
But I think smaller dreams are more like to come true
Chorus
Copyright ©2022 Deirdre M Murphy (2/19/2022) #skirmish, #S021922a , #uniqueplace #folk
https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/rottingdean-wishing-stone
@nancycunning Feb 2022
I hope you've already written a song called Diatonic Autoharp - what a beautiful set of syllables.
I love the idea of just finding a place at random and letting it lead you where it takes you. Like rubbing the lamp and asking Aladdin, "Well, what do you recommend?"
That wish for thicker hair, reminded me that a friend and I wished for long hair as a test of Santa's existence.
And I love that conclusion, I think smaller dreams are more like to come true.
Great speed write.
@chroes Feb 2022
That's a sweet song! I love the juxtapositions of the wishes you describe, such sweet dilemma! :)
@moonraccoon Feb 2022
I love the (multi-plectrum?) ascending build that opens the song, and re-presents throughout--such a dramatic effect, it feels like rock'n'roll.
The recipe for magic in the chorus is delightful.
@crutherford Feb 2022
love the runs after the chorus
i also love that you chose an atlas obscura reference!
the chorus is delightful! it's the how to guide for the wishing stone.
this was so whimsical! i love whimsy!
@jwhanberry Feb 2022
Like I told you, I love the flourishes on the harp. This is a well told story about a strange place with strange customs. Nice job.
@kenmattsson Feb 2022
Really cool how you weaved all the different parts of this very weird custom into the story. I saw the lyrics before the article, and was thinking it was strange until I ready the article. Nice skirmish.
@mandolinda Feb 2022
Such an interesting song. I really like the autoharp . My sister has one and plays ok, not as well as you. Fun sounds and great lyrics together makes this song a favorite. #tit4tat
@ductapeguy Feb 2022
If this fence didn't exist, you would have to make it up. I'm sure glad you made up this song about it. Your autoharp sounds beautiful.
@kevinmason Feb 2022
This is cool, partly because it seems like this is a place you haven't actually been. I love the speculative writing about a unique and special place. It feels so relatable, since who of us hasn't sat and daydreamed about going somewhere they haven't been? This is fun to listen to!