Finnegan’s Arch was once a grand declaration of the country’s triumph against the barbarians, portraying the resplendent heroes, and nymphs and spirits who gazed down upon all those who passed through.
Later, after more important wars had been won and lost, it became merely a meeting spot for secret lovers, every bare stretch of stone etched with their initials.
After the city had been ransacked, the arch was half crumbled and the heroes' names lost.
A millennium later, the intact frieze could be found in a museum in the land of the barbarians, trapped behind glass, its true history mangled.
Didn’t really feel like writing today, just felt a bit “under the weather” and napped for longer than intended in the afternoon. I thought I’d just stick to 100 words because I was writing it last minute, but at some point I’d like to do a more thoughtful piece on the history of a structure/item through the ages.
Hopefully I will do a chunky story over the weekend - I am getting rather bored of writing flash fiction!
What are your thoughts on Finnegan’s Arch? I’d love to hear what you think works and what doesn’t, or how it could be improved. I didn’t want to use yet another Roman name, even though I am clearly drawing on Roman ideas here - is it jarring to have an Irish name instead?
Liked this one and the idea of a building changing through time. Only thing I'd maybe change is this bit "Later, after more important wars had been won and lost" - felt a bit too summaryish.