Photography | “Site or Sight” | Sandi’s October Prompt

A Sight for Sore Eyes

October Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Site or Sight”

An odd expression to convey delight.

When I was a teenager, I had a cool older friend that was a blast to hang out with. People told me he had a mad crush on me, but he was like a protective big brother, and we never made it beyond the friendship zone. One summer, I met him at the park. When he saw me, he sighed and said,

“Wow — you’re a sight for sore eyes.”

I replied, “What the hell does that mean?” I didn’t understand, but I took it as an insult. He tried to explain, but I was upset because I was pissed at him for being late. “What the hell? Do I make your eyes sore? Well, I’m getting sore waiting around. You’re late.”

He laughed (which pissed me off more) and shook his head, “Never mind. Forget I said anything.” It looked like he had a rough day.

Now I know — that he meant it as a compliment, but I still think it’s a strange expression.

When I was looking through photos for this challenge, I saw this one. It was taken when my life partner and our son were on a tropical family vacation a few years ago. The view of the ocean on the quiet beach site, the image of our young son looking at the sailboats, and the sunshine of that day are, indeed — a sight for sore eyes.

Cite— The idiomatic phrase a sight for sore eyes derives from the 18th century, originally appearing in print in Jonathan Swift’s “A Complete Collection of Genteel and Ingenious Conversation” in 1738, “The Sight of you is good for sore Eyes.” Here, it’s used to suggest that the appearance of someone is a welcome relief.

We’re open for submissions and invite you to submit to the current October Challenge “Site or Sight” this month, led by the wonderful Sandi Parsons. Can you tell a story in six words encompassing “Site or Sight” (or cite or maybe all three if you’re for it?) inspired by a photo taken by yourself? Deadline is NOON, Tuesday, October 31, 2023, Pacific Standard Time. Full details and rules are below.

Note: To be added as a writer to this publication, please visit the submission guidelines. Gratitude to my amazing co-editors, Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles, and Sandi Parsons.

Remember to stay tuned for the October “Site or Sight” Conclusion, which Sandi Parsons will publish on November 1st— it will feature the Editors’ Top Picks for the October Challenge and freestyle stories.

Promoting this publication by tagging current, past, and new writers to participate in this prompt. If you wish to be removed from this list, please let me know in the comments or send me a private note.

Lastly, we’re super busy with our day jobs and unexpected life stuff this month, so there may be delays in responding to and publishing submissions. Thank you for your patience and understanding. My apologies if I sound blunt or straight to the point when I’m sending private notes on your stories — I’m trying to save time. Friendly reminder: Please submit good-quality photos. Photos that are low resolution or don’t have a strong connection to the story may be declined.

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About the writer

Mary Chang is a writer, creator, and editor of the Six Word Photo Story Challenge publication.