Is what we’ve had several of this
week, sliver of a waning moon west of Venus. But oh so cold, and this morning
awakening to a dusting of snow.
There’s been some achingly
beautiful, achingly painful and achingly good writing this week too, much appreciated
as I’ve been busier than usual on other
projects.
My choice of winner is Terrie, but I confess I cannot
choose between episodes 42 or 43 of her ‘The Secret Armadillo Soldier (SAS)
Diaries’ - unfailingly pleasurable and stimulating.
Words
for next week: flex peter ravage
Entries
by midnight (GMT) Thursday February 7th,
words and winners posted Friday 8th
Usual rules: 100 words maximum
(excluding title) of flash fiction or poetry using all of the three words above
in the genres of horror, fantasy, science fiction or noir. Serialised fiction
is, as always, welcome. All variants and uses of the words and stems are fine.
Feel free to post links to your stories on Twitter or Facebook or whichever
social media you prefer.
Thank you so much for awarding me top spot for this week Sandra. The quality of entries last week was amazing. I never envy you the task of choosing a winner as they are always all so so good.
ReplyDeleteTerrie, congrats on the selection for last week, you've created a living, breathing world with believable characters. A well deserved selection.
ReplyDeleteTerrie's entry was SO worthy of the top spot last week. Congratulations, Terrie!
ReplyDeleteVery nicely done, Terrie. Like Sandra, I don't think I could have chosen between those two magnificent episodes either. So happy to see those delightful 'dillos back in action.
ReplyDeleteI AM
ReplyDeleteI am a fortress - Impregnable. I am rock - Unbreakable. I am steel - Unbendable. I am Genghis Kahn, Peter the Great, Hannibal and Vlad the Impaler Rolled into one invincible ruler Who controls a mighty empire. When I flex my muscles, masses bow And worship at my feet. Those who don’t, I unmercifully ravage. I conquer, I rule, I command, I dominate. I am all knowing and all powerful. No force will ever overpower Or subdue me. For I am –
“Henry! Get your fat ass down here this minute! You hear me?!” “Yes, Dear. I’ll be right there.”
Brilliant use of the prompt words. Cleverly built up imagery of an all powerful being so I was totally not expecting the twist of humour in final line. Made me smile.
DeleteSo sad ...
DeleteI apologize for the shoddy presentation of this entry. I don't know what happened.
DeleteMagnificent creativity and a masterful out-of-the-box grasp of the prompts is what happened...!!! Or are you referring to format?
DeleteThe format, Patricia.
DeleteThe henpecked master of his empire... very enjoyable read. Nicely set up.
DeleteNo need to apologize for a few minor mistakes. You wrote a very good story, used the prompts well and have a scene that all can identify with.
DeleteI love the glorious references and the high aspirations which only come crashing down thanks to the barked orders of what would appear to be one one of a virago. What an unexpected ending!
DeleteThe Secret Armadillo Soldier (SAS) Diaries - entry 44
ReplyDeleteAtlas flexed his muscles as Moloch’s gang followed their leader and charged across the space between them.
The viciousness of their movement was not lost on other patrons. As raucous conversations petered away into stunned silence, they parted like grass before a ravaging wind, and ran for the exits.
Atlas hefted the hammer from his back and, with a sweeping left arc, sent three of the gang flying, unconscious, over the heads of fleeing patrons. His returning sweep crumpled two more. The remaining lizard hesitated: A costly mistake as Atlas caught it in his mammoth paws and squeezed it lifeless.
Bravo, Atlas!! Great action here.
DeleteSuch clear and vivid images here, Terrie. So easy to "see" the action. Well done!
DeleteA great battle scene. That Atlas is quite the stud.
DeleteThis is Sparta! Oh, wrong movie. A well written combat and a worthy continuation.
DeleteSuch an amazing word-capture of whirlwind action. That Atlas is definitely a force to be reckoned with and no mistake.
DeleteAlternative Housing
ReplyDelete“If I eat one more pumpkin, I’m gonna puke.”
“Then quit already,” said Jack.
“I can’t. I need the shells.”
“She ravages every shell you put her in. Damn, Peter. You gotta be more flexible.”
“What? You think I can afford a house?”
“Maybe, if you’d quit eating the profits.”
“I guess pumpkin farming’s not for me.”
The fiery redhead with pumpkin pulp in her hair rounded the corner, kneed Peter in the groin and stormed off.
“Damn, I love that woman,” he said, grimacing.
“There’s a big one over there,” Jack said, eying the patch.
“I’d better get eating.”
An enjoyable twist on the nursery rhyme, your imagination is a tremendous asset in your writing.
DeleteUnconditional love does have it's demands, John. You came up with a novel and entertaining method of showing that.
DeleteGreat dialogue!
DeleteAs I've probably mentioned before, I have a huge soft spot for twisted/fractured fairy tales, etc. This was wonderful and much more informative than the original.
DeleteThis ticks all the boxes for me John. Wonderfully inventive use of the prompt words. Great dialogue moving the story along . Clever twist on a well known nursery rhyme/story. And you've thrown in a sprinkle of romance, devotion and a dash of humour too. Brilliant.
ReplyDeleteI'll just echo what Terrie wrote, John. This smacks of brilliance.
ReplyDeleteTentative [Threshold 234]
ReplyDeleteHad I not been conscious of the pain incurred each time I tried to flex my fingers, I’d’ve taken hold of his one unbandaged hand, but recognising the flames had similarly ravaged him my desire to do so petered out. Instead, seeing the need for diversion; a change of subject, I asked, ‘Tosca? The women said she was dead –‘
‘They said the same of you. When I insisted on making sure, forcing my way into their supposedly inviolable hut, they broke my arm, Applied hot pokers to my leg. Your screams told me they lied.’
‘I don’t remember.’
A telling exchange between the woman and Raven. I do hope Tosca survived.
DeleteAnd now we know what extremes must be taken in order to even attempt to restrain a determined Raven. Can't say I'm surprised. Like John, I have high hopes that Tosca survived. Beautifully constructed continuation.
DeleteModus Operandi
ReplyDeleteIt's important to be flexible but once a method is proven virtually infallible, there is little need for change. No apologies are presented for all those ravaged bodies found near the Peter Pan statue in Kensington Gardens. After all, it's such a perfect location to hook up with lost boys.
The Peter Pan statue sounds like a good place foe a stakeout. This guy needs to be caught. Very intense for such a shorty.
DeleteShort and to the point and I thought the Lost Boys were vampires. An excellent story, Patricia.
DeleteYes, the brevity of the story - such well-chosen words - increases its impact fivefold.
DeleteChange of focus [313]
ReplyDeleteThe glare of the setting sun revealed the ravages that time and the ever-flexing tightrope of living as she did brought to Valdeta’s face. Pettinger, attempting a reassuring smile, realised he’d never seen her out of doors, since their summer loving. Realised also that Filip escaped the ire addressed to himself and Balincek, as had Aleks and Rowena, now chasing each other across the lawn.
But Balincek – the expansiveness of his mine-host beam now narrowed to laser, features twitching like a peterman listening for door-release – had phone to ear, muttering a warning.
Once again Pettinger felt the whiff of danger.
Sunlight isn't always kind to one's face, in more ways than one. I'd agree danger is likely.
Deletewhat a brilliant way to use peter in the story!
DeleteI'm with Antonia on the brilliant use of "peter." I often fear for Pettinger's safety. He seems to end up in so many perilous situations but then, I tell myself: "It's Pettinger we're talking about here." And I know all will be well.
DeleteWhat escape Time
ReplyDeleteIf I could stop time,
If I found that fountain,
What would I do?
Love changes, evolves as we grow.
Fewer roaring bonfires,
watching not making shooting stars.
Life’s distractions,
shopping and honey do
higher ed and new store
Flirting eyes an unseen touch,
kisses in front of the kids,
replaced. ..Why?
Time is loves ravager.
Age the body’s prison.
Wisdom the mind’s theater.
Your embrace melts my frozen heart.
It flex's as it beats,
my love will never peter out.
To answer my question: nothing,
for I’d never risk
not sharing it with you.
Another great tribute, Jeffrey. You call it perfectly, as any changes that could be made come at considerable risk to loosing what you now have.
DeleteLovely composition in this poetic submission. Nicely done, Jeffrey.
DeleteCripplegate Junction/Part 175 - The Tea Lady
ReplyDeleteThe train's departure seemed no more imminent than before. Still, Poppy's excitement, instead of petering out, increased with every passing second. She flexed toes, scrunched and ravaged by over-tight pumps and thought about removing the shoes altogether until she decided it would be excruciatingly painful to put them back on again.
A figure pushed a trolley along the platform. There were plates piled high with Chelsea Buns and Fairy Cakes, together with a steaming tea urn and mugs which looked very much like those from the Crossing Canteen.
Poppy squinted. That surely couldn't be her sister Violet!
Or could it?
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To read the earlier installments (a suggestion only) which led to this point in the tale please visit:
http://www.novareinna.com/cripplegate.html
A link to return to "The Prediction" can be found on the site. Thank you.
----------------------------------------------------------
The thought of tight shoes, especially if they have heals, make my feet ache. Why put ones-self through it? Looking forward to this future exchange between the sisters.
DeleteYou described nervousness very well. As for if it's Violet, she has a good reason to be doing that.
Deletethe one thing I mourn over being 'elderly' and having an arthritic ankle is giving up my heels. I wore them for 50 years...
DeleteNice instalment this, with the pending thought of what is to come now Violet is busy giving out tea and goodies... containing what?
This hurt my toes in sympathy, but nice ending for a gentle sort of tension.
DeleteHoneymoon’s Over
ReplyDelete“You can flex it all you want,” she says. “But it’s not going to get any bigger.”
Ok, that stung a little.
“Let’s just put Peter away and get back to the taxes, ok big guy?”
I used to like being called big guy. Now she calls our young nephew big guy; and the neighbor boy. The little bastards. Kind of takes the esteem out of it. That does it. Next time she’s in the mood, I’ve half a mind not to ravage her. Let’s see how she likes that. After all, with climate change, hell very well could freeze over.
Maybe there's another reason she calls those two Big Guy...then again he might be thinking that. Another good story John. Tight writing and good prompt use.
Deletetumbled turgid thoughts from your hero that resound with a sense of reality, John - not easy to do!
DeleteShe's got it right - that 'half a mind' is SUCH a giveaway!!
DeleteSuch an amusing and hit-home piece could only come from your talented plume, John. Your voice is always so unique no matter the subject matter or the prompt words.
DeleteYou sure put this fellow in a tough spot, John. But... more things than love shrink over time. I always love your entries.
DeleteLost Cause
ReplyDeleteHis reputation and reliability would almost certainly be ravaged beyond repair this time around. The Boss would be livid, to say nothing of the backlog outside the gates. No denying such an unforgivable blunder.
He wondered if there was any flexibility in terms of another assignment. Probably not. He could hear the thunderous accusation assaulting his ears.
"Again, Peter? You have misplaced the keys AGAIN?"
Sometimes a reputation precedes you and sometimes you can repair it. His boss gets mad and he'll get glad again. Another excellent short story and a wonderful read.
Deletethis is just outright brilliant!
DeleteA universally perpetrated error - beautifully put.
DeleteLuckily, the boss has forgiveness going for him. Like the thought of a blundering Peter.
DeleteHey! We all have our shortcomings, right? Mine is leaving the cap off the toothpaste. Perhaps this fellow should have a dozen or so sets of keys made then store them in places he alone knows. But... he'd probably forget where he put them. This was a good read!
DeleteUnexpected Opportunity 7
ReplyDeleteJack walked its perimeter.
“Talk to me.”
“It has the properties of a plasma magnetic-electrical field. It flex’s, shifts polarization and charge, with no detectable pattern. Radar and radio don't penetrate. It emits no heat, cold or radiation and has no electrical field. We can see through it but cameras can’t.”
“General, how does a LAW work?”
“The nose cone collapses sending an electric charge that detonates the warhead.”
“How did the shield stop it without it exploding?”
“I don't know.”
“That shield ravages the laws of physics. Maybe their batteries will peter out?”
I'd say the aliens don't abide by the laws of physics. Intriguing stuff.
DeleteJeff here on break. John and JD, thank you very much for your comments and following the series. I also offer my apologies as I lectured the reader and I shouldn’t have. I felt this was needed but alas I was wrong.
DeleteNice continuation. As always, the dialogue is sharply delivered.
DeleteSounds like something you don't want to mess with.You present a very clear image of this thing, Jeffrey.
ReplyDeleteStop the Week, I Want to Get Off (33)
ReplyDeleteSo the unit didn’t happen (are you surprised) but the vision I had to put into effect a year long plan, to rid ourselves of shelving full of tools and stuff, happened in a flash. Well, the acceptance did, the actuality is taking a little longer but still… most of the items have gone from the shelves, not the flex, though, reel on reel of them. Regulations on wiring didn’t peter out, they were thrown out overnight. I’ve ravaged the tools, dumped some, stored some, put some in drawers where they’re tidier… OK, it’s a woman thing, I hate tools…
My sympathies - I've a husband with one garage and two sheds. All full of tools so greasy that I've had to amass a selection of my own.
DeleteIsn't it unfair that actuality takes longer than vision? It's likely an age old thing...
DeleteDon't dump the vision, Anatonia. Think of all the great people who were propelled by a vision. You could be one of them.
DeleteSuch a sense of vitality in this piece. Tidying up is a passion for some. I tend to be one of them. No necessarily cleaner, just tidier. Enjoyable as ever, Antonia.
DeleteThe Mad Italian 92
ReplyDeleteIt seems strange that, one week on, nothing has changed. There are cynics who ravaged the so-called agreements, there are others flexing their political muscles, much good it will do them too, whilst the work seems to have petered out. The deadline approaches but nothing is happening. They say a no-deal Brexit is a disaster. I say, let the country stand on its own feet for the first time in a goodly amount of years, and show the rest of the world what the UK can do when not tied down with EU tape of whatever colour, rainbow or otherwise.
In the States, we hear of Brexit quite often, and now that it's mentioned, I have noticed a lack of any goings on the last week.
DeleteAdvice not to be ignored, methinks. And from what better source?
DeleteI will be back tomorrow with more comments. Blogger and/or the internet keeps shutting me out...
ReplyDeleteHave to get ready to go see the 2Cellos in concert. If you don't know who they are, I strongly recommend you YouTube their performances. Anyhoo...no time to comment any further today and I can't seem to wrap my imagination around anything suitable for a "Kursaal" episode. I will return tomorrow to complete comments and, with luck, have some type of acceptable continuation regarding the "comings and goings" that take place within the carnival world.
ReplyDeleteF I X E D
ReplyDeleteShe was a wadded ball of rags and blood. She had been ravaged and destroyed by her husband, who had sworn to love and protect her. He had ended them, permanently. I was here to clean up loose ends. I dropped to her side, careful not to startle her. I gently reached for her ruined fingers and flexed them gently. She turned her still beautiful face to me. My heart was broken.
“Daddy? Peter hurt me” she stated quietly.
I dumped the wet, warm lump from my bag, where she could see it.
“I know sweetheart. It won’t happen again”
full of bitterness and intense misery, well captured, Dave.
DeleteYou've created, encapsulated a tiny, tight-held scene here, beginning with the first five words.
DeleteThis was powerful in delivery and conception. There is little more intense than a father's love. What a magnificent submission.
DeleteI love the brutal finality of this, Dave.
ReplyDeleteKursaal (Episode One Hundred Forty Nine) - "Infatuation And Innuendo"
ReplyDeleteMaximillian Corviday's melancholia after Alexis Champagne vanished never petered out or even noticeably diminished. His dreams were often ravaged by images of what might have happened to the Aphrodite in human form who answered his advertisement for an assistant and fulfilled the position with flexibility and charm.
Manasa, supreme mistress of the forked-tongued, was rumoured to know more about the disappearance than met the eye. Her desire for Maximillian's affection was certainly common knowledge. However, nobody was courageous enough to question the exotic snake-charmer for fear of retribution from her serpentine nest.
Nobody, that is, save one.
---------------------------------------------------------
To read the earlier installments (a suggestion only) which led to this point in the tale, please visit:
http://www.novareinna.com/kursaal.html
A link to return to "The Prediction" can be found on the site. Thank you.
---------------------------------------------------------
NOTE: Maximillian Corviday, Alexis Champagne, as well Manasa and her snakes have all featured in previous episodes.
Spot-on with the title, and a neat and well-wrought scene.
DeleteThe Adventures of Rosebud, Pirate Princess #166
ReplyDeleteElle’s Worried
Oh no, the blue peter’s flying already! But we’re not to go, I thought? Oh bother, Teddy’s already ravaged the kitchens. I wanted cookies but now we’re leaving? My bag won’t flex any further but I need my pans! Oh dear. I hope nothing bad happens.
SO glad someone used 'Blue Peter'! And you've done a wonderfully concise job with this week's prompts.
Delete