I’ve said it so often it’s beginning
to sound insincere (which definitely is not my intention, not am I
complaining!) but when, week after week,
each and every entry appears to surpass
the previous ones – at least until I re-read them on Thursday prior to making a
choice – the need to set one of you above the rest does feel, no matter how I
shift and re-shift the goalposts, more than a little unfair. This week I
juggled endlessly with three entries, all of equal merit, but in the end, my
ball skills being what they are, dropped two and was left with John’s ‘Cause and effect’. And the need,
again, to thank you for all the comments you make on my somewhat self-indulgent
pieces.
Next week’s words have a spark of
topicality:
Words
for next week: census extrovert bonfire
Entries
by midnight (GMT) Thursday 7th November,
words 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.
I don't know how you're able to make your choices, Sandra. The stories do seem to get better every week. You can take part of the credit for that for presiding over this site and giving us the chance to express ourselves. The climate here is so inviting and entertaining. I look forward to stopping by as often as I can.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, John. A worthy win. You are a force to be reckoned with.
DeleteYour entry was an excellent choice for top honors, John. Congrats!
Deletecongratulations, John, fine entry last week.
DeleteFree Speech
ReplyDeleteThe highly social, if not extroverted cutie rang the bell.
“What?” said the man in a soiled tank top tee. “I talked to the goddamn census last month.”
“Actually, I’m selling tickets to tomorrow night’s bonfire at Holier Than Thou New Wave Church.”
He scanned her form hungrily. “Bonfire?”
“Yes, we’re burning books by that despicable pornographic writer, Mario Passo.” She smiled. “The proceeds will go toward stocking local libraries with true Christian literature."
He opened the door wider. “Will you take a check?” said Mario. “Come in, please.”
oh oh, be careful who's there when you open a door... nice twist there, John!
DeleteNothing is ever truly free...not even speech. I echo Antonia's comments of "nice twist." You are coming up with some lovely little gems lately, John.
DeleteThis type entry is right up my alley, John. The twist at the end is splendid!
DeleteApt response to evangelists IMHO
DeleteThere’s a Seuss Loose Aboot This Hoose
ReplyDeleteSam I am not, Sam I am not
Here’s some news that’s really hot
We extroverts and introverts
Collectively do now assert
Based on broad consensus
We do not like this census
We do not like it posted through our door
Manila envelopes on the floor
We do not like this imposed task
Nor the various questions asked
We do not like it’s tone of voice
We do not like the multiple choice
We do not like the on-line version
The consequence of this assertion
To strike a match to a large bonfire
And christen it the census pyre
An enjoyable Suess-esque piece, David. You nailed the rhythm. No sense mentioning just two or three things that aren't liked when there are so many.
Deleteoh good one, David!! really liked that and yes, it's how I feel too!
DeleteThis was so original. We don't get compositions like this one enough on The Prediction, probably because they're far from easy to pull off, let alone with such expertise as this demonstrates. Beautiful job.
DeleteA very novel and well-presented approach to use of the prompts, David. I agree with Patricia... we don't get enough entries like this.
DeleteSuperbly inventive - love it.
DeleteMinor problem solved [Threshold 276]
ReplyDeleteThanking Victoria’s mother for our stay, we were surprised to be asked for our age and place of birth, for some census we’d not known was taking place. With an extrovert confidence I’d not known him capable of, Raven declared us man and wife, me five years older, him younger than the truth. Born in a place we’d never known.
She nodded dumb thanks. Raven earned further gratitude by saying, ’If that’s now finished, we’ll deliver it on our way.‘
Utilising the midday sun’s rays and a magnifying glass, we made a mini bonfire and reduced the form to ashes.
It seem appropriate Raven would not like the census. He's kinda made that way. Someone needs to get that man a Zippo.
Deleteintriguing instalment, Sandra, a seemingly quiet one but a little more personality is revealed, step by step.
DeleteWhat a sneaky couple, but I expect no less from Raven and....what IS her name again? Amazingly smooth continuation.
DeleteWell-spotted Patricia! My guess is Raven made it up ...
DeleteChange of focus [351]
ReplyDeleteSally Vicksen acted way beyond the call of duty first time Aleks appeared: bramble-wrapped hobbit, dragged backwards through a hedge. Clothes fit only for the bonfire. Staying, of necessity in Pettinger’s house she became adept at balancing sensitive-but-extrovert care and companionship for Aleks with awareness of his father’s need for post-work solitude.
At the time, he’d congratulated himself on his ability to conceal a veritable bonfire of inappropriate lust. He ought to be able to repeat it.
Would’ve done had Sally not made a late-night confession about a census form: ‘Enumerator just assumed. Put us down as Mr and missus!’
Another of Pettinger's many admirers. Let's see if he can keep his lust in check.
DeletePettinger's not good with keeping anything in check, anger, lust... that makes him one intriguing 'hero' and I should think great fun to work with.
DeletePettinger, the cad, is at it again. It seems Sally is in for it.
DeleteSome magnificent turns of phrase here. I particularly liked "bramble-wrapped hobbit, dragged backwards through a hedge." Perfect example of how to be visually descriptive that it paints its own picture. Hmmm...pondering much about Pettinger and Sally.
DeleteThe Bray Chronicles
ReplyDeleteThe wild eyed self-proclaimed prodigy stood on the platform and surveyed the villagers. Twin bonfires blazed on either side and heavily armed guards flanked the makeshift stage. In this remote forgotten town no longer recognized by the Canadian census, terror prevailed.
“What happens when the food runs out?” said an extroverted ashen haired girl from the crowd. Her struggling body was added to the fire.
When the screaming stopped, the prodigy said, “Any other questions?”
Bartholomew Bray watched in awe. Had he finally found a place to call home?
This town sounds like a place to stay in the shadows. Could be the perfect home for Mr. Bray. Well done, John!
Deleteoh my, what a horrific place and then for our hero to think it's a perfect home... yet another insight into his mind. Not a pleasant one!!
DeleteSounds to me like Bartholomew fits right in. Won't be longing before he's running the show, methinks.
DeleteThat should be "long" and not "longing". On reflection, I don't know though....
DeleteI'm anticipating Benjamin not having things all his own way.
DeleteUp In Smoke
ReplyDeleteBack in the day, there were bonfires in the streets on Guy Fawkes Night. No so much any more. If a census were taken, I believe most people would agree they're just too dangerous. But you can still find them in the older areas of town where traditions continue to persist.
You don't need to be an extrovert to participate in the celebrations. You can simply stand in the smog-filled shadows of incineration and watch the devouring flames without anyone bothering you.
It's such an excellent way to get ride of unwanted items.
"Unwanted items' certainly does stir the imagination, Patricia. Very nicely done!
DeleteThis just in: No Guy Fawkes night this year in California. They're fired out.
DeleteA great piece, Patricia. I wonder what type of things could be considered unwanted items?
I'd be looking at unwanted neighbours,unwanted landlords who are as nasty as their tenants... for a start... nice one, Patricia! lots of imaginative ideas could come from that.
DeleteSo true ... but regrettably, not so much these days.
DeleteHAVEN’T GOT A PRAYER
ReplyDeleteHesmeth Fent truly believed that something beyond him had forced him into becoming a predatory butcher. That notwithstanding, he perfected an extroverted charm that artfully lured prey to him. Still, an occasional twinge of conscious had him believing he could douse the fire of carnal craving before it became a bonfire.
Tonight was such a night. He stood within the alley’s shadows, shaking and fervently hoping that force-of-will and prayer would lead him from evil’s darkness into virtue’s cleansing light.
Then a lovely redhead strolled into sight, and in Hesmeth’s mind a census of one dispatched all thoughts of absolution.
Yes, those carnal cravings are hard to quench, especially for one such as Hesmeth. I like how he went to the alley where he knew temptation flowed with the hope he could avoid acting on the temptation. I think, Jim, you accurately took us into the mind of a serial killer.
Deleteoh yes, Jim's pinned down that serial killer mindset for sure!
DeleteThe path to retribution and remorse is obviously not an easy one to follow. And I have to agree wholeheartedly with Antonia on this...magnificent portrayal of a serial killer mindset.
DeleteHesment Fent grows in stature each succeeding week.
DeleteStop The Week: I Want To Get Off (70)
ReplyDeleteIf we were to take a census of opinions, it would be we are sick of politics, incompetent councillors, Brexit and the rain. The good thing is, customers share their thoughts with us. Shaun, ever the extrovert (now the ankle is recovering) entertains them with his brand of chat and so our reputation spreads. We are loaded at the moment, more to come, another clearance (three sheds – that might mean a bonfire) and an attic, all at the same place…today a lock up clearance, five huge storage boxes. And a trip to the supermarket tonight. The pleasures never end…
This made me chuckle. So many entertaining little scenarios wrapped in this package. Nice to know Shaun's ankle is on the mend. I wonder what treasures lurk within those three sheds and one attic. Hopefully, we will come to find out.
DeleteYes, I imagine sheds are a crap-shoot. Who knows though; perhaps a unknown Rembrandt awaits. Shaun seems like a fun fellow.
DeleteShaun is Irish to his bones but talks like an Englishman... I think everything about him is summed up by the anniversary card he bought me about three years back, a shop anniversary. In it he wrote 'thanks for having faith in me. I won't let you down.' If my ex had been half that thoughtful...
DeleteOh, Shaun now much risen in my estimation - and I know why you're so understanding of cracked ankles.
DeleteThe Mad Italian (129)
ReplyDeleteAnother election, another form of census for MPs to mull over and insult each other because of it, whilst the extrovert PM tries to hide his grin, the one that says ‘I have it all in hand’ but whose hand and how do we know it’s right for the country? It would be better to make a bonfire of their vanities, all of them, even those resigning daily through peccadilloes and nonsense spoken in the past. Every one of them has something to hide and that which is hidden always comes to the surface, as they are finding out.
What a motley crew of individuals often run a country. Seems like the problem transcends all cultures. Love the "bonfire of their vanities" reference. And once again, I tip my hat to Leonardo for his insight and commentary.
DeleteI can't think of many politicians who are not scumbags, Antonia, as you so perfectly Well done!elaborate with your entry.
DeleteWhoops! I hope you can unscramble my twisted language above, Patricia.
DeleteThe Italian is in good voice today. I have noticed your PM often sports a muted grin.
DeleteCripplegate Junction/Part 210 - A Man Of Little Substance
ReplyDeleteWith flames in the boiler crackling like a miniature bonfire, Poppy decided to find a seat on the train. She chose the carriage occupied by Clive Bailey, although she failed to notice his presence.
Clive was accustomed to being irrelevant. His personality so far from extrovert as to be virtually non-existent. Deemed inconsequential (even from birth), Clive's name had never appeared on any legal census. Shy, retiring and awkward in social situations, Clive was essentially no great shakes.
Thus, when Poppy settled down across from him and didn't acknowledge his timidly polite greeting, it truly came as no surprise.
--------------------------------------------------------
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.
----------------------------------------------------------
A marvelous description of Clive, Patricia. I loved boiler reference and your use of the prompts.
DeleteIf Clive and Poppy are going to converse, you set this up nicely. I find it interesting that Clive's name hasn't appeared on a legal census, leading us to believe something yet to be determined about his origin. Or maybe, as you've hinted before on other topics, there was a reference to his origin in episode 49 and I'll have to go back and find it, which always proves entertaining.
Deletegood train references to show us Clive in all his invisible glory! Poor guy, ignored by all. I do feel sorry for him.
DeleteOh, poor Clive. Fingers crossed for him.
DeleteKursaal (Episode One Hundred Eighty Five) - "Daisy's Discovery"
ReplyDeleteBehind the Mysterium, Daisy the Doberman, undocked tail wagging like the tongue of a verbal extrovert, dug through the cinders of what had been a small bonfire. Several attempts had been initiated to compose a census of items stored in the Mysterium but all had come to naught. Interest in the project quickly waned with nobody keen to complete the task.
Paws scrabbled and nose snuffled as Daisy unearthed some intriguing things from the ashes. Although not every treasure appealed to the dog's sensibilities, a variety of bones in assorted sizes were deemed worthy of burial for later retrieval.
--------------------------------------------------------
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: Daisy the Doberman and The Mysterium have featured in previous episodes.
Time to call Constable Whatshisname. a very satisfying and entertaining mystery. The prompts this week are challenging, but you made short work of them.
Deletethat's a good way of explaining the mystery, Patricia, let one of our animal friends in, they do a better job than we do! and Daisy did, didn't she???
DeleteA wealth of bones - hope we eventually discover whose are whose.
Delete