I've been head-down editing this past few weeks, little head space for much else. 'Snap is not a children's game' version 4 almost done, then it'll need 'resting' before I re-read. Re-reading this week's entries it's hard to decide which of Perry's or Jim's is the nastiest, so I declare a well-deserved draw and thank you, Antonia and Patricia for your posting and comment participation.
words for the coming week: allege rash seven
Entries by midnight Thursday 23rd
September, new words
posted Friday 24th
Usual rules: 100
words maximum (excluding title) of flash fiction or poetry using all 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.
Congrats Jim and Perry. Sorry I missed last week. I'm out of town playing golf and socialising, which is really the point of golf, I think. I'll be back soon.
ReplyDeleteWell done indeed, Jim and Perry. I'm not surprised Sandra was unable to make a choice between both your magnificent tales.
DeleteThanks for the lauds. They brighten a life.
Deletecongrts Jim and Perry! Nothing to choose between you.
DeleteHi Ho
ReplyDeleteThe seventh dwarf marched down the mountainside, scratching his anal rash and brandishing his pickaxe like a drunken Saxon.
“Heavens,” the snow-bitch had said. “He doesn’t care about anyone but himself.”
So self-righteous, he thought, ears aflame. How dare she?
“And furthermore,” she had added, voice filled with glint, “he has the smallest heh-heh of all the dwarves… allegedly.”
The seventh dwarf boiled with contempt. ‘What about Sneezy?’ he thought, almost aloud. He’s hung like a goddamn gnat!
I swear I wrote the tale below before reading your excellent take, John.
DeleteI wish I didn't see this Disney-style - so vividly told!
DeleteI love what I refer to as "Fractured Fairy Tales" and this is one of the best I've read recently. Poor Sneezy...grounds for slander there perhaps.
Deletelove it - just what I'm looking for at the moment for Once Upon A Scream - but there are few people with that level of acid bite!
DeleteAnother example of your skill in "rewriting" classic stories, John. 'Hung like a goddamn gnat' is a great phrase.
ReplyDeleteAxed
ReplyDeleteThey'd lived under the yoke of absolute authority long enough. It was a dictatorship. Nothing short of tyranny. They were being oppressed. But could they prove such allegations? Probably not. Their so-called caregiver could be convincingly charming when she chose to be.
The rash of barked commands came replete with warnings, threats, ultimatums and a wagging forefinger.
"Wipe your feet."
"Wash your hands."
"Clean your plate."
"Brush your teeth."
"Time for bed."
"Don't talk back."
"Won't tell you twice."
She had to go.
Seven pairs of determined little fists clenched tight around seven pickaxes removed from the umbrella stand by the front door.
Let's see Prince Charming get her out of this one. Or is that Sleeping Beauty? A great take, Patticia. Very enjoyable.
DeleteOh! This is so nastily nice, Patricia!
DeleteNeat, and replete with accusation.
Deleteoh this one's good too!
DeleteThe Problem with Pals
ReplyDeleteTwist stopped slapping his juvenile thigh and paused in his gallopy stride to look over his shoulder at his friends.
Wino Foratanner was twirling a straw hat on his finger – allegedly genuine Texas-fare despite its KISS ME QUICK legend.
Bernie and Britney were making no effort whatsoever to adhere to the Western theme, but persisted with girly gossip.
Carl and Wrangler were hitting each other with the half coconuts meant for hoof noises.
Chicken hung behind as usual, preoccupied with a persistent rash.
Twist sighed and returned to his private fantasy.
The anything but magnificent seven bumbled on until tea-time.
Sorry... I somehow placed a comment meant for John here (below). That said, I must add that I enjoyed meeting your friends, Perry.
DeleteQuite an eclectic group here. I'd like to hear their collective stories.
DeleteI surprised myself here with the characters, intending only to present a parody vignette of The Magnificent Seven - playing with the names of their characters: Chris, Vin, Bernardo, Britt, Harry, Lee and Chico. They do come to life at the oddest of times.
DeleteNot sufficiently familiar with character names, but much more so with the disappointment of childhood hopes when friends fail to match imaginings.
DeleteNor me - had to look them up online to be as true as possible to the source of parody.
DeleteThis was so creative. "Magnificent" job...!!!
Deletevery cleverly done, including the hat, said to be a source of intense annoyance to Yul Brynner!
DeleteYou have again shown your skill at rewriting classic tales, John. '...hung like a goddam gnat' is a great image.
ReplyDeleteChoice Cuts
ReplyDeleteThree times seventeen. The number of years that have passed since Levi first drew breath and well over half of those spent honing his exceptional skill. Always prudent in planning and never rash in achievement.
He works the city streets with a refrigerated cart, peddling his delectable steaks, succulent roasts and mouthwatering hamburger patties packed in plastic-lined corrugated boxes. It is a most successful business. Levi's meats are as tender as any to be found in a gourmet butcher shop.
And allegedly fresh?
"Heart still pumping blood at six o'clock this morning," says Levi with a wink.
Such a compelling character is Levi, regardless as to where his meat is obtained. This is kind of like horror with an 'out.' In case you want to believe he owns a cattle farm.
DeleteThere is something to be said about freshness, but not always something good. Quite a creative tale here, Patricia.
DeleteThe horror in this as subtle as the telling of the tale.
Deletenasty clever suff!
Delete
ReplyDeleteWhich way does Cock-tail swing? [Threshold 364]
So, Raven now alleges Cock-tail – a name I gave him, for the obvious impotency of his bantam-strut and the rash-blurred tattoo acquired when he was but seventeen – is to be feared? A man who'd not yet relinquished all his toys? When I'd been witness to their initial confrontation and deemed Raven, for his inner, personal strength, the undoubted winner?
Had Raven discovered some other, unperceived facet? A strength, if not of personality, then of reinforcement? In which case, shouldn't Cock-tail be waiting to greet them? To organise whatever fate he'd deemed we deserved?
Or did he seek sanctuary with us?
Swinging Cock-tails aside, I found this very entertaining. You move the story forward so effortlessly, it seems and introduce new possibilities with skill.
DeleteYour continuations always flow like ribbons of silk. Such an enviable trait.
Deletea great instalment, asking questions which you know will drive us mad until next week...
DeleteMISSING ITEMS II - THE VIEWING
ReplyDelete7:00 p.m. arrived; friends and family departed. With Linda’s viewing ended, Rudy lugubriously requested time alone with his wife before her coffin was forever sealed. The Funeral Director produced his thin compassionate smile then left.
Rudy glanced around and snickered when convinced he was alone. A rash of pleasant thoughts about his future surged through him as he gruffly whispered, “I’m getting away with it, Linda. The cops are alleging that an intruder killed you while I was fishing. You must be squirming in Hell like a scorched worm!”
Another snicker… this one short-lived. Rudy’s eyes widened.
Linda’s lips twitched.
Uh oh ... I should've known!!
DeleteWhat a great twist. Rudy may be in for it now. You described the funeral director so well with just that one little sentence.
DeleteWell, that took me by complete surprise. I love it when that happens.
Deleteoh brilliant,absolutely brilliant!
DeleteYour Tongue Shall Be Slit
ReplyDeleteSubject number seven displayed a clustered rash of inflamed pustules at the corners of her mouth. Her tongue had swollen so severely it had blocked her airway. They observed her suffocation, bulging eyes, the whites swimming red from ruptured capillaries.
Then they locked the alleged whistleblower in the room with her.
As his tongue bloated to the girth of a slug he clawed at his face till it bled and oozed pus.
The children watched and chanted a rhyme about the tongue of the tell-tale-tit.
“And all the dogs in town shall have a little bit.”
Forewarning of the title not entirely allowing one to arm oneself against the horror.
DeleteThe whistleblower must really have ticked someone off. Really good writing here.
DeleteGood lord, what gruesome visuals that conjured up. This was a supreme example of horror writing at its best.
Deletesurprise is always good and that last line, mocking all that went on, is just perfect.
DeleteTalk about a bunch of creepy kids! Some very dark but vivid images here, David. Very nice!
ReplyDeleteChange of focus [442]
ReplyDeleteAlarm woke him. Automatically, despite believing it unnecessary, John Pettinger checked.
Seven-thirty.
Seven?
Should be six.
That not the only thing not normal. His rolling caused the mattress to dip. The … heat, the source of it, behind him, to tip towards him.
Fearing to move forward, lest he fall out of bed. Backward lest he … squash …squash what was most certainly a body, behind him. A live body …
A hand alighted on his ribs.
He shuffled round. Aching but thankfully aware Philly's alleged promise for last night not misplaced nor rash. As evidenced by her cat-cream smile.
I went back and read the promise, as I missed last week entirely. I liked it when he detected the heat of the extra body. Nothing like post-coital awakenings.
DeletePettinger best hope that Philly not ask him to recall details of the previous night. A very good read!
DeleteThat "cat-cream smile" says it all. Amazing how a short little phrase can sum something up so effortlessly.
DeleteAbsolutely, and those little phrases are tough to write if they;re going to look easy, which yours do.
DeleteKursaal (Episode Two Hundred Thirty Four) - Worth The Risk
ReplyDeleteThe elixir presented to Mrs. Pepperdyne by Primrose Lee and Apollonia bore certain properties they were reluctant to reveal. However, assurances were made that the number seven featured prominently in its success.
The twins, Lucy and Libby, born seven minutes apart on the seventh day of the seventh month, provided a powerful combination with alleged symbolic associations in many mystic practices.
It was assumed Mrs. Pepperdyne would voice a rash of questions prior to acceptance but such was not the case. She only desired to know how to use it and how quickly it could be expected to take effect.
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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/kursaal.html
A link to return to "The Prediction" can be found on the site. Thank you.
---------------------------------------------------------
NOTE: Primrose Lee, Apollonia, Mrs. Pepperdyne and her twin girls, Lucy and Libby, have all featured in previous episodes.
I would certainly ask questions before taking the elixir, but losing your twins likely evokes rash actions. So smooth, Patricia. You do it so well.
DeleteVivid illustration of the vulnerability of the needy and the (very likely) preying of the charlatan.
Deleteno time to ask questions, it's a gimme gimme time and they may yet live to regret it
DeleteCripplegate Junction/Part 265 - Back In The Day
ReplyDeleteThe Grande Dame bristled at George's impertinence. It was enough to make one break out in a cutaneous eruption...which she did. The soldier delighted in her discomfort.
"Nasty rash there, missus," he said. "I got something similar during the Indian Rebellion." He gave a rascally wink. The Grande Dame shuddered at the implication and then....
"You allege you served in the Indian Rebellion?"
George nodded and retrieved a roll-your-own from behind his left ear.
No visible signs of aging. No trace of grey hair or rheumy eyes.
"But that was over seventy-five years ago."
"You're telling me!" said George. "They use penicillin these days."
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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.
----------------------------------------------------------
I think Geoge is now my favorite Cripplegate character. I loved how he delighted in the Dame's discomfort. Nicely done.
DeleteThis a perfectly - and smoothly - evoked scene which so well illustrates the characters involved.
DeleteI love the way the Grand Dame thinks she's got George and how casually he throws in the pencillin, she can't argue with that without proof...
DeleteWonderful back-and-forth between George and the Grand Dame, Patricia.
DeleteDISBELIEF AND SUSPENSION
ReplyDeleteRats once again trapped ¬– allegedly, given past events – on the other side of the barrier, Colm led the group back to base, carrying Joanie.
Sally, uncomfortable with her own rash rivalry towards Joanie, had set out after Una, who had disappeared in the confusion.
“So you just happened to pick up holographic equipment prior to us needing it?” Caolin drawled.
Finbar gave a slow smile. “I’m always looking for new ways to protect home.”
“Home?” Declan stopped dead.
“How long were you with us?” Colm called breathlessly over his shoulder.
“Seven,” Dooney declared, brandishing a broken watch he’d got somewhere.
Where home is... a good question in this marvelous world you've created.
DeleteSuch a pleasurable read, your handling of multiple characters in just 100 words superb.
Deletedefinitely want to know more.
DeleteThis was expertly put together, giving us just enough to hanker for more.
DeleteYou give us a lot to look forward to, Perry. I do so anxiously.
DeleteThe Joys of Mediumship
ReplyDeleteA Rolling Stone CD in the car brought a tremendous rush of energy from Charlie Watts, one of the biggest ever for me. I thought it might have been a sudden rash decision on his part, but he repeated it several times. It’s easy to allege I am inventing all this but the feeling was physical and stayed with me. Later I discovered the Stones played in the USA the night before… so he was fired up with energy. He wants a page in my Voices II book, he’s more than welcome.
I'd welcome him with open arms. I regret not having seen the Stones or Charlie in concert.
DeleteAah Charlie Watts. His going left an ache in my heart.
DeleteYet another great drummer gone before his time. Bonzo, Moon the Loon and Ginger Baker, to name but a few. Do you know if Charlie has happened to meet up with Brian Jones yet, Antonia?
DeleteCharlie was one of the all-time great drummers. We are losing too many greats of late.
DeleteStop The Week:
ReplyDeleteIf we had, I would have missed Saturday’s event, Shaun went to buy FOUR grandfather clocks and, in a rash moment, bought a washing machine as well… one has sold already… but it did mean my seventh promise to paint the walls did not get fulfilled… we took Monday off, the alleged mass evacuation of festival goers actually happened, they had a 4 hour wait to leave the island, sol I am grateful we took notice and were not there. Finding time for the walls is difficult, tomorrow another house clearance, the day after another person with lots to sell…
It sounds like you have opportunities to increase your inventory. That seems promising. The walls, not so much. Soon, I'm sure.
DeleteI love the idea of a "seventh promise"!
DeleteHappy to her lots going on now Antonia. The walls can wait....
DeleteVery nice how you weaved the prompt words into this report, Antonia.
DeleteAllegations are flying thick and fast as leaders insist the other has caused problems. There is a rash of bitterness emerging, leaders departing, new faces appearing, the original seven leaders now expanded and changed beyond recognition. And all are looking for themselves and their countries alone. Of course this is ‘right’ but others need consideration too, where are the voices for Lebanon, Syria, the Baltic states, the peasantry in Russia, where are their champions at the great table of international discussion? Let us not speak of South America … there is more sorrow for them. So sad.
ReplyDeleteNewspapers far too depressing to read these days...echo that sentiment for any form of current news, actually.
ReplyDelete