Fewer post this week and regrettably for not good reasons. Patricia has struggled to get hers to stick and we've been unable to find either a reason why or a way round it. And I've no idea how to cure the problem. Nevertheless, the uses to which three simple, everyday words were put was, once again, impressive. John's 'Misplaced optimism' contained not only a horrid fate for a salt mine worker, but a pretty shocking pun as well, but the inclusion of crab's claws in David's resonantly-titled 'Fight them on the beaches' grabbed him this week's first place.
Words
for the coming week: kite, shade, unwrap
sorry for no show, back later to make a few comments, got involved in a bumper to bumper accident yesterday on the way home, shook me up so much I couldn't concentrate. Life happens, I had a real task getting to work this morning, the road was blocked by the third major accident this week, caused a massive detour. Mondays was two fatalities. Must be something in the air...
ReplyDeleteOoh, Antonia, Hope circumstances are calmer for you soon, and that you are protected from the malignitys in the air. Take care!
DeleteSometimes there is so much going on! Glad you're ok from the accident.
Deletecongrats David!
DeleteHope you're not suffering any ill effects, Antonia.
Deletesliding in here to say thank you for the comforting comments on my accident. all is well with me, the car seems to be all right, and once the shock had gone, I was OK but I have to say if there is any chance of giving everything up this year, I will. 79 next birthday and beginning to lose a little bit of confidence. It can only get worse, so I want out before it gets serious.
DeleteOh, the paint I want, whether it will ever be done, is Autumn Gold.
Congrats John and David!
ReplyDeleteAnd congrats John!
DeleteNicely done, David and John. Sorry I didn't get the chance to comment last week, but I did read every wonderful little tale.
DeleteWILDER
ReplyDeleteWith a freedom not experienced since royal decrees of the middle ages, the red kite hunted freely and widely in the post-apocalyptic devastation.
The rat brood was a problem, moving like one creature, leaving nothing to scavenge, albino generals flitting like stereotypical shades among them.
But there was plenty of carcases on offer from the conflicts between other wildlife, some of which sparked from predators encountering traditional prey which had mutated beyond their expected role.
The kite stooped upon the body of a cat recently surprised by a supercharged vole. Scanning the immediate area, it began to unwrap the remains.
A very striking image of the rats moving together. Loved the view from above.
DeleteHunting would be difficult when some of the prey had become supercharged. Cool story, Perry.
DeleteI love how you've given this a soaring, bird's eye view, above a patchwork of furry horror.
DeleteI so wanted to use the kite in something like this but it wouldn't have come anywhere near Perry's interpetation. Scary or what?
DeletePost-apocalyptic indeed and marvellous depiction of a possible scenario. I was particularly taken with the rat brood "moving like one creature." Magnificent visual.
DeleteWatch the Wind
ReplyDeleteSam tosses the kite up into the air, shading her eyes as it wobbles in the cold wind. The fabric ripples and snaps, tie-cord thrumming. Satisfied, she turns, her shadow falling across the screen between my hands. “Did it work?”
“Sensors are active.” Hope fizzes in my chest, but I shove it back down. We’ve been lucky, but death is one acid-fall away, one attack in the dark.
Sam rubs the scars on her face, glances to the east. “Best unwrap the robot. We’ll have warning about the rain, but that kite will be visible for miles.”
Really innovative, Holly, Guarding against the acid rain brings other problems. Hopefully, the robot is up to task. Good descriptions of the kite flying.
DeleteAs usual, intrigue made all the more entertaining for the spot-on choice of verbs.
DeleteGreat bit of prose flying into scifi
DeleteBeautifully constructed first paragraph, Holly.
Deletethis is so carefully done, setting out a nasty scenario and entertaining at the same time.
DeleteAs always, Holly, your choice of words is impeccable and creates a story complete in every way despite the word restriction.
DeleteThank you all! :)
DeleteValuable antiquities
ReplyDeleteCarlton carefully unwrapped the layers of tissue paper with trembling hands as Becky watched.
“Benjamin Franklins kite, huh?” Becky said.
“Yeah, and I got it for a song.” Carlton beamed. “Look at this workmanship.”
“Made in China. Interesting.”
“They did have trade back then, Becky” He shaded his eyes. “Are you questioning my intelligence?”
“Nothing to question, C. Keep up the good work.” She walked away as Carlton did his happy dance.
I suspect happy dance impelled by "Rooked another sucker!"
DeleteI imagine he has quite a large collection of treasures, though perhaps not worth as much as he imagines.
DeleteI hear a snap, and its not the kite string.
Delete'Nothing to question, C' a shaded reference to Carlton's intelligence? Well done, John.
Deletegood one, John, this is the sort of fake so many people fall for!
DeleteYour penchant for humour is always so refreshing, John. This is yet another gem for your collection.
DeleteThe Cabinet of Icons
ReplyDeleteBrother Thomas unwrapped the kite shaped brooch. In all the multiple versions of the universe Jesus existed. And in each the method of his execution became the symbol of the religion founded in his name. In this version, having been arrested in the shade of Gethsemane, his body was lashed to a kite which floated above Golgotha till he starved and eviscerated. Brother Thomas placed the brooch in the cabinet with the other examples; crucifixes, gallows and stakes. All of this iconography and still no hard evidence whatsoever the Nazarene was ever who he claimed to be.
Interesting philosophical and cultural piece about symbolism and doubt. Nicely done.
DeleteA very creative use of the prompts, David!
Delete
DeleteThis has a rare depth to it, thoroughly thought-provoking and grown-up.
I kind of like this version. If the kite was still airborne on Easter, he'd already be part way to his ultimate destination.
Deletethoughtful and meaningful at the same time. Excellent contribution.
DeleteLoved this. I always adore tales that offer alternative scenarios. Such an amazing creative concept.
DeleteIt is always fascinating to imagine how people and circumstances would be different if we could witness multiple realities. Loved the title.
DeleteCOMING OF AGE
ReplyDelete"Do you know why the kite is the symbol of our clan?" asked the Elder.
The group of 10-year-olds looked uncertainly to one another before one, a boy named Veldar, spoke up. "Because it can fly?" he asked hesitatingly.
"Not so," relied the Elder.
Kavistic then spoke up. "It has a forked tail."
The Elder shook his head. "Unwrap your minds, children. Let the light of understanding drive the shades of ignorance from you. Think!"
Breork stood up. He spoke confidently. "Because the kite is a powerful bird of prey."
The Elder smiled. "You will be a great warrior, Breork!"
One valuable lesson in discovering who you are.
DeleteVery effective dialog, Jim. Breork sure scored some points on that one.
Deletenot stating the obvious,not going for the first answer, good rules for writers as well as would be warriors...
DeleteThe little twist offered on this was delightful. Not only will Breork be a great warrior but he's not too shabby in the intelligence and thinking outside the box departments either.
DeleteLoved the phrasing of the line 'Let the light of understanding drive the shades of ignorance from you' and the Teacher-student moment. I admit, I first read this thinking they were talking about a paper kite so I giggled at the end. :)
DeleteJoys of Mediumship
ReplyDeleteShades. After we test painted bits of the wall and then saw Shaun going to metaphorically fly kites with his Japanese Akita puppy – means the paint still sits there, awaiting unwrapping, wanting to go on the wall(s) and cover the lovely shade of too many new nails for pictures. I didn’t think the lack of painting bothered me but I realised it was the first thing to jump into my head when I read the prompts… and refused to leave… it’s seemingly one place where the spirit world does not interfere unless it’s for a lesson.
A fresh coat of paint works wonders on the mind. Keep on him, Antonia.
DeleteI'm interested to know which colour you're finally going to choose.
DeleteWaiting projects definitely like to linger in my thoughts, also. We're doing some renovations soon and will have to plan for painting and new wallpaper.
DeleteStop The Week:
ReplyDeleteIt’s been – mind numbingly boring, no customers, no browsers, just Shaun busy rushing here and there trying to get the brakes working on the Transit once more, a small but useful thing. He’s waiting to unwrap items of furniture he bought and can’t transport to the shop. We have Chinese fighting dragon kites on sale but … not a good idea. I feel I have been in many shades of boredom, but now it begins to move again, now the hint of losing the restrictions has brought a few more people out. If only it would get warm…
Having brakes on the transit is definitely a priority. In the US, Chinese fighting dragon kites would probably be deemed politically incorrect. A lot of that going on here.
DeleteJohn is right about the Chinese fighting dragons in the USA... silliness becoming absurdity. I like the way you wove in the prompts.
DeleteI simply failed to spot the prompts in this so expertly was it written. I think there are a few more weeks to go get before we can start warbling, "Here Comes The Sun" (Do-Be-Do-Be...)
DeleteLoved the phrase 'shades of boredom' as I'm currently going through many shades of focus. :) I've been dreaming of sunny days lately.
DeleteThe Mad Italian
ReplyDeleteThis week we have made it. This week there are no shocks to cope with - you know the song A Whiter Shade of Pale? I was introduced to it by my channel, it was how she looked. But, like so many things it shocks and then, in the quiet of home, you realise it isn't that bad. Far worse is the unwrapping of the doings of your PM, who is defending the indefensible when he would be better flying kites over No 10 to distance himself from his doings…
I loved the whiter shade of pale remark and the Italian's channel. It's good to see some humor in the old guy.
Delete"Whiter Shade of Pale"...Procol Harem. Ah, how that does conjure a very specific and very special memory. Thank you for the reminder, Antonia, although I'm now left wondering how I could have ever forgotten. I must indeed be getting old.
DeleteI had to look up the song (I always forget names) but yes! It is a good one, and loved the comparison. I feel like 'This week we have made it' is a line I'm often repeating to myself.
Delete[Threshold 379]
ReplyDeleteThe curvature of the receding stone-built wall suggested an oval enclosure, extended upwards for living quarters. Impossible to judge from where Cocktail had been ejected, except … shading my eyes from the bright sky I recognised a slow meandering circle of a half dozen large birds.
'Vultures?' I queried, 'for one dead body?'
Raven glanced up from the pannier, he'd been exploring 'Kites, maybe. They too eat carrion. Aha!' He extricated and unwrapped a cloth from something cylindrical, 'A compass! That'll make escape all the easier!'
'Provided you know where to go – and where, exactly we are.'
Confidence slipped.
When in doubt, head east. If the carrion birds are circling for Cocktail, I can't say I'll miss him much (Though villains are very important). Enjoyable episode.
Deletevery much an enjoyable episode, with so much being said in the two word final -
DeleteI, too, find myself not disappointed if the kites are eyeing Cocktail... the cad!
DeleteYes, I suppose a compass is only useful if you know which way you're supposed to be headed. On a personal note, I never did get the hang of using one. Thank heavens for GPS. Yet another imaginative episode using full value of the prompts.
DeleteIt is important to know what direction to pick. So much contained in that final line 'Confidence slipped.' :)
DeleteEllis 026
ReplyDeleteI couldn’t stop thinking about the girl I’d seen, her entrails spread out like fluttering kite-trails. Every time I tried to unwrap the conversation with Kurt in my head, to assess whether I’d impressed the DCI with my undercover skills, her bloodless face appeared hauntingly.
“How do you cope with the murdered bodies?” I asked Jasper.
“I imagine how they were alive, and my job is to help that person. I talk to them sometimes”
“Eww. Doesn’t that bring back shades of the past? Before we left?”
“That’s why I do it. To atone for the dead I didn’t help”
Oh - brilliant answer from Jasper, delivering such intrigue.
DeleteShades of potential "Wire In The Blood." Very nicely put together and Jasper (love that name) is one intriguing character.
DeleteI imagine it would feel hard to separate himself from cases he can't solve if Jasper imagines talking to the victims. Lots of ghosts.
DeleteChange of focus [456]
ReplyDeletePhilly tilted her head and stared into the extraordinary shade of milky emerald of Pettinger's eyes. 'I remember you unwrapping the first. Noticing the logo. Wondering what sort of reassurance a flimsy paper kite was meant to deliver. To me, it suggested fly-away, unreliable ¬–'
'But decked with paper bows and coloured ribbons, aye, implying the freedom to have fun –'
'Or the false promise that using one absolves all men of responsibility!'
Pettinger noted the bitterness of Philly's complaint.
'Not so. Using one is taking responsibility. Making sure –'
'D'you absolutely know Kite condoms are 100% reliable?
That ending I did not expect. Nicely delivered as always. Would Pettinger take such a risk? I dunno....wouldn't put much past him.
DeleteAn interesting logo for a condom brand. :) Pettinger doesn't seem to be very concerned.
Deletenow there's a question... and who will volunteer to find out???
ReplyDeleteWilling to take the chance? You may have lost your chance, Pettinger.
ReplyDelete