Limits

1/28/12 - Carrot Ranch Challenge
99 Words - Prompt - wishing star

Maybe a tad irreverent.  All I can say is, it is what came to mind. ......... Oh well.

"Limits"

“Wish I were, Wish I might……… Ah, screw it.  This doesn’t work anymore.”

Crestfallen, Jesus stood on the Mount and stared up at the night sky.  Moments passed as he wallowed in self pity.  Off to his left, a brighter star than the rest seemed to come closer.

“Boy, I told you there were limits. “

“But Dad, how can I turn this planet around if you won’t cooperate?”

“Well son, I’ll tell ya.  No water walking, leper healing parlor trick is going to upstage that damn Free Will clause I enacted ………… Time to pull the plug.”

________________________

Contrary to my write from the hip style, instead of going with my first effort, I tweaked this one into three slightly different takes.   This was the third version.  And though I am still on the fence somewhat as to which one I like the best, I felt this one told a more complete story.

Regardless, seems I have gotten over that awkward period of re-acquainting myself with Flash. Cool. Trying to make it better is a good next step.

Oh Yeah - I wrote the first draft to the tune "Honey Dripper" as performed by Dr John, the Night Tripper.   Some of the Devil's music.

Enjoy 

Later Gator ..............................................

Shut Down - 100 words -

The Prediction weekly flash
100 words or less - Prompt - gutter rime thrift

Shut Down

A rime of hoarfrost encircled open lips. Breath came in short and thrifty gasps as his body began to shut down.  Harry did not notice the cold of the stone gutter seeping through his freezing blood and cloth of his tattered coat..  His body had begun to shut down. 

The day’s light faded.  No life flashed before his eyes, no moments of self recrimination.  Harry accepted his fate calmly, wishing only that Death would find him before the secret creatures of the back alleys did. 

Two shadows closed in.  “Good.  Still breathing ………… Forget the saw, hand me the cleaver.”
________________________

My first entry at the Prediction in over a year.

Paisano

12/21/17 – Carrot Ranch Flash Challenge

99 words exactly – Prompt – “White Flowers”

During a season that is supposed to be about the joy of life, giving and goodwill to Man, we should also take a moment to reflect on those who have lost, are lost, and will continue to lose in the future. 

Paisano

Hovering over Pauper Grave #242, uninhibited tears fell onto the single white Chrysanthemum Jack clutched in his hand.   Six inches of snow had found its way into the cast off Bean boots someone threw at him from a Lexus.  He did not even notice.

It was six Christmas Eve’s ago he had identified the body of his hard times friend.   Closing his eyes, Jack could still see Rodney’s gap toothed grin after they had constructed their last blue tarp cardboard palace together.

Jack tossed the Chrysanthemum on the grave and watched it disappear into the fresh snow. 

“R.I.P. Rodney”.

_____________________________________

Maybe it was my recent re-read of Steinbeck’s “Tortilla Flat”.  Or maybe it was today’s NPR piece on the Homeless Vigil held in Portland, Maine around Christmas every year.  Toss in some white flowers and there you have it, something to write about.  

Whatever reason ya’ll have for celebrating, please enjoy it, savor it, and carry it as far into 2018 as you can. 

Ho …………………………………………….

________________________________________

Cross posted at  Lostin the BoZone

"It is 8:30" - Carrot Ranch Weekly Challenge - 12/14/17

Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction - Due Tuesday, 12/19/17

Prompt - Phrase "Only in" - 99 words exactly
_______________________

"It is 8:30”

The man cracked opened his eyes to same bleak existence he had suffered for as long as he could remember.  For some moments he stared at the ceiling, his red eyes not focusing on anything in particular.  He struggled to bring his mind into focus for what he faced this day so much like every other day he had ever faced.  He rubbed his eyes with his knuckles and considered that only in his dreams did he seem to have any control.

“Sir?  It is 8:30.  Madam would like to know if you will be joining her for breakfast.”

__________________

This my first flash effort in quite awhile.  It meets the minimum/maximum word count.  Whether it is a worthy effort, I just cannot say.  But I had to start somewhere.  Hope you like it.