The story of the week for October 16 to 20 is…
Surprise by John Fowler
All posts by Tim
CHARMAINE WILKERSON: The Wager
Many islanders believed that chickens were for laying eggs and eating. But Lin knew better. Life was all about the fight. Families, cities, countries, and dynasties, all jostling for survival. The cockfight was life. And money.
Though Lin’s luck had disappeared and he, too, would have to do the same.
Charmaine Wilkerson’s novella How to Make a Window Snake won the 2017 Bath Novella-in-Flash award. Other stories and essays have appeared in various print and online publications. She tweets occasionally at @charmspen1.
JENNIFER M SMITH: Lost and Found
At the high tide line, where the waves don’t reach,
Where the wind tangles my hair.
Salt crystals on my lips, sand between my toes,
and the golden sunset on my skin.
It’s strange they said I was lost at sea
When here I am
At rest
On the beach.
Jennifer M. Smith is a long-distance offshore sailor and a pretty good swimmer, too.
WENDY OUGHTRED: She’s Gone
Some day.
When winds blow
Wild flowers face the sun
Love comes around
Catch it ‘fore it’s gone
Hold on tight. Infuse your soul
With sun’s golden rays.
She left, a dull empty heart
Stillness. Unbearable silence.
She slipped away. Without a sigh
Motionless hands, cold with death.
She’s gone.
Wendy Oughtred is a semi retired criminal defence lawyer who is now finding the time in indulge her first love: writing. She has led a diverse life which includes curling, performing in community theatre, and raising a family.
MARGARET HENNEY: Sunday Blues
Drinking champagne in that unremarkable moment of melancholy felt unfitting. But it was all she had on hand and it was Sunday in Indiana where liquor sales are halted for 24 holy hours.
Her options were limited.
So she twisted off the cork and texted him: “Hey, still wanna talk?”
Margaret is an amateur writer, but her mother thinks she’s WONDERFUL. She resides in Indianapolis.
IAIN YOUNG: Into the Wild
As usual, Joe was prepared: food and water, map and compass, rain gear and tent, flashlight, matches. He left a note with his name, date, time, and route.
He set out, hiking the yard’s unvarying relief. Around, around.
His wife, pouring herself more wine, hoped he’d get lost this time.
Iain Young thinks the best part of a hike is the end, when he sees his car in the parking lot.
JONATHAN HOUSTON: Tall Tale
Phineas Phelps found figurative fiction fascinating, frankly.
As an author, alliteration always added authenticity.
He carefully crafted creative copy, constantly cultivating killer quotable content.
Naturally, news networks need new knowledgeable know-it-alls, Phineas figured.
His hottest headline?
Prayer Park Pair Peeps Pope Pooping Per Private Property; Prez Promises Prompt Papal Persecution.
Jonathan writes written words by tepidly typing text. You can find more micro writing of his on Twitter.
ANTHONY WILHOIT: Last Call
Gentrification marched its silent footsteps to the oak door of Moore’s Tavern.
Old Man Henry smiled and licked his wrinkled lips. If he couldn’t have it, nobody could. He grabbed the gasoline and lighter.
The starry night seemed brighter to him that night.
The stone chimney was all that remained.
Anthony works with numbers by day, and words by night! Happily married in the heart of Kentucky.
JOHN KUJAWSKI: Destruction at the Diner
The television at the diner was gone. My waitress said that someone smashed it. It was hard for me to imagine who would do such a thing.
After I ate, I went to the parking lot. I heard the sound of breaking glass. The manager was breaking someone’s car windows.
John Kujawski wrote this story.
JOHN FOWLER: Surprise
We arrived with all the time in the world.
Those first birthdays couldn’t come fast enough.
The middle days whispered in our ears.
Don’t worry; there’s loads of time left.
We’ve known from birth this day would come.
Still, we’re surprised when we open the door and find death waiting.
John Fowler served twenty years in the US Air Force before retiring and starting a second career in the IT field. He is also a Lay Pastor serving a small church near his home in Texas. His hobbies include reading, golfing, writing, and now oil painting.