Miscellaneous
50 Word Challenge
I just finished reading Daniel Pink's A WHOLE NEW MIND (great book by the way), which explained that storytelling is essential for professional success and personal fulfillment. He offered this challenge: write a 50-word mini-saga, which is an extremely short story with a beginning, a middle, and an end. That's exactly 50 words (no more, no less). Take the challenge and get your creative juices flowing!
When you're done, post your mini-saga here.
We're up for it. How about you?
Replies (223)
Posted by
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I set out with high hopes for my grand journey.
I planned to traverse the country and see all of the sites; to venture off the beaten path and explore the America that most people bypass on the Interstates.
Sadly my car broken down on the second day outside ChattanoogaMar 19, 2009 11:43 am
by cresswga -
I used to live on Park Avenue; now I'm on a Chinese block in the Lower East Side. I shop at the Hong Kong Market and am the only gweilo there. I buy dumplings, hargow. I think everyone is laughing at me, but I don't care. This is my home now.
Mar 19, 2009 12:50 pm
by evelknevel -
He gazed longingly, desire written in every fiber. The irresistible scent teased him. Quick slip and grab; the prize was his!
She was too fast, and caught him by the ear. Disappointment sank into the pit of his stomach.
Mother put him on time-out. No apple pie until after dinner.
That. Was. Hard. =ÞMar 19, 2009 1:53 pm
by Keeley -
Aghast, I stared at the disaster in front of me. How could this happen? I planned so carefully. The party guests arrived in good cheer, The food emerged from ovens and fridges looking delectable and festive. I just forgot to put the snake away. Oh well, one less lap dog.
Mar 19, 2009 2:22 pm
by dlarson -
And just like that, surrounded by her family, Lillian's heart stopped beating.
Fifty kilometers away, Nadia's Mom sits praying by her bed. As her daughter struggles for breath, she knows she is the lucky one. She knows that someone else's child has died tonight.
And given Nadia a second chance.
(Decided to do my story backwards, starting with an end and ending with a beginning. Very tough to meet the word count!)Mar 19, 2009 2:57 pm
by Meg681 -
A lazy, sultry afternoon. Everything stood still, save the lone, wandering antelope, trying to smell water, and occasionally pricking its ears towards tell-tale sounds – not quite catching a glimpse of the pair of green eyes – long following it – through slightly parted blades of tall grass. Suddenly, four eyes met.
Burp.Mar 19, 2009 3:16 pm
by suirauqa -
I was into my second glass of ice water when he called. That old flame was not able to meet me at the bar.
“Cold feet,” he said.
I went home to wrap in blankets, in books. He called again but I didn’t pick up. My feet were quite warm.Mar 19, 2009 3:28 pm
by AZad -
"Why not start a family", we said to each other over coffee several years ago. First one, then another, then the larger house and finally, the family car. Now as I watch them run around the house I am filled with joy at the love we brought into our lives.
Mar 19, 2009 3:59 pm
by tigerpaw -
Waiting for My Father, Who Is Never Coming Home Again, Ever
A clock ticks in the kitchen.
A car goes by.
I can hear my own breathing.
"Whatcha doin'?" her mom asked.
"Writing a poem for school."
"Oh, may I see?"
Janie tore off the title.
"Sure. It's called Evening."Mar 19, 2009 5:02 pm
by johng -
You thought it was finally over, the nothing, but it was longer. The drugs were effective but the side effects meant endless sleeping: fine if you had time you just wanted rid of. But that time was all used up, as was the other time. It's over, painless but fruitless.
by marta.comm -
Milly sat in her car and drove to the fish pond. She had lost her friends and family, and decided to drown.
A guy was already in the water, struggling. She ripped her shirt, dived, and saved him.
Now they have a home, three kids, and a dog called Steve.Mar 19, 2009 5:49 pm
by Frelont -
I came to you in the spring, when everything blossoms, when we blossomed like fat raindrops hitting a pool, fast and violent. I thought of how I fell into you, finally safe.
Sometimes now I'm blindingly aware how afraid I feel since you left me burning in that summer's heat.Mar 19, 2009 5:52 pm
by ambertides -
Where do we comment on these?
I want to tell AZad and Frelont how much I like their stories, but could only see to do it here.
(This is not a 50-word mini-saga submission.)
by johng -
The colony - established by brave souls who ventured from beyond the stars and conquered the broad plateaus rising above the corrosive vapors of the plains; shepherded and protected by selfless generations through unthinkable dangers; yet betrayed by our greed, cynicism, and mockery of their virtue - we abandon to hollow ruin.
by almitydave -
Wow--these are great, folks.
@johng: Feel free to comment on the sagas here--I think it will be easy enough to tell which posts are meant to be stories and which ones are comments.
@Keeley: After the first paragraph of your saga I thought I might have to remove it to keep things clean! Love the twist.Mar 19, 2009 7:03 pm
by MaggieH (admin) -
I taught him in fourth grade. Cute kid, polite, big smile. What’s not to like? Here now, grown up. “Mrs. Larson?” “ Franklin, how are you?” “Great, I’m a lawyer now.” Still a cute kid, big smile. I had a hand in that success. What’s not to like?
by dlarson -
He was in the lobby when he saw her at the cafe across the street, looking as beautiful as he'd remembered. He called her cell, thinking he would bound across the street and surprise her. They kept on bantering, keeping it light, even as he watched her roll her eyes.
by milosmeadow -
The boys went around the neighborhood looking for doors to kick in. They found one, just the right one. Then they went bang, bang and the door fell in. The owner of the house woke up in a fright and recognized her son's friends. Oh, were they in for it.
Mar 19, 2009 7:51 pm
by books -
The morning began like most others – with the panacea marketed as the perfect response to morning.
Steaming mug in hand, I relished the Western ritual of sublimating your natural desires to languorously awaken with the Sun by an infusion of caffeine; I tasted the strength to face the coming day
by Amroth -
Sr. Eleanor slapped Jeannie Corbett in the face as we were leaving church after Benediction. We'd been laughing because there was a rumor that James Borbus had thrown up.
I was glad Jeannie was first so Sr Eleanor couldn't get me. We both cried all the way home.Mar 19, 2009 8:09 pm
by Derry -
Swords clash, and rain falls. The battle will all day to win, but each soldier's fight is shorter.
I took his coin, I fought his war, I see how it will end. We footmen carved this breach in their lines.
And the King charges over our bodies, to his victory.Mar 19, 2009 8:26 pm
by Chaomancer -
A fifty word saga. Difficult? Yes. Impossible? I don’t think so.
I typed, backspaced, counted, recounted, and typed some more. It’s even tougher than I had expected. Too much pressure! I can’t do this! Wait, just a few words more, a little more...voila! I knew I could do it!Mar 19, 2009 8:37 pm
by IheartFrance -
It was one of those mornings when breakfast wanted to be scotch, from the bottle.
The scent of her perfume preceded her. The door swung against the wall. He lunged for the open drawer.
The stench of cordite battled the roar in his ears for attention.
But not for long.Mar 19, 2009 8:48 pm
by spinhead -
The court clerk swore her in.
The judge addressed her. “You are asking the court to throw your husband out of the house without warning and without an opportunity to be heard because he said ‘you ain’t no beauty queen,’ which you believe violates the Domestic Violence Act?”
“Yes.”
“Wow.”Mar 19, 2009 8:51 pm
by rdm41301 -
She stays up all night packing. I stay up all night crying. She will relish the freedom while I dread her absence. We talk about drinking, drugs and boys. I wonder if she'll call her me often from school. She will make new friends while I lose my best friend.
by EDITHJWHARTON -
She was late. He was lost. In the pouring rain they raced for cover under the nearest canopy.
Her eyes, dark brown and guarded, met his, deep blue and clear. A pair of diffident smiles bridged the distance between them.
Forget time. Forget place. One look and they were home.Mar 19, 2009 9:32 pm
by SleepyReader -
“Tranquility Base here, the Eagle has landed.”
We’re not done yet. Ascent stage looks okay, scan the telemetry, are we stable, look for leaks. “Oxidizer vent complete.” Mission timer stopped, that’s the only problem. “Stay for T2.”
Look down the row of consoles to see the smiles. We did it!
by tcomeau -
Some fantastic stuff here; tcomeau, yours managed to stand out and grab my attention, perhaps because I remember the reality and can fill in the other 99,950 words . . .
by spinhead -
Precisely 7:15. She wished that he could be less rigid about time. What was one minute? Heart pounding, she searched for the buzzer. It was unnecessary. She raised her index finger and he appeared in the doorway.
"You're late."
"Can I ask you...?"
"Yes?"
"Shit."
"What?"
"Can I kiss you?"Mar 19, 2009 10:01 pm
by Kate_of_Kate_Hall -
Late nights. Sneaking into dark rooms. She can't hear her child's sleeping breath with her heart beating in her ears. If only her husband were home. She hates the sneaking into rooms at night, hoping not to wake them, her hand slipped under pillows. She dreads playing the Tooth Fairy.
by Murasaki -
Dusk was settling into the lightly wooded scrub tree area where Uncle Charles had selected a higher tree to hang a sow carcass.
The aunt held a large box as Charles cut parts from the pig and Grandmother and I fanned the humid air to keep flies on the outskirts of the deed being done. Little Bobby played in the dirt nearby.
Uncle Charles kept handing swine parts to the aunt and would say things such as, "These will make good chittlin's..."
by Sunshiny -
He sat by the gate.
They stopped in front of him.
He looked first into her eyes, and then his.
The man clapped his hands.
He stood, and moved towards them.
The woman stepped back. “Too big,” she said.
They moved on.
He sat down again, and whimpered.Mar 19, 2009 10:49 pm
by Lectrice -
Thanks, MaggieH. What a good idea this is. I'm enjoying all these very much.
rdm41301: Wow, yourself. Good job.
milosmeadow: Fine story telling. Devastating punch line.
Lectrice: Nicely done. How to break a heart in 50 words.
by johng -
Lectrice: How did you get line spaces?
by johng -
Just back from a Sierra trek, he spent all morning washing clothes.
Danced into the house....singing........whistling. Gave me a wink and a kiss, declaring: you might need this.
Now I’m going to make you dinner and take my boy fishing, he said, just before he fell over dead.Mar 19, 2009 11:46 pm
by saerah -
Spike would goad his wife, Mona, into mounting a resistance that gave him permission to abuse her. His favorite was the false accusation that led to a denial that led to punishment for lying. Until the day she brought home a gun with no bullets. She lied about the bullets.
by royniles -
I began as a caseworker for CPS as a child. My experience with bruised, scalded babies and lying, manipulating parents opened my eyes to a fierce reality. I leave now, tired, dishearted, and cynical. "Run for your lives!" I want to shout to those new, young workers.
by Cody1111 -
I was angry and left the room. I wasn't sure where to go. I was led to my car, the open road, and a thousand hours of music. I listened without interruption and without inspiration. I returned, apologized to my friends, and we continued playing video games.
by leedsls12 -
Through the window, I see him. Tall on his shepherd’s hook perch, declaring, "I am Red Tail. I hunt.” Grab broom, head for yard. He holds his perch. Stares. Gripping broom, I advance . Suddenly, 6-foot wings spread. Swooping from perch, he’s gone. Small birds return. Normalcy. Till next time.
Mar 20, 2009 1:32 am
by ThornlessRose7 -
Checking in our baggage, we realized we had more than our allowance. Between us, two ex-wives, one ex-husband, five kids, one dog and a cat. "What's the excess baggage fee?" we chimed in unison. The man behind the counter looked up from his keyboard and asked: "Did you pack all this yourselves?"
Mar 20, 2009 1:55 am
by NancyEPerry -
Facing the future alone see utterly impossible. All around was dark and bleak. Gun in hand he sought to end his pain and find a peace he had only dreamed of. Reflecting briefly over the finality of his actions he thought again to tomorrow…always the procrastinator!
Mar 20, 2009 3:09 am
by rgclay -
She winced. It was going to happen, she knew. Many times, she thought of stopping it from happening. She could not bring herself to. She just wanted to see the twist of irony; the humor of fate; the end of the tale that she knew well. It was her destiny.
Mar 20, 2009 3:50 am
by Pixelographs -
Arms outstretched, a smile on her face gently. And I recognized her, but why was she was sleeping there? Air was cold, the grass was damp, and I had seen her this way before so I became frightened again.
Mom was dead. I don't know why, I want her back.Mar 20, 2009 4:27 am
by flightless -
In the beginning was the Middle, and the End. The middle of a fight leading to the end, and the beginning of the New. The fight was nothing new, but the result was – a decision long in coming which caused a collective sigh of relief when it was finally reached.
Mar 20, 2009 5:09 am
by Persia -
Fitting things into exactly 50 words is not easy, I know, it took ages to do this.
The only other thing I can think of where the number of words was so important was when I was asked to describe myself in three words.
I said “not good at counting”!
by MartynJohnston -
She was born on a Tuesday, a hot lazy day when the flies buzzed about making the air heavy with their music. When she grew up, she remembered with longing those hazy southern days. Now she sits and listens, but she never hears that music that once filled the air.
by Laure -
The sun beat down on the shrivelled raisin that was the sunbathing celebrity. You could practically see the cancer growing on them as they lay there sweating, roasting in the blazing heat. He was an idiot, but he didn't know that, so he didn't care, because he didn't and couldn't.
Mar 20, 2009 7:54 am
by book.reviewer -
Labrador Adams woke one morning to find himself without a head. Gazing into the bathroom mirror (which, without eyes, was disquieting), Labrador pondered his situation. Headless, mouthless; trying to brush his teeth seemed too much. Instead, he crawled back into his still warm bed, hoping for the best upon reawakening.
Mar 20, 2009 8:36 am
by jdoublep -
It's said that Life is short, but then so was Mabel. So, she ate dessert first,sometimes instead of. She lost her teeth, she lost her figure, but never lost her zest for Life. But because of dessert her life was short.
Mar 20, 2009 8:46 am
by meglit52 -
Here is a poem's translation from Russian into English composed in 80s. He'd been all tender and gentlness and missed his darling when they were apart. It seemed to her it was like him while she kissed another. What's the difference if it's dark in the room.
Mar 20, 2009 8:58 am
by Khvalovsky -
It was a long walk back from the altar in the forest. The spell failed, Yog-Sothoth did not come for me. It was childish, trying to conjure Him. At home, standing by the car, I hear shouting, crying. Tomorrow night, I think, the spell will work. It has to work.
Mar 20, 2009 9:07 am
by Golem100 -
The coffee cup, half full, sat abandoned. Beside it lingered a plate with crumbs of edible sin. Not far away, the reluctant sinner stood upon the bathroom scale. Peering down at the number of truth, it divulged a slight weight reduction. With her conscience cleared, she finished her morning coffee.
by ellieblunt -
Love is never easy, she thought. Then she zipped the last suitcase and gave her home of the last 3 years one long, last, look around. A quick good-bye to the dogs and she was off to start a new life with the hope that finally someone would appreciate her.
by eScribe -
“Rome, I should think”, Haughty Trellis suggested. Neroli, of recent inheritance, hopped the next plane from Idlewild. The 60’s were swinging, weren’t they? After her youth is ruined amongst the ruins by a suave, gorgeous Italian purveyor of leather, she eventually finds love in the Borghese Gardens but marries royalty.
by kaleidabox -
HELP
The divorce forced one teen to live with his mother, who decides to move to England. Despite the troubles, life is getting better thanks to friendship with a boy and a girl. But his mother decides to move to SA. Devastated, he just want help to decide his own life.Mar 20, 2009 10:03 am
by reginacunha -
By the time I’d decided on my destination, it was too late. War was on us, clattering around my cement building, with me trapped inside. There was nothing to do but wait it out with the supplies the former owners left. Six long years later, I was bound for Scotland.
Mar 20, 2009 10:55 am
by hcmccga -
She dreamed of him. He kept trying to speak to her, but she couldn't hear him.
She awoke and went downstairs. He was in the yard. Intrigued but not frightened, she approached him. She heard him clearly.
"I have been looking for you - the one that will save us all."
by KairiKid -
Ruth (my grandma) married a man her father despised.
Her husband died young. Ruth asked to come home.
“If you take off the ring,” Papa said. But the ring was stuck. He filed it off, down to the bone. She always had that scar: on her hand, in her heart.
by MATidwell -
She stepped carefully through the darkness, hands outstretched. She knew what lay ahead. One wrong step could mean sharp teeth and an ankle wound. Fanning her fingers through the air, she encountered cool, smooth leather, then warm fur. The cat is on the sofa; the light switch just ahead.
by AmoLibros -
One cried real tears on my shoulder. No more, she said with watery eyes, no more falling in love. She sobbed a bit, ran fingers through her hair, and slid off my lap. I go toilet she said. I stared into saddened eyes. Why do people always lie she asked.
by crumple -
The Cube is like my beige cell. Everyday the clicking continues, coupled ringing. Someone says it is a shame, life being to short and all. A co-worker says something funny, audible, and we suddenly laugh. I realize I have not seen them for awhile. Hazah, we are human after all.
by sarahgorski -
The war ended, finally. Only Grandma and young Rose survived.
Grandma died.
Bereft and alone, Rose worked hard tending fields full of flowers, hives full of bees.
All summer she sold honeycakes to Charles. It was love.
They live happily still, in a cottage surrounded by flowers, guarded by bees.
by tebbiki -
He leaves a wake of pain as he moves. Friends, children, even dogs aren’t immune. One death would solve everything. The knife still had elk blood on it. Gross! She threw the sheets down. No need to ruin the carpet. She plunged the knife into herself without disturbing his prints.
Mar 20, 2009 1:32 pm
by blacksheepval -
When I was young a soothsayer used to come around and tell us our fortunes. “Its witchcraft he’s peddling” I was warned but curiosity got the best of me one day and the man prophesized “you will be what you see.” I wish I saw something other than my goldfish.
Mar 20, 2009 1:39 pm
by cepe -
Waiting nervously outside the door, too stressed to notice anything but the sound of my pounding heart, I bite my lip and take a deep breath to try to calm myself. Then it is my turn to step forward, slowly and deliberately, to the end of the aisle. I do.
Mar 20, 2009 4:50 pm
by Lolabean -
A simple conversation in the bar starts dry.
A pony-tailed man upends his pitcher of beer onto the straight haired woman under the neon lights. His angry departing sentence was "That's what you get for dragging me along for three weeks without a response." There we all stood, soaked in his desperation.
No one rises to defend the young woman so I follow the scorned fool outside to deliver the end of his world. Casualties of war man. Casualties of war.Mar 20, 2009 6:09 pm
by zabresch -
A simple conversation in the bar starts dry. An angry man upends his pitcher onto the woman under the neon lights. His departing sentence: "That's for dragging me along for three weeks without a response."
No one rises to defend her. Casualties of war man. Casualties of war.
by zabresch -
In the darkness he asked, “what are you thinking?” I knew, but feared losing him. “I can’t say it,; you have to say it.” Softly he replied, “ I love you.” I learned the picture was his wife, not his sister. I love him still. How sad. She killed him.
by barbara451 -
Mr. Nice Guy
As had generations before her, she had faithfully lived up to the unblemished family tradition - perfectly imitating its altruistic philosophy. He, her only grandchild, had destroyed that loving legacy with one despicable act, tarnishing their good name forever. These were her thoughts as she lie alone on the blood-soaked floor.
Comment: That was a very difficult (I tend to be wordy), but extremely fun challenge. I'm assuming that the 50 word requirement for the mini-sage doesn't include its title (?), three words in my case.
by ladydi -
Maria Candide looked out the window for the 17th time in as many minutes.
Either he would show up or he would not.
If he did, she would shower him with kisses. If not . . .
Despite vowing to wait a full 60 seconds, she glanced out the window an 18th time.
Comment: I seem to be the only one commenting on these, so I guess I'll stop rather than be a nuisance.
I would like to tell blacksheepval, good story. A murder mystery worthy of Monk.
I may post another mini-saga or two before this is done. Can't help it. Too much fun.
by johng -
Way back days seemed to last longer. Years ago the world seemed bigger. Things have changed. The kids are gone. Mary went on a few years back. The dog died the other day. I am getting used to quiet. There is time to reflect, “If I could live it again.”
by Denise_Nyenhuis -
Running through the town that knew no secrets. Past the dollar show, past the little church on the corner that changed names every few months. Past Mrs. Ealeys's prize sunflowers. Over the cracks on the sidewalk I knew like the lines on Granddad's face. Home! I confessed. She knew. Neigbhors!
by prochristo -
"I love you!"
"I love you too, Richard."
"Thank you for buying me a Dr. Pepper!"
"Richard, I didn't buy it. It's your money--I just helped you. I pulled through this drive-through so you could get a drink."
He drank up, contentedly.
They drove back to the group home.
by Christycat -
Adama sat staring across the valley until the sun sat and the cool damp of the evening settled over his shoulders. Then he rose, stepped carefully over the rocky hilltop, and climbed into the Raptor. His goodbye to Laura said, he spooled up the FTL, and jumped into the sun.
-------------------------
Tonight's episode of Battlestar Galactica was the series finale. This is my fan fic tribute.
by Golem100 -
A diamond set in a swirling, yellow gold heart. She looked and it and blushed, though not with pleasure. It represented how little he knew her, how little he paid attention to her. Yet she'd wear it everyday because doing so meant she'd get the hell out of this town.
by B-girl -
When I moved in he moved out. We both planned how it would work out, knowing it wouldn’t be easy. Then the phone calls began. She got edgy and I got annoyed. One day she went out and didn’t return. Next day the headlines read: Woman's Body Found in Canal.
Mar 21, 2009 9:09 am
by garryh -
It seemed like the perfect plan – nothing could go wrong and the guys were OK. On the day everything went without a hitch, the cars were all in place, we went straight in and out of the bank. Then that old lady crossing the road. We all got twenty years.
by garryh -
He hoped to rob this house. Peering in the window; he could see the house was empty. Red eyes glowed. Inside he stepped on a loose tile, slipped and hit his head. Dazed he felt the soft bite on his neck as he slid into unconsciousness. Dinner was served.
by efcoffey -
In my dream I'm at a bar, a booth in back. I'm wearing a suit and have my arm around a woman whose face I never see. But her hair and scent play off the curls of Clove cigarette smoke. I wake with my hand raised, asking for the check.
by mweston314 -
It all started with the man falling past my window. Seeing him made me feel concerned. So I went to see his widow. We talked and she smoked. I learned more than I wanted to know. In the end I couldn’t get away. That’s why I’m still there now. Involved.
by garryh -
I have two dogs.
I watched the first one growing, giving birth (to the second one, too), learning, playing, having fun in the park, swimming, teaching the little one the house rules…
Now I have to watch her getting older. Too soon, I can say, looking at her playful eyes.
by Ruxx -
Bzzzzz, door left open on a hot summer’s night’s let in more than mild evening air. Bzzzzz, thoughts invading sleep. Mosquitos in bloody March! Should have closed it, too hot, should have known, too tired, repellant. Bzz soft, bzzz louder, thwack! Silence, impercetible bz, louder bzzzzzz, too tired, thwack, bzzzzz!
by SalsitaSays -
He flipped through the magazine saying nothing, then held the receiver from his ear, the cursing heard into the kitchen where his wife stood over a steeping tea bag. "How long has it been this time?" she called quietly. "Mum’s just forgotten where she is," he replied. "She’ll get back."
Mar 22, 2009 9:06 am
by SeenReading -
He loved her.
That much was true.
Standing on the pier, he watched her walk toward him, a slight smile on her face.
He needed her.
She wanted him.
They’d be together forever.
It was like that the day they had met, and it would be like that til death…Mar 22, 2009 1:09 pm
by chelaeur -
Bursting bombs crashed nearby, and the inmates rose shakily from their filthy beds. Lennie, one of the oldest, his bones held together by paper-thin skin, peaked through the doorway crack to see SS guards running in the opposite direction, fleeing. The massive gate of Auschwitz swung open. They were free!
by geraldinebirch -
Title: SPRING BREAK FOR A TEACHER IN KANSAS CITY
Of all the things I could have done with my time, what do you think I did? Yep… read a book. So I read nine of them. True story. Then I ate some Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque (sweet heat), some Murray’s “truffleupagus” ice cream (so delicious) and called it a week.Mar 22, 2009 6:51 pm
by PinkKatelynn -
A small sound, like weight shifting on a floorboard, caught Edwin's attention.
He drew his revolver. This felt nothing like the practice scenarios at the academy.
"Police!" he said.
No answer.
The sound came again.
Later, at the inquest, he showed the knife wound, with its many even stitches.
by johng -
I used to do that back in middle school, and its very surprising what you get to hear from all these 8th graders to 6th graders.
by fredsmilek -
Even before they were married, Daddy hit her. She knew his ways and took it as long as she could because her Mama said "You stay, for your children." But when the hitting spread to the children for whose sake she stayed...enough! I still remember his puzzled, dying look.
by mfuent1 -
Year three of Testos and the sugarbutton supplies were low. The armies were hoarding. Overcomp heard that Geniu had a supply in Poejus. Nearly there! Letting Loy die was a small sacrifice. He saw the location. A noise! Overcomp looked and saw Geniu smile before oblivion. A brother’s life avenged.
by gregghay -
As the UFO lifted off, I reflected upon my former life: would I miss my friends, my home, my pet alligator? And would T Rex really devour Woody? But that was now all past, the future directly ahead. Suddenly a whisper entered my consciousness, “Wake up, Nap time is over”
by merino -
She awoke and began her daily routine. Brushing her teeth she noticed the pile of library books on the table. Hearing a strange sound she moved to the window. The streets were empty, and a strange orange light lit the sky. Fate could be very cruel to the over sleeper.
by Aolele -
I was driving by a pond, in that beautiful first of Spring Morning. A goose with its goslings was crossing the road.
...and it was getting tense, as cars were passing by. A guy jumped out of his car and stopped the traffic. A beautiful sight of Nature and Humanity!!!Mar 24, 2009 11:07 pm
by vasusrini -
I was sitting in a café in Toulon when she entered. She glided to the counter, ordered, then scanned the room. She lowered her Chanels; Her sea blue eyes locked with mine. She smiled wistfully, exiting as quickly as she entered. It was the only time I fell in love.
by twylitezone -
Times are sickeningly despondent.
Waking up with full vigor, for a few fleeting momemt, I savour last night's sweet dreams when suddenly the stark reality strikes.
Spring not showing her face, stock markets spiralling downward, negative news clogging the media.
Whether posterity will be any better, time can only reveal.Mar 25, 2009 8:01 pm
by Jayan -
Choppy waves on the horizon and at the shore signaled the future we faced, but we were busy with our green apples. The dogs twisted their leashes around our legs and the wind blew our words south, and we found that we were bound by more than what we thought.
by arelle -
The dishwasher’s hollow hum tortured him with regret. Meat was expensive; he lost his job months ago. But remembering his daughter’s radiant smile after the succulent spaghetti-Bolognese-dinner soothed his conscience. Wouldn’t any other desperate father kill a kitten to cook his offspring’s badly missed favorite dish? Such is life.
by afurth -
The boy is by the window every day.
He watches the garbage truck chewing big black bags away.
When he grows up, he wonders, he will also feed that big monster’s face.
And hanging on its back will bolt out of the slum, towards a better life, a better place.
by afurth -
The boy is by the window every day.
He watches the garbage truck as it chews big black bags away.
He wishes he could also feed that big monster’s face.
And that hanging on its back he could bolt out of the slum, towards a better life, a better place.
by afurth -
He looked at his newborn son. Finally, after years of infertility treatments, they were a family.
Then, “Her uterus is shredded. I can’t stop the bleeding,” the doctor said.
“Tell mommy you love her,” dad whispered.
The baby couldn’t speak. The mother couldn’t scream. But the doctor stopped the bleeding.Mar 27, 2009 4:10 pm
by littleRhino -
No, it wasn’t love at first sight, but the spark between us started the relationship. To him, I was an angel; to me, he was an answer to prayer. This never-been-married girl was going to be a fifty-year old bride! Ten months later the unexpected happened… he died.
by donnalynn -
He called her his dreamgirl.
She wanted his whole world. Together they chased dreams and each other.They conquered the world, and then the past caught up with them both. Past lovers confessing their undying love.
Words of apology fell on deaf ears. They ran away;shut out the outside world
by BOOKSBUMBLEBEE -
She couldn't take it. She sat there between the canned fruit and the imported molasses. Their song was humming in the background of the markets' hubbub. She hadn't heard it since she had walked away from him. Repeating this move, she grabbed her heart and walked out, leaving him behind.
by annevator -
(not a 50-word challenger submission) I love these! I'd love them even more if I can read them as daily installments! ;-)
Apr 1, 2009 7:08 pm
by femmebot -
Anna and Piotr anxiously waited for the knock on the door. They would come. It was ineveitable. They had been spotted by one of the cities surveillance cameras. There was no place to hide. "Are you ready" Piotr asked? Anna punched the wall and said "F@ck no", I should have picked up that damn dog poop afterall.
by sgchicago -
Not again
Not today
I can't put up with his crap.
A moron thinking he's a genius,
A bad middle-manager promoted past his ability,
He’s the only one who doesn’t know it.
Perhaps today I’ll tell him,
The next time you feel like coaching someone,
Try doing it the mirror.
by ggarzo -
I am awestruck by the beauty of Spring. Every little swelling bud, every tender green leaf unfurling, every tiny flower blooming gives me joy. The cleansing of a spring shower as the tiny drops of rain soak the ground and hang on tiny branches brings the hopeful feeling of renewal.
by SusanCr -
Finally. “So?”
I walked across the bridge today,
And didn’t feel a thing.
Except to notice, I didn’t feel a thing.
“So?”
The Golden Gate Bridge.
“So?”
I forgot, I hadn’t told.
“So, what is it?”
3 years, 6 months and 1 day ago, he jumped.
Now I can finally say, “So?”
by DJVS -
The boys ran inside yelling and laughing football under arms and untied tennis shoes damp with new rain. One boy remains, he is grinning his umbrella open, rubber boots slipping off of bike pedals. He is firmly his own boy and for that I am glad.
by Lyonice -
She found him in the morning, covered in blood, death rattle her alarm clock, his skin the color of the EMT’s jackets and the wings of the angel waiting to take him home. In the hospital she turned off the ventilator. At home she tearlessly searched for his killer. Alcohol.
by coleshoney -
“Act for me” he said.
“What do you want me to do? “ I laughed.
He was the scent of books and wood smoke.
10 years later, it’s our show.
He is wood smoke, without the books.
I have been awarded and acclaimed.
Ryan is 7years, Juliet is 6months.
by JunoDolly -
The world is your playground.
So I went out and played. Broke the swing, got stuck on the slide, and got sand in my hair.
Came home covered in mud, and with sparkling white teeth, and had to spend hours in the shower trying to be adult-like and clean.Apr 4, 2009 7:26 am
by xesskay -
I don't care. I don’t want to know why you hate me. I don't want you to ask me again, why I wasn't there. Just know that I am not what you think I am, and will never be what you want me to be.
Nothing is going to change.
by xesskay -
MaHeil lay on *her* limb of the mighty tree the Forefathers had planted long ago.
It had been selected, and MaHeils tears for it stained darker the rough bark under her smooth cheek.
The honor of it wouldn't transcend the pain of its death, at least not for her. Ever.Apr 4, 2009 1:33 pm
by Cattrix -
Every single day. They are sucking my will to live. I don’t talk to my husband; play with my kids, clean my house. My mom keeps phoning. My friends wonder where I am. I can’t help myself, I keep returning. My hands are shaking life is passing me by. Still I go, it is a compulsion. Ashton, Demi, you crazy kids what are you doing today?
by Lyonice -
"Don’t walk the log," she said.
Too tempting, that log.
Stretches across a swamp filled with trash and muck
Sister walks the log, says it’s easy.
I walked the log.
Fell in.
Hid naked in the sand waiting for my clothes to dry,
Hoping mom wouldn’t notice.
She noticed.
Ouch.
by robynv -
We spend our first night together throwing wedding shoes at noisy crickets
The next morning we complain, hoping to get our money back.
Falling on deaf ears, we recoup our losses by taking all the donuts.
Now I’m the deaf one. Don’t hear crickets any more,
Can’t eat donuts.
Bummer.
by robynv -
“You have to, “she pleaded. “He’s sick. I can’t do it alone.”
We move immediately, abandoning home, retirement, peace.
She hated him, so we did all the work.
One year later, he’s dead.
She doesn’t need us anymore, called the moving van…...
Hubby’s mother now wants our money.
Sweet, huh?
by robynv -
what's between friend and enemy? two friends half-stabbed me in the back. now, two frenemies. two half-stabs equals a whole bloodbath, right? i tell one we're cool. it wasn't premeditated, just getting cornered by cowardice and ambition. the other i consider unfriending on facebook, but that's pretty serious. i'm waiting and pretending instead---a frenemy.
by davidicus -
Heavy gray rain fell that February Sunday. There she sat quietly sipping chamomile, reading, cheeks flushed, wearing a petit dejeuner t-shirt. He ducked in out of the damp, spotted her -- could not turn away, yet could not walk over. Love. The next day, a Missed Connections posting. She replied.
by akrasne -
Her name tag reads, LOURDES. The truckers drive miles to drop greasy spoons at her feet and pray to Christ, hanging there, between those breasts, his neck bent in an effort to view them, his face in anguish because he can't. Bless us, oh Lord, for these thy gifts. Amen.
Apr 7, 2009 4:05 am
by bitterthomas -
His nametag reads, BETRAYED. Once sacred, He has been trashed, lowered to a level worthy of spit and slime. He hangs there, His face in anguish at the thought of being perceived as less than a humble Servant to God, sent to bear the sins of all men. Blasphemer, repent.
by robynv -
She always walked everywhere. Then the illness! Now she's lucky to be able to cross the road. Drugs prescribed did little to numb the pain.
It was this lovely young doctor to whom she mentioned wanting to try something else - acupuncture.
Eight weeks later she's walking to the shops again.
by Lifemagician -
Morning breaks and I know. Her body is cold. With trembling hands, I brush her wispy hair. Tears dot her face as I kiss her goodbye. After Cindy’s turn, we leave the room. From my bed I hear them wheeling her out. I peek up and watch mom’s last ride.
by DJohnson -
She staggered into a bar in Barcelona, because it seemed appropriate. Her only instruction, from her lover, who used to live there. A lonely drunken traveler to find a transexual soothsayer and get a tarot reading. Then in rode Magdelena, on her bicycle, wearing a necklace made of broken thermometers.
by suzboop -
Franklin entered the car dealership to trade his VW bus for a sedan. A red-faced man brushed by him and a gun flashed. Franklin shifted his foot just in time to trip the assassin, jump him, grab the weapon. Life is short, Franklin thought. He decided to keep the bus.
by LisainIL -
At dawn, Nick shuffled to his car, still a bit intoxicated from the night before. He opened the door, sat down and turned the key. POOF! A white cloud filled the interior. A moment passed. "Flour in the air vents," he said to himself. "I forgot it was April Fools."
by editrix949 -
Here are some other 50 word challenges that I wanted to add:
@anonymous:
The Wrath of the Lamb
A celibate woman became so close to being homosexual that her friends arranged for her to share an apartment with a gay man (all were Catholic). The two embraced only at the exchange of peace during Mass, angering the vicar who gave us the Host.
@Chelaeur
He loved her.
That much was true.
Standing on the pier, he watched her walk toward him, a slight smile on her face.
He needed her.
She wanted him.
They’d be together forever.
It was like that the day they had met, and it would be like that til death…
by MaggieH (admin) -
@David
I opened my eyes or I thought I did. It was still dark. My eyes were open, it was just dark thats all. Darkness surrounded me and filled me to the core. What was going on? Then suddenly it occurred to me: I forgot to pay the light bill again! Frak!
@DeKnight
Chan had left his restaurant to deliver food. Before he reached his destination, a truck struck his bike and, he was killed instantly. His restaurant is now closed and the only reminder is the white painted bike his family placed at the site, as a memorial to his life.
by MaggieH (admin) -
@Mike Vain
God sent an angel for proof humanity was worth saving. He saw a poor family happily sharing a small meal. He saw a wealthy family’s daughter on MySpace, the son killing zombies in Quake, father working late, mother looking for love in a chat-room. What do you think God decided?
@Sheila
Connie didn’t realize she had been staring at the goldfish. “A fish out of water” . That phrase was one she had used a lot to describe herself. But if that was true then being a fish out of water hadn’t killed her. But then her little voice said “Has it?”
@David
#
I undressed her with my eyes.. slowly watching each article of clothing slip off her tender form. Sliding softly to the floor covering the carpet in drapes of Scarlet. She was naked now dressed only in sweet desires. Standing with her back against the moonlight sky time held its breath
by MaggieH (admin) -
As I drove his voice came from behind, "Can we get a chicken?"
Long ago I gave up on the notion of normal.
"Why?"
"So I can hypnotize it."
A hypnotized chicken would not be abnormal now. Normal is twisted, refracted and oddly shaped.
"How about a book?"
by lalala -
The new secretary is younger and prettier than me, but I know how things run around here. This morning “Miss Clueless” emailed a memo to the CEO of our company with a misspelling of the words “ship” and “luck.” This afternoon the new secretary is no longer with the company.
by crenee311 -
Shuffling steps came closer to his cell. Dried beans, barely cooked, and a heel of white bread would keep him going another day. Somewhere out there, people lived their lives. Here the sun rose and sat. His only contemplation: he didn’t hate his late wife as much as he thought.
by junekat -
As a child she saw things, sometimes scary, sometimes just there. She learned to ignore them, though they never really went away. Now she's married and he wants to leave her for a more 'fit' woman. She's entered college to study the paranormal, as normal life is not working out.
Apr 22, 2009 4:24 am
by emiletic -
Freshly escaping the farm, in shackles, Jacklow hid inside the hollow carcass of a dead tree. The wind brought the bray of hounds. He waited for darkfall and with it: flashlights. Guards. One strayed too close. Keys!
The new Guard searched earnestly for the prisoner, knowing he was close, close.Apr 22, 2009 7:24 am
by utonic76 -
I almost died a year ago. An ambulance took me to a hospital and I lived. I do not know who called the ambulance. The hospital staff didn't know and "911" said it would take five years to find the records. I hope I live long enough to thank whoever.
by ibbyla -
Another morning. A woman with long russet hair, disheveled, sweater clasped against the chill, waiting for the school bus with several children who weren’t her own. She smiled sleepily at the boys and girls, all happy to see the mommy at the bus stop keeping watch until the bus came.
Apr 23, 2009 10:58 am
by ssimon2000 -
A teenage couple, at the road’s edge. Oblivious to the cars whizzing past, shaking with anger, she faced the boy she berated. He had a faint, humiliated smile.
“He's going to push her…" I said, just as Jonathan said, “She's going to get killed standing in the road like that!”
by ssimon2000 -
Sunday morning we met a newlywed couple. She was petite, and wore a flouncy skirt and sandals. He had a good-natured, goofy grin, and could have passed for an overgrown fourteen-year-old boy. She sat up very straight; he lounged. She watched the preacher carefully, expression serious; he waved at latecomers.
by ssimon2000 -
After church we gathered for Christmas dinner; my parents told a story that nobody told me before.
“On the day before Thanksgiving, the phone rang. My father answered it.
“’But--you're dead!’ the voice said.
“’No, I'm not.’
“’The caller proceeded to have hysterics. ‘You're dead! Dead! DEAD!’ she repeated.”
by ssimon2000 -
This is addictive!
by ssimon2000 -
What happens when you walk out of darkness, into blazing sunlight?
Light blinds, sometimes only for an instant, sometimes for a painfully long moment. If we're in a situation when we desperately need to see – driving out of a long tunnel, for instance – the blinding light can be terrifying.
by ssimon2000 -
Night had barely fallen, the sun a still burning orange through the black silhouettes of the trees. The streetlights were flickering into life just to wink out again. The air had gotten colder, more than she’d expected. She’d left her coat in the Mazda; she wrapped her arms around herself.
by ssimon2000 -
to martynjohnston...I like yours
by lovebooks -
And there I was. I didn’t want to go back; I was drawn back. Not like a moth to a flame, with its final, fatal ecstasy of bright death, but like a moth to a porch light, wings beating helplessly against the glass, able to achieve neither resolution nor release.
by Kenyon85 -
we set out for a long run.
i got ahead of him; wasn't used to running so slowly.
as home slid away behind us,
the air changed and more night started to fall.
when thick darkness rendered my path insecure, and heaviness weighed upon me,
he led the way home.
by tbergey -
It was so long coming, I almost missed it when it got here. I was sure it would change everything in my life; it didn't. In fact, when it got here, I was sorry I'd wasted so much time on it. I typed "The End" and hit 'Send".
by meglit52 -
She desperately wanted it. No, she needed it. As she finally felt herself slipping away, she heard it again. How could this be? Hadn’t she done everything she was supposed to? Sleeping pills. Earplugs. Faint easy listening music. It wasn’t enough… she could still hear him snoring. No sleep tonight.
by MMML -
Night,resigns. Day,slowly awakens.Quiet,slowly interrupted by Mother Natures prelude.Slowly,ever so slowly,he approaches.Aware,defensive,yet curious.Senced,but unseen the hunter readies.Closer.Both hearts beat faster.The long awaited prize is at hand.Click! A prayer. YES! The old monarch captured. On film---forever!
by farnsworth52 -
Earth mission to Quuatum HQ: Landed impressively constructed location called NYC. Ruled by beings called "dogs"". Very intelligent species. Have slaves called "humans" that attend their every need from feeding them to cleaning up their excretions. We have not reached their stage of advancement. Returning home without making contact. Out.
Apr 23, 2009 8:14 pm
by jimwes -
The periodic message from Daily.Lit was sitting in my Spam folder. It offered a challenge to write a biography in six words. Also another challenge: to write a short story that is precisely fifty words in length. After reading a few, I've come back to compose a message to you!
by indymom929 -
"I’m all alone!” she wailed through tear stained eyes.
"You don’t find lovers in the cat food aisle.”
I was usedto this. She had multiple at a time, she’s an excellent juggler.
The postal man entered the office, "Flowers for Stephanie."
"Oh, thank god...an angel, I forgot about George."
by annevator -
For a short time I was happy. Life was so simple. No pressure, no worries, no anxiety. And then I turned nine. We moved from California, to Massachusetts. Constant yelling, followed by endless silence. Nothing was ever the same again. Life has been one long panic attack. It never stops.
by lorriekelley -
I send the instant messages anyway, Bubzer44… and yes, they waft in cyberspace, unanswered because you died suddenly, without saying goodbye to anyone, a year ago… But I know the messages eventually collide with your beautiful soul so now you understand that you were loved dearly and are missed everyday.
by coleshoney -
Before his feet touched the floor, Sal lit a cigarette. 12-hour days for 22 years! What a kick in the ass! Strange towns, fetid hotel rooms with drool-stained pillows. Cellphone ringing; "yeah? No!" He stubbed out the butt and opened the window. Finally, vacation! 19 flights, straight down.
Apr 24, 2009 8:29 am
by Icepulse -
Melissa wrote a letter, long after the fact.
Tim was flattered, but thought little more of it.
Until, in the shower, years later – it dawned upon him, and he gasped.
Tim couldn’t find the letter.
Melissa and child might have been.
They were so early on his path to regret.
by ivectord -
COMMENT. So far, my favorites are by Johng, rdm41301 and Lectrice. All three are full of surprises and well written. Johng, I have rarely seen a character so well depicted (the girl writing the poem)--a character well worth knowing.
Apr 24, 2009 10:07 am
by Quill -
confession:
the pass came from the dean.
“my office. now.”
he walked out of the room, not stopping to show the teacher his pass, going to the dean’s office.
“take a seat son, we have something to tell you.” the dean said, pointing to the cops behind him.
“your mother’s dead…”
“i know, i killed her…”Apr 24, 2009 10:22 am
by AidenNocturne -
COMMENT--Johng, please write another story.
by Quill -
The last push is what did it.
That was the edge.
That was the breaking point.
That was it.
He snapped.
He lashed out.
He yelled as loud as he could.
He broke.
It.
He broke it.
Them.
He broke all the promises,
all the mirrors,
all of her records.
“I don’t love you anymore.”
by AidenNocturne -
You aren't happy; doesn't mean you don't let others be happy. Even if they only ever get fun out of you.
But maybe they are happy. And you don't get to mess with that. Even if you have sob stories in your past, don't think you deserve to be happy.
by sternum -
Zinging by my ear, close enough to sear sonic chaos. Helmet strapped to run from flipped pickup to target's door. Climb crumbling steps to take them out. How did I get myself into this mess? Room one, kick door, spray. Room two, detonate. What the hell? Down corridor, my back...
by kokobago -
She was seven years old when it happened. He was crawling down the hall, fighting for breath. One arm stretched out for help, the other clutching at his faulty heart. The girl stood there silently, powerless. Her grandfather was dead before the ambulance arrived. That day would never leave her.
by indigodc -
New in town, unsure what to do, where to live, the agent showed me a house. I took it. No haggling, no worries; I just said, “yes” - surprised myself.
The owner came with keys. She fit my heart. I decided to live in this city, in her house, her heart.Apr 24, 2009 3:14 pm
by hfdratch -
Surveying the wreckage, we were stunned at the devastation and how quickly it had come. Of course, living in California we knew it could happen at any time. We had read countless brochures on being prepared, and we were sure we had adequately child-proofed our home. Still, they got in.
Apr 24, 2009 5:17 pm
by banjrman -
Sitting around the table in the coffee shop at parades end, Shriner Hats on the table, when a kid on crutches came through to door. She looked straight at me for a moment, then handed her mom the crutches, walked with faltering steps to me. Thank you Shriner she said.
by jasbond -
My Boston Holiday:
Boston four lane highway from airport:
I could use the right three lanes from 6:30am-9:30pm, only the right lane 3:30pm-7pm, and the two right lanes at all other times.
It had four lanes.
One U-turn and traffic ticket later:
I left two hours after my flight landed.
by annevator -
COMMENT: My two favorites are Azad's cold feet one and Kate_of_Kate_Hall's doorbell kissing story! Nicely done :)
by annevator -
She sat there, by herself, eating month old club crackers.
She could just picture him standing in his overly polished business shoes using the most prestigious letter opener known to man.
He slit the letter open. “Finally,” He sighed. He had the truth in ink.
I love you.
She smiled.
by annevator -
I had to do my grocery shopping.
I had heard from my friends that London was the best place for produce.
They must have lied.
Red Bell Peppers:
Now $2.89
Were $1.73
I ended up paying a twenty for two peppers and hitching a ride back to Elephant & Castle.
by annevator -
His heart thudded in his chest as he crouched in the stifling dark, peering through the dried gray cracks of the hay barn. He watched, breathless, as his teacher walked slowly and authoritatively toward his father to decry his crime. He would be beaten twice: for obeying and for disobeying.
by split_infinitives -
“It is cancer”, the doctor said.
She wrote a prescription for anxiety meds.
Test after test after medical tests during the following month
Surgery was successful.
A quick trip to visit family before chemo began.
Eight doses of poison injected into the body.
“Knowledge replaces fear”, I realized.
Fear conquered.Apr 28, 2009 12:04 am
by JudyBlack -
Her memory was the very beat of his heart, the very air that he breathed. Her face was everywhere he turned. She had been the comfort of his soul. And now she was gone, snatched away into eternity. Yet he vowed, “As long as I live, you shall never die.”
Apr 28, 2009 11:27 am
by soft_morning_glow -
I shook. I trembled.But did not fear. The hours passed, and my time drew near. No smell, no touch, no warmth to feed me. My youthful haste has lain to waste any thoughts of reconciliation. And now, I taste my final air. All is quiet. As all was fair.
Apr 28, 2009 3:27 pm
by JACKALDOG -
50 words, 50 motions, 50 notions to make a potion
50 highs and 50 lows, 50 average to pay the postage
Some are high, some are low
Some like it hot and some like it cold
All it seems is a desperate try
A desperate try to write a poem
by coucoulapin -
‘I always saw our future life together as an endless succession of summer days dreamed more than lived. It just seemed impossible for things...’ He put the pen down, too much aware of the absurdity of his own words. They seemed traitors to him, truest love mocked him once more.
May 4, 2009 3:21 pm
by kafkanian -
'It was a kingdom with a bad King. One day a son of a hero arrived coming from nowhere. The ants slaves supported him in his new campaign of clean the land from the tyranny of the Sheep King. After he beat the guards the King was lost forever.'
May 9, 2009 2:45 pm
by buzzzz -
I was just a little girl
Living in an orphanage,
I felt poor and disgraceful
On that small cage.
One day he arrived
And took me in his arms,
We tried to escape
Passing by destroyed farms.
Once at UK
I was finally safe,
Leaving behind much blood and slay…
by buzzzz -
Once upon a time I wandered along, wonderingly observing, sometimes held, always fascinated. Then I learned to rush to meetings, race around the shops, to quickly tread my worn rat race.
And now, finally propped in my corner, I sense little and am sensed even less.What was it all about?
by Janewatt -
The snow pack melted, flooding the city.
Fish flipped down the concrete gutters.
Herschel drove through the wet, muddy streets.
He pulled over near the lake where the water rose.
He swam into the middle and did a surface dive to the bottom.
There was a large plug. He pulled.
by DavidPace -
It wasn't that big to begin with. Just a tiny spot, inconsequential.
As it came into view, though, huge and beautiful. Greens and blues, yellows and orange.
Quite the contrast to the past, with it's gray drab, death.
We may yet find a new home here.
This earth looks promising.
by eyewrite -
“Rice and Beans! Rice and beans!” The familiar cry rung out.
The food vendors shouted their wares to empty streets. The Decadence Day Parade winds down in the Quarter, defiant and proud, with no attendees. Just the boys from the bar that road through the beast and made it.
by eyewrite -
Eyewrite. Just a short note to say I like your style.
Keep it up.
by MANICHAEAN -
I was finally leaving Sarajevo, the country in which I was born. I had nobody to say goodbye to or to suffer for, I was not even crying. Strangely, I felt a growing happiness and soon I will be far, far away from the emptiness that I once called home.
by Mirijam -
I reached the German line but then disaster struck. The rain had made the ground so slippy that I tumbled the eight feet into the trench and landed on my back. Imagine my horror when a huge German stood over me, ready to bayonet me. He fell, shot from behind.
Jun 6, 2009 11:20 am
by OldVin -
His eye twitches with tension. He licks his lips and stares into his opponent’s eyes.
“Ready?” He questions the other, squinting his eyes. The other nods and balls his right hand into a fist. He does the same.
One, two, three!
Hands pounding, they show the weapon. Paper beats rock.Jun 6, 2009 8:23 pm
by roaming_smile -
We packed our bags into the car the morning before the derby. Lydia stood outside, sad faced and teary.
“What’s wrong, Lydia, sweetie?” We asked kindly.
“I hate horses.” She said, tromping off to her room.
The next day we forced her into the car and headed for the races.
by roaming_smile -
She always said she would escape someday. But we didn’t believe her. She was always a dreamer, staring out the window, waiting for her prince to rescue her. But we lived our lives, breathing, and focusing. We didn’t realize how desperate she was until she ran away with the hippies.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
i love this!!!!
by roaming_smile -
One, two, three.
The adrenaline pumps through my veins.
Four, five, six.
Shadows dart silently across the grass.
The dark air is cold and damp.
I’m ready.
It’s time to go.
“READY OR NOT, HERE I COME!!”
I run giggling and screaming, ready to rule chasey.
This is my territory.Jun 25, 2009 12:59 am
by i_am_lissy -
Crushing wind, like an endless war
Bashing swords, crunching armour
Gun shots screech, babies cry
My ears piercing like a weathering storm
WAR
Is there no peace at all
I stop myself
Swallowing gulps of tears
The war will end someday, I hope
Right here, right now
I’m still alive
by Anthea -
The world is silent.
“BANG BANG BANG” the bullets sound.
My parents, friends and family lay around me.
Footsteps, they drift closer and closer.
A man, the enemy, sees me.
I hold my breath, he will surely kill me!
“Go, go he says. You may go free,” he tells me.
by chand007 -
There were flashing lights, spinning figures and air was non-existent. I was at the carnival and there were stalls and rides everywhere. I vaguely remember falling from a height, hitting my head and then nothing. Everything was blank. Suddenly, air found its way to my lungs and I woke up.
by funkey_monkey -
It may just be me and my dog.
We are a team. Together forever.
We will never ever part.
Just me and my dog.
His soft warm fur against my face.
His cold moist nose in my lap.
His fluffy bushy tail tickles my cheek.
But it won’t last forever.
by chand007 -
The day summer ends before middle school starts. I like this boy, yet when I talk to herI don't make any sense. I have this bull, I just can’t seem to avoid him. One day, I perfected it and stood upto the bully and spoke to the boy I like.
by stephanie_w -
“All in the car,” my dad yelled. I went to open the door but found that it had jammed. “Damn,” squealed my little sister. “Now we can’t go to Pool Island and the temperature is already over 45 degrees. “It’s okay,” I said, “we will just use the other door.”
by RAPIST -
So this is how it happened... I walked into the shop and it was there, I’d waited my whole life and I couldn’t resist it. So I grabbed it and shoved it into my pocket and walked out. The beepers went off and I panicked as they pinned me down.
by comingforyou -
It was the first day that Giovanni Lucatoni had just been elected as the next pope. The announcement was made at 10:00 pm when everyone who crowded the Vatican City saw the horrific scenes when the pope waved to all his new fans and fell off the very high balcony.
by atholl -
The story had to be 50 words exactly. I couldn’t decide what to write. I knew that I was not to go one word over or under the limit. I racked my brain for an idea. One did spring to mind eventually. I began to write my 50 word story.
by bombers -
“What’s going to happen?” said Aaron. “I don’t know” screams Jessica. “Should we jump or die?” replied Aaron in a panicky manner. “We either stay on the mountain top and defend ourselves from the zombies, or jump off the mountain top and hope for the best? “I’m going to jump.”
by jazzyfazzydazzy -
Driving home across the bridge that night - the sun setting in the distance, seagulls soaring across the sky, and sailboats sitting on the sea – I cried for the first time in two years, because I could not take the time to stop and appreciate the beauty of the scene.
Jun 30, 2009 11:53 am
by adrialien -
She walks in. A tall hot brunette.
I’m at the bar, sipping a Becks.
“I’m Jim.”
“Karen.”
“What brings you out.”
“Meeting someone.”
“When you’re done we should hang.”
“Maybe ...you live nearby?”
Kathy comes up and kisses me.
“You’ve already met my sis!”
Shit. My girlfriend’s sister.
I’m dead.
by actaos -
He touches my hand, and the hairs rise on my neck in anticipation.
“Can I stay?” He says, truly unsure of his position.
I don’t need to answer with words. To think she let him go from wedlock with so many words of dire warning.
Her loss becomes my bliss.
by NGNTheory -
The horses stamped their feet as Lara mounted and galloped off down the hill.
I stayed with Gerry whose head was bloodied from being thrown from the stallion.
Help arrived swiftly. Gerry was soon well again.
I bet it will be a while before he rides a wild stallion again!
by Fairlady17 -
When I had a job, I really didn’t want it. Now that I don’t have a job, I sure want a job. Kind of like when I had a husband. My cousin met her current husband in the unemployment office career center. She’s working now. Wonder which one she’ll keep.
by ClassicRead -
Voices
Talking to herself she discovered something inside answer back. She discussed with them her current issues, dreams and fate, finding new meaning and drive in this new enlightenment. Will the future truly hold all the desires that they promise, or will reality provide a dissonance and drive her to insanity?
by Littion -
Feet on the desk, newspaper in hand, blowing smoke rings, deadly bored, I looked up and there she was. In the doorway, leaning to one side, cigarette dangling. She didn't say anything for a moment, then "Got a light?" I didn't move right away, I was sizing her up. "Got a cigarette?" I said. Her expression didn't change though I thought she might have taken a small drag. I was right 'cause she let out a long stream of smoke. "I asked you first," she said. I lowered the newspaper and slowly took my feet of the desk. "I think you've already got a cigarette," That stopped her. She looked at me, then at her cigarette, "What are you, a wiseacre?" She dropped the cig and left. I never saw her again. Good thing, we both should stop smoking.
by frusco -
Despite his parents’ persistent negative replies for no apparent reason, Charlie kept on secretly buying Willy Wonka chocolate bars. They even became furious when Charlie proudly found the golden ticket, meaning a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. When Mr. Wonka opened the factory doors, Charlie exclaimed: “So this is where you work Dad!”
Oct 18, 2009 9:36 am
by anaumoska -
Loud music was flowing throughout the reception hall, while people danced to the catchy 80-ies tune. Having exchanged their vows, Kelly and Tony smiled lovingly at each other, promising never to forget their wedding day. But Kelly’s mother still couldn’t come to terms with his coming out of the closet.
by anaumoska -
He was a good friend, a friend with a burden consuming his heart, infiltrating his thoughts. She wanted to help, she really did but she wasn’t quite there. She spent time with him, hoping to disentangle the expectations created. Suddenly they kissed and she knew this affliction was for her.
Oct 20, 2009 9:49 am
by littlemissams -
The 13 following 50-word stories were written by first-year students from the Department of English Language and Literature ("Blaze Koneski" Faculty of Philology), in Skopje, Macedonia. In the third week of their studies, to be more exact, in the Academic Writing classes, as a homework assignment they were told to write such a story, following the aforementioned structure. I am proud of the effort they put in, so here they are for the rest of the world to read!
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The new house was amazing. Viona and Harry were truly happy that they finally found a suitable place where they could spend their life together. What they didn’t know was that their next-door neighbor was a psycho who kept his dead wife in a refrigerator and observed them every night.
ALEKSANDRA BITRAKOVSKA
by anaumoska -
The Greatest News
After those fifteen minutes of waiting that seemed like eternity passed, the white door finally opened. Sue pushed the door with a straight face. Pete looked deep in her eyes when she gave him the world’s biggest smile. He grabbed her in his arms and kissed that still little stomach!
BOJANA TRENESKA
by anaumoska -
The Latent Potential
One molecule of uranium has the potential energy to power an entire household for an entire month. But the human race is able to extract only 0.01% of the energy, in the process producing huge amounts of radioactive material … If we could only unlock the full potential of the atom …
DAVOR ACESKI
by anaumoska -
The Other Team
They knew each other and they were best friends since they were kids. Mary and Tom were roommates at college and after college. They lived together and shared everything. She was so beautiful. It was supposed to be a great love. But sadly he was playing for the other team.
DOBRE DRASKACHOV
by anaumoska -
A Deadly Dinner
Mr. Smith entered the house. He had just returned from work. Mrs. Smith was home, waiting for him to come home. She greeted him gently and asked him to sit down at the table. They were having roast beef. Mrs. Smith had just committed a very terrible and gruesome crime.
ELENA DANILOVA
by anaumoska -
You’re Late – You Lose
He forgot about her at the shopping centre. He shouldn’t have gone into the café, but the pastries looked so nice, and WOW … those charming green eyes … She was no longer there when he finally remembered. For a pair of charming green eyes and blueberry pie, tonight he sleeps alone.
EMILIJA MILANOVSKA
by anaumoska -
Monica prepared everything for that wedding, as usual. Rachel was happier than ever. They loved each other so much. They’d been through everything and somehow managed to end up together. All of their friends were there, except Ross. He couldn’t accept the fact that Rachel was getting married to Chandler.
EMILIJA PETRESKA
by anaumoska -
It was a stormy night, when Ella and her new date Frank were sitting in a jazz bar. Frank was astonished by her.
-“You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met.”
Ella just smiled discretely, covering her mouth with her left hand, trying to hide her sharp vampire teeth ...
MAGDA ORIGJANSKA
by anaumoska -
A Perfect Crime
Once he decided to release himself from the pain, Rascolnycov visited the old usurer Alyona that night. When he entered her room, she was sleeping. He raised the axe above her head. Just when he wanted to do the justified act, someone opened the door and gave him a friendly smile.
MARTINA NICHEVA
by anaumoska -
The Girl Is Saved
There was panic and screaming! Hannah saw the little girl and grabbed her without seeing her face. She continued running and luckily found the way out. Happy that she managed to avoid sure death, she kissed the girl’s cheek and just then she realized that it was not her daughter!
SELMA VELIJOSKA
by anaumoska -
No Feedback
Kate came into the room and kissed Mike. She gave him a hug. He just lay there. “I need you,” she whispered. He didn’t reply. “Do you love me?” she asked. He didn’t answer. Kate gave up, put the photograph of Mike back on the shelf and went to bed.
SIMONA DZIMA
by anaumoska -
Sofia
I am in love with Sofia. I like the fact that she is full of life, full of health. I can talk all day long about Sofia, I have many beautiful things to say. I stare at the computer every day, looking at pictures of Sofia, which is the capital of Bulgaria.
STOJAN MANCHEV
by anaumoska -
Life Isn’t Fair
John and Maria were planning to go to Hawaii in June, five months after their engagement. They wanted to make it their honeymoon trip. Maria was happy about this journey that she started telling everyone about it. Unfortunately, what she didn’t know was that John wouldn’t be alive by then.
VIKTORIJA NIKOLOSKA
by anaumoska -
I was addicted. The smoke crept into my lungs and I held my breath for about six seconds. The burning sensation inside me was absolutely euphoric.
Exhale.
Inhale.
Exhale.
Inhale.
I had been inhaling and exhaling for the past three years. Oh Mary. Oh Mary, Jane.
by DaMerge