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Author on Reedsy Prompts since Oct, 2020
Submitted to Contest #84
As Good As, Any Other Day Eleven O’clock, PM, AM. Doesn't really make a difference when there is nothing to do but listen to your heart beat, and wonder what it’s like out there. Last I heard, we were supposed to be in for it. Possibly the worst we’ve ever seen. I don’t know what that is supposed to mean. “Worst we have ever seen,” It’s what they were predicting on the radio and TV, when we had radio and TV. Don’t now anymore, what we got. It doesn’t seem like it takes that long for time to ...
Submitted to Contest #83
“You can’t stay here. They are going to eradicate all life on this island. Something to do with contagious viruses being released under the sea. Contamination has been discovered on the other side of the island. I don’t know any more about it than that, they didn’t tell us much. But Dad, they said to come and help you get resettled. You need to leave. We need to leave, now.” “I’d rather not.” “It is not a matter of whether or not you want to leave, it is a matter of having to leave. The World Health Organization...
Can you imagine what it must have been like back then? Back before there were people, trees, flowers, water, anything. Just one big hot rock coming to life. It all seems so unreal because of the length of time it takes for evolution to catch up to itself. Trial and error, over and over, until something works. Life if funny like that; shows up when you least expect it, and when you most need it to. Did I ever tell you the story of Bart Little? He was a guy I met on the docks. He was the biggest liar I e...
“You ever have reason to believe there are actually two worlds, ours, and that one up there. I know it is different, but how different can it really be? We breathe water, they apparently breathe air, but given the facts, we are basically the same. We are just on different sides of the Oxygen Triangle.” “What is an Oxygen Triangle? Sounds intriguing. Don’t believe I’ve heard of it though. This big push lately about getting prepared for big change, has taken the majority of my time. Do you know Old Starfish? ...
“Yes, my name is Bipkin. I believe I have a reservation for five nights… well, actually seven nights, but the travel agency is paying for the last two nights, so... I’d asked for a ground floor room because of my leg. Fell on the way to the travel agency, you know ice, that kind of thing. Stupid really, but then there isn’t much choice unless you plan on spending six months a year inside. Which we do anyway, but we don’t talk about it, and we don’t like it, but you know…” “Why yes, you’ll be in 222. It is not on...
“Lay down here on this couch. No need to be skeptical. For some reason this is called a psychiatrist couch; if I were you, I’d…but then, it is not my place think on your behalf. Remember, it is in reality, just a stuffed bench with a built-in head rest, nothing more, nothing less. Anyway, lie down and tell me why you look like the spice of life has left your menu. I’m a good listener, or so I’ve been told.” She is like that, helpful. Sometimes too helpful. She is the kind of person who finishes sentences fo...
Submitted to Contest #82
“Put that sign on the door next to that canister ashtray. They shouldn’t be smoking in here anyway. Tape it good. If they don’t see it, just give them another reason to jump all over us.” “OK. Good as done. Anything else?” “Get your gear, go in there, and make sure there is not one speck of dust anywhere. These geniuses look for any excuse to put this on anyone but themselves. Not going to give them that option. If they can’t make this thing, whatever it is supposed to be, work, that’s on them. Ma...
“Do you remember what we talked about?” “I am what I am. I do not have to remember because, I am what I am.” “If you say so. I would like your advice on something I’ve been thinking of developing to stop all this nonsense about lies and truth. Is it in your opinion, or factual recognition, possible to devise a device that could tell if a phrase, sentence or word, was the truth?” “It is possible but would be limited to individual interpretation of what the truth or a lie consists of. There are many variations on a theme.&n...
“Please go down to the end of the hall. The door will open automatically. Go to your left. Enter the second door on your right. It will be open. Please be seated and await instructions.” The voice ominous, cold, coming from a speaker that was not visible. I don’t know what I expected, but it wasn’t the monotone voice of an undertaker. I dutifully followed the instructions. The door as promised slid open as I approached, its green eye blinking unceremoniously as if I had disturbed it. I followed the cor...
Submitted to Contest #81
“Do you think we made a mistake? You know the whole getting married thing.” “I suppose it’s possible. People do make mistakes, and we have certainly made our share. Little late to think about that, don’t you think?” “You left without a word, just gone. I know you had your reasons, but you left everyone wondering what they had done to cause your disappearance.” “It had nothing to do with anyone. More like when it's snowing, building up a little at a time until you can’t get the door open to get out, let life in.” I gu...
So often those whose intentions are admirable, don’t consider the consequences of their intended good deeds. Placing a certain amount of presumption on the grantee, when considering the concept of good, can make them a bit uncomfortable. Most often when considering doing something one considers good, charitable like, they are most often thinking of how they would react should someone impose a similar wish or action upon them. Now, given the fact that no two people, let alone a universe of people, are alike, the likelihood of meeti...
“Did you see this? Love in the time of COVID. A bit plagiaristic, but I can see the possibilities. If it worked for typhoid, I suppose it would work for COVID.” “I think it was typhoid Mary it worked for. Cholera might have been what you were thinking of, or are you attempting to instill the will to create in me? Or could it be you’re just making conversation to keep from having to take out the garbage?” I wonder at times why it bothers me so much, but it does. Talent is something one is born with. To not use it seem...
I was supposed to meet her at this restaurant. I’d never been there before and I don’t do this kind of thing usually, so I left early; make sure I was on time. Nothing worse than having to wait on someone you don’t know. Guess it would be worse if you knew them, but oh well, it’s all new to me. Jimmy’s, a kind of bar restaurant place, seen it, passed by, but never really thought of going in. Kind of place that don’t interest me really. I’m more of a Grandma’s Kitchen kind of guy. But anyway when they suggested I...
Submitted to Contest #80
“You know, I been here. I remember that bone thing there. And that thing that looks like the ugliest bird you’d ever want to meet. You ever been here before? They got about five, six, oh I don’t know lots of floors of exhibitions. I think I’m going to sit here by the window on this bench. I’ve seen most of what I care to see in life, and I’ll just slow you down. Take the kids and go.” “You sure Dad? You going to be alright. Need anything?” “No, stop fussing. Just go. If I get bored, I’ll take a na...
“Do you believe it is possible to do something, say something, that could actually change the world? The way people think, the way we treat one another. Are words enough to erase all the hate and chaos we live in? Look at all the people who have come before us that have tried. Did it really make a difference? Christ, Buda, Mohamed, Kennedy, King, even Hitler. All offered the promise of something better. But have things gotten better or does the fact we are humans and are constantly changing the meaning of success, happin...
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