Murray Burns

Author on Reedsy Prompts since Jan, 2022

Stories (138)

138 Stories

4365 karma pts

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“Friends on Ice” by Murray Burns

Submitted to Contest #290

“Friends on Ice”“It’s a great day for hockey.”-Bob “The Hawk” Johnson, former University of Wisconsin hockey coachA visitor couldn’t tell the color of the walls in little Lincoln’s bedroom. They were covered floor-to-ceiling with posters of the all-time hockey greats- Howe guiding the puck down the ice, Gretzky dropping one in coming around the side of the net, Lemieux hoisting the Stanley Cup, and Hashek with a spectacular skate save.Lincoln’s Grandfather was once the stick boy for Chicago’s hockey team, so the Blackhawks were well-rep...

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“Herb Meets His Maker... Maybe” by Murray Burns

Submitted to Contest #289

Herb Meets His Maker…Maybe                                             “Which door will it be?”                                      ...

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“A Rainy Day in 2348 BC” by Murray Burns

Submitted to Contest #288

A Rainy Day in 2348 BC“Often it does seem such a pity that Noah and his party did not miss the boat.”-Mark Twain“Looks like quite a storm brewing, Pops. We better call it a day.”“Nope, my itchy toe says no rain today, Shem. You’re just trying to get out of work early. Get back to the sheep.” “You and your stupid itchy toe. I’m telling you this one is going to a barn-buster.”“That’s why I call you ‘Chicken Little’. You worry too much. Now get back to work.”Noah was tough on his kids. His wife, whose name he somehow never learned (he affe...

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“Confession is Good for the Soul” by Murray Burns

Submitted to Contest #287

Confession is Good for the SoulTimmy always had trouble coloring between the lines, and he questioned why the 6 on his paint-by-number kit didn’t infringe a bit more on the 7. He was disturbed by the differences between blue, light blue, sky blue, and pale blue. Corn Flakes vs. Post Toasties. Coke vs. Pepsi. Porridge vs. oatmeal. It was all so confusing. Timmy wanted clear demarcations for all elements in his life. The subject matter of his angst had always been of little consequence until his 2nd grade class at St. Mary’s began preparation ...

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“Those Darned Socks” by Murray Burns

Submitted to Contest #286

Those Darned Socks“One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”-Hector UrquhartIf Tom Zachery had better stuff that brisk fall day in the Bronx in 1927, none of this might have happened. Working out of a full windup, he delivered a fastball right down the pipe, but the batter showed little interest. Zachery felt he got away with one and threw the next pitch high and out of the strike zone. With only one more game remaining in the season to get it done, the overflow crowd could almost feel the tension and the power in the batter’s grip as the ...

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“Snowballs, Clown Cakes, And Boots With Buckles” by Murray Burns

Submitted to Contest #285

Snowballs, Clown Cakes, And Boots With Buckles“I hope we never lose some of the things of the past.”                                                                          &nb...

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“The Fortune Cookie” by Murray Burns

Submitted to Contest #284

The Fortune Cookie“It’s tough to make predictions, especially about the future.”-Yogi BerraBecause most people don’t have the answer, they make every effort to avoid the question. Marty had no answers, but he was obsessed with the question. It is generally phrased as "What is the meaning of my life?" Marty liked to simplify things, and he regularly asked himself, "Why am I here?"Guided by a well-intentioned father, Marty’s first plan was to get a college degree, make a decent living, and acquire a lot of stuff. He did all those things and ye...

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“Frozen and Furry Foes” by Murray Burns

Submitted to Contest #283

Frozen and Furry Foes“Competition reveals character and tests mental fortitude.”                                                                           -Oprah Winfrey“Ar...

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“No, Timmy, There Is No Santa Clause” by Murray Burns

Submitted to Contest #283

Yes No Virginia  Timmy, There Is A  No Santa Clause “The greatest thing is not to believe inSanta Clause; it is to be Santa Clause.”                                                                  &nbs...

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“Dust to Dust” by Murray Burns

Submitted to Contest #282

Dust to Dust“So whoever knows the right thing todo and fails to do it, for him it is sin."-James 4:17Life begins at… conception? Heartbeat? Viability? Introduction in to this world? A subject of debate in today’s society. Beginning of life in the Christian community? Not debateable- Baptism.In 1923, St. Patrick’s was the pearl of this industrial suburb of Milwaukee. Today, despite its age, the structure maintains the calming, historic feel of the traditional- six large bronze pendant lights hanging from the ceiling, a mesmerizing statue of ...

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“Regrets? Yeah, I've Had a Few.” by Murray Burns

Submitted to Contest #282

Regrets? Yeah, I’ve Had a Few.                                                                 “Regrets are the natural property of grey hairs.”             ...

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“Whose Party Is It Anyway?” by Murray Burns

Submitted to Contest #281

Whose Party Is It Anyway?                         “Many are called, but few are chosen.”                                                       &nbs...

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“O Tannenbaum!!” by Murray Burns

Submitted to Contest #281

O Tannenbaum!!“Taking down the Christmas tree makes it feel official: time to get back to joyless and cynical.”-Greg FitzsimmonsMarv’s Tree Farm- Endeavor, WisconsinEvergreens at all stages of development, from the 3” seedings to the twelve footers, dotted the entire 100 acres. There was a wave of change across the landscape each year as mature trees were cut down and replaced by a new, younger crop. November is always a time of great excitement at a Christmas tree farm.“Do you think they’ll chop me down and ship me off somewhere this year?”...

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“The Christmas Wish” by Murray Burns

Submitted to Contest #280

The Christmas Wish“Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Clause.”-Francis Pharcellus Church; The New York Sun.December 24th. Last-minute shoppers were scurrying everywhere in search of the perfect gift or, for many, any gift that would fulfill their obligation to bestow a sufficient number of presents on their spouses, children, nieces, nephews, and neighbors. One little girl stood out in the crowd.“Virginia, what are you going to tell Santa you want for Christmas?”There was a look of sadness in the little girl’s dark brown eyes, a marked contrast...

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“Bite Me” by Murray Burns

Submitted to Contest #279

Bite Me“All those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.”-Fredrich NietzscheShady Lawn Hospital for People Who Have Gone Woo-woo“Doctor Flang, your next patient is here. Mr. Z. Omby. He has insurance and his appointments are fully covered.”“Good, good. And what’s his problem, Becky?”“He thinks he’s a zombie.”“Wow, the guy must really be off his rocker. Show him in.”Mr. Omby shuffled his way into Dr. Flang’s office. He was a tall man, with weathered skin and shaggy hair. He walked stiff-leg...

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Author bio

Dartmouth, then Law School followed by years in mind-numbing law practice; now have more time to write. "Brevity is the soul of wit."

Shortlisted 2 stories ⭐️

Contest #195
A Simple Act of Kindness – read story
Contest #170
The Rosary – read story