Murray Burns

Author on Reedsy Prompts since Jan, 2022

Stories (90)

90 Stories

2673 karma pts

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“Oasis in the Sky” by Murray Burns

Oasis in the Sky(Perhaps a bit crude in places.) Two-a-days. The dreaded curse of any young man who ever squeezed a football helmet down over his ears, high school through the pros. It’s hard work, the bone shaking “hamburger” drills, the mind-numbing repetition, the harsh scoldings for a misplaced footstep, and …the heat.It’s like trying to explain parenthood to someone who never had children. If you haven’t spent two hours in the hot sun in full f...

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“Stamps” by Murray Burns

Stamps­­The sight was disturbing, overwhelming. Matt froze in his tracks, shaken by the scene before him. His first thought was that he would somehow die in this awful place. He didn’t know how he would die, but he knew he couldn’t survive it. The moment foretold an inglorious end to what had once been a pretty good life.Sixty-five grown men stuffed into one large room, two to a 7’ x 10’ cubicle, bordered on one side by bunkbeds, desks and lockers o...

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“Herb's Plan to Become a Better Person” by Murray Burns

Herb’s Plan to Become a Better Person“If you’re trying to find yourself , a good place to start is where you were yesterday.”                                                             &nbs...

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“1-3-5-17-23-8” by Murray Burns

1-3-5-17-23-8                    "For it is said that humans are never satisfied, that you give them one thing and they want something more. And this is said in disparagement, whereas it is one of the greatest talents the species has and one that has made it superior to animals that are satisfied with what they have.”-John Steinbeck, The Pearl

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“Dumb Ass and Shit-for-Brains” by Murray Burns

Dumb Ass and Shit-for-Brains                                           “How much love is in a friend? It depends                   ...

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“1.72 Seconds” by Murray Burns

1.72 Seconds                 “Youth is easily deceived, because it is quick to hope.”                                         ...

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“Hey! What About Me?!” by Murray Burns

Hey! What About Me?!                                    “I don’t get no respect.” – Rodney DangerfieldThis is nuts. Dark, crowded and wet. I about can’t take it anymore. Day after day, week after week, month after month. Dogs are two months. I could live with that. Or how about mice? Twenty-five ...

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“It Was a Snickers” by Murray Burns

It Was a Snickers                                                           “Every man’s conscience is a thousand swords."           &nbsp...

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“It Takes a Child” by Murray Burns

It Takes A Child(Reference to domestic violence) It was indeed an unusual sight, a small child walking alone on the side of a dusty county road. He appeared to have proper upbringing as he was well dressed and walked on the correct side of the road, well off onto the shoulder. The sun was still sitting low in the sky, but he was observed by many as they retrieved their morning paper, let their dog out, or watered the perennials’ spring shoots. For some, curtains were pulled aside to get a b...

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“Gobbler” by Murray Burns

Gobbler                                                                         &...

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“The Furtive Adventures of Don Q. Hoty” by Murray Burns

The Furtive Adventures of Don Q. Hoty                                         “The danger of the past was that menbecame slaves. The danger of the futureis that men may become robots."         ...

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“The Shark and the Remora” by Murray Burns

The Shark and the RemoraThere are certain entities in life that would not do well alone. Apples need trees, rivers need riverbanks, Montana needed Rice, and Stockton needed Malone. Joey needed Frank. Or was it that Frank needed Joey? I guess we’ll find out.“We’ve got new neighbors, Frank. It’s a young woman and her ten year old son. She’s very nice. I didn’t meet the boy. He’s in school. Her name is Susan Clark, and her boy’s name is Joey.”

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“The Good Book” by Murray Burns

The Good Book(Perhaps a tad crude in places.)“Love your neighbor as yourself.”                                   &nb...

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“As You Wish” by Murray Burns

As You WishYou might call Harvey “Walter Mitty Lite”. He didn’t concoct fantastic journeys in his mind, or imagine himself committing an impressive array of heroic deeds. Rather, Harvey’s peculiar inclination rested with his ability to wrap himself in the identities of others more interesting or impressive than himself. More often than not, he found these characters in the movies.

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“Time Capsule Best Left Burried” by Murray Burns

 Time Capsule Best Left BurriedLike many children, I was saddled early in life with the burden of “great potential”. The label was first affixed by my presumably well-intentioned father, and later driven deep into my brain by a battery of optimistic educators. Due to the recent chance discovery of an old 10th Grade English assignment, I am now well positioned to evaluate how my actual performance in life stacks up against youthful aspiratio...

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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