Sam Newsome

“Long Lost” by Sam Newsome

Submitted to Contest #251

Long Lost             Who can say what documents have been lost to the passage of time? Such is the case of a parchment that was found in a cardboard box at an Egyptian garage about 1970. The box had largely deteriorated as had its contents. The artifact came into the possession of antique dealer, Dimaratos Tchacos. Finally, he became concerned with the advanced state of deterioration of the manuscript and donated it to Maecenas Foundation for Ancient Art in Basal, Switzerland in th...

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“Legend of Redcap” by Sam Newsome

Submitted to Contest #243

The Legend of Redcap When does life Begin?  For Redcap it began when he was poured from a hatching vat into a growth tank at the hatchery.   There he was, one of thousands tiny Koi fish vying for flakes of fish food.  At first, the more vigorous fingerlings hogged the flakes and smaller fish such as the red headed fingerling barely consumed a morsel.  Finally, he gained strength and was able to take more than his share.  He was, after all, a growing and hungry fish.  He noticed that...

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“A Walk Reveals the Unexpected” by Sam Newsome

Submitted to Contest #241

A Walk Reveals the Unexpected Jamie loved the long walks with grandpa.  At ten years-of-age, he found the weekly walks with grandpa special.  They loved the stream that bordered the farm and usually the walk included an exploration of the creek bank.  The older man would point out the plants, birds, and animals to be found in the water as well as things to be avoided.  They also carried a bag to fill with garbage left by those with less regard for nature.  On this occasion, they had collected...

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“Space: 2049” by Sam Newsome

Submitted to Contest #240

Space: 2049 Jon awoke with the sensation of a breeze brushing against his bare forearms.  It was an unusual feeling since the sleep pods were extremely climate controlled.  There was no wind here.  He was at least a million miles from the nearest natural breeze.  Jon was a member of the first Agri-Mining expedition to Mars.  Since subterranean water had been discovered on Mars, establishing an outpost had become a high priority.  NASA had become a relic of the past, but with discove...

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“the Unusual Vase” by Sam Newsome

Submitted to Contest #239

The Unusual VaseMatt awoke with a start to the banging on the door of his Airstream.  He never had visitors at 6:00 in the morning.  Heck—he never had visitors and that was planned.  His Airstream was parked behind his small cabin/studio.  Yet someone was here and by the loud and incessant knocking, they were anxious to see him.            He yelled, “Hold on to your britches, I’ll be there in a minute.”  He hastily pulled on his pan...

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“One Final Good-Bye” by Sam Newsome

Submitted to Contest #238

One Final Good-Bye The morning was crisp and cool.  It was a perfect day for a flight.  Alan awoke early and after a light breakfast (he had learned long ago not to have a heavy meal before a flight) he drove the short distance to her apartment to collect her for the flight.  The her was Polly, Alan’s long term love interest.  They had been friends, close friends, for years.  They had comforted each other through both of their family’s tragedies and mutual broken relationships, but ...

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“The Ten K” by Sam Newsome

Submitted to Contest #235

The Ten K “You’re going to do what!”             “I’m going back to Ghana on my vacation.”  Mike said this with more conviction than he actually felt, but it fell into the category of unfinished business.  Two years ago, he was doing a Foreign Service internship in Ghana that nearly took his life.  The embassy was being threatened by a menacing crowd when he suffered a nearly fatal neurologic event.  He could not be more specific as the...

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“Firestorm” by Sam Newsome

Firestorm The sunset was truly spectacular.  In any other circumstance, a photo would be a shoo-in for a calendar or a spot on the six 0’clock news.  But this sunset had the ominous distinction of being caused by a gigantic wildfire.  John only took a moment to view the scene as he had much more pressing matters.  His sisters had just left after packing up the family truck and heading for the evacuation route.  John had previously seen the farm livestock taken away.  They would ho...

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“Halloween Story” by Sam Newsome

Submitted to Contest #218

Halloween Story             October thirty-first arrived n the Landry household with great anticipation.  At least the smallest Landry, Larry, was excited for the holiday.  At eleven years young, he had experienced trick or treat in past years with one parent close behind him as he marched up door steps in a kangaroo or clown costume and bravely announced “trick or treat.”  The neighbors would bestow treats upon young Larry while waving at his parent ...

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“Rory” by Sam Newsome

Submitted to Contest #170

Rory             Rory had been a thorn in my side for years.  He had been a bully from our first encounter in elementary school right up through high school.  After that I had thankfully lost track of that miserable waste of air.  I only rarely looked back on the days of stolen lunches, derisive comments and insults sent my way by Rory.  I had assuaged my bruised psyche by rationalizing that while I had two caring parents, Rory had none.&nbs...

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“A reason to be Thankful” by Sam Newsome

Submitted to Contest #121

A Reason to be Thankful In life, all deal with pain and strife, And sometimes God will send a light. Not a beacon or a beam, Or even a match whose flame might gleam. But perhaps a spark to kindle hope To grow and shine for all to see And make a change in you and me. The weather could best be described as raw in a winter that seemed to last longer than usual.  Perhaps life itself was becoming all too raw to match the season.  A family doctor’s life is not made to be easy, but with increasingly sick patients flooding t...

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“Beach Mansion” by Sam Newsome

Submitted to Contest #119

Beach Mansion The notice could not have come at a better time.  James’ job had just ended with his company moving off-shore.  There was nothing keeping him in the city and he was ready for a change of scenery.  James’ wife, Jenny, was working from home.  All she needed was her laptop and an internet hook-up, so the notice in the paper was ideal.  Custodial Care Needed Custodial care givers needed for an exceptional opportunity.  Infirm minimal custody inmates are being moved from stand...

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“Judith” by Sam Newsome

Submitted to Contest #88

JudithSpring had been a whirlwind season for Judith.  Senior year in her exclusive prep school had been filled with college prep and selection details.  Debutant season had, as expected, largely featured the ever-popular Judith.  Her horse, Blaze, had required even more care as the show season was approaching and she enjoyed her training sessions with her magnificent honey-colored stallion more than other aspects of her life.  But now, on Sunday afternoon, the day was perfect for reading.  Sh...

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“Allah's Mighty Sword, Part II” by Sam Newsome

Allah’s Mighty Sword, Part II An exclusive report on the aftermath of the pandemic from Oceanic Broadcasting Network Reporter: Ivory Strands Ms. Strands is on camera standing in a deserted street in lower Manhattan.  The street and sidewalks should be clogged with cars and people, but are virtually deserted.  Trash litters the usually pristine financial district. “Following the historic pandemic with world-wide consequences, it is fitting that we give a review of the year’s events.  After the COVID-1...

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“Sweets for the Sweet” by Sam Newsome

Submitted to Contest #81

Sweets to the Sweet                             Candy, flowers, a fine meal with soft music and a fine wine was the assemblage that Evan associated with Valentine Day.  On this occasion he had a special reason to want a special evening.  Emily was a sweet girl.  She had many fine qualities that Evan admired.  She was as cute as hell.  She was by all app...

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