AnElephantCant walk through that door
He sees it is half way up a wall
He can’t fly he can’t jump
He lands with a terrible bump
For some reason there are no stairs at all
Once again it is Friday Fictioneer time.
Our Princess de la Porte Rochelle opens up a plethora of possibilities to perceptive pedants who practice poetic perfectionism.
And AnElephant tries to squeeze through.
The idea is to write a very short story, circa 100 words, based on this picture prompt (below).
That’s it.
Copyright Lauren Moscato
The Message
Make sure he knows why you are killing him.
I nod my head, still counting the notes.
You remember what you have to say, he asks for the third time.
I nod again.
I will take care of it, I say patiently.
Good man, they told me you are the best, he enthuses.
He almost pats my shoulder, thinks better of it.
Don’t contact me again, I say, pocketing the photograph.
And you won’t forget….
His voice trails off as I leave.
I knock on the door.
It is opened by the face I have memorised.
I shoot him twice in the chest, wordlessly.
If you want a message delivered, I think, hire a postman.
Loved your poetry at the start and your last line. Very witty.:)
Wonderful rhythm and atmosphere. AnElephant knows how to lull his reader.
Thank you so much, TFTM, AnElephant loves your visits.
and visa versa. 😉
Breathtakingly good. I’m in awe of your skil. I’m going to read it again just for the pleasure of it.
Jings and golly gosh!
AnElephant is for once almost speechless.
Thank you, Margaret, and mammoth hugs!
Assassin/postman – always get those two confused. No wonder my Valentines never get back to me. You are such a helpful elephant.
Easy mistake to make.
They both tend to be destructive forces!
Loved it, top to bottom. I love how you always put the verse at the top and then do the story. So perfect
Shucks, Samantha, AnElephant is not quite perfect.
But he is delighted to give you such pleasure.
He is, above all, just an old rhymer at heart.
See his Saturday posts.
AnElephant is pretty perfect! It is such a pleasure to read 🙂
Loved the twist at the end and great story. Brought a smile to the dial.
AnElephant is happy to bring a lovely smile to a lovely dial.
Forget? Why anelephantcant never forgets!
Who said that?
Yeah. Elephants have great memory.
Dear Elephant, Excellent story and I agree with the last line too – very well thought out! Nan
Thank you.
AnElephant has a special hug for Nan this week.
I think he got the message good and clear, although he will not remember…
Either way, great writing!
AnElephant thanks Francesca and is happy she enjoyed.
Brilliantly executed!!!
AnElephant loves a pun!
Thank you.
Now I’ll never know why he had to die. Darn 100 words.
Tracey
Who cares, AnElephant gets paid!
Loved your last line particularly:)
AnElephant thanks Helen, always so kind.
Besides once he’s dead, he won’t remember anyway.
You think!
Well, it’s not like he going to tell anyone he didn’t get the message.
So Elephant, how much do you charge? How very Dashiell Hammet of you. You are multi-graced. Poetry, comedy…flashing noir 🙂
AnElephant can do most anything
AnElephant can even dance and sing!
I’m not sure the message needed words, Elephant. Loved the tone and character you infused into this story. Hire a postman indeed. Good stuff!
AnElephant is very happy Elmo enjoys.
AnElephantCant help admiring the strong silent type.
Thank you for your (non-)comment!
Oh for crying out loud, how’d I manage that? Loved the story though, it was most excellent!
You should have said.
AnElephant enjoys praise.
I like this assasin a lot!
And he likes you too!
I laughed!
AnElephant this week is comical
the killer laconical
and no one went postal!
Genial!
AnElephantCant
Tell emmylgant
That her wee rhyme
Is a far worse crime
Than his 100-word rant
Emmylgant argue
it is criminal
and not funny at all.
And who would ever know if the message was delivered?
Only the guy with the shooter.
That’s the way we tough guys talk!
Ah yes. Let the gun do your speaking for you. I can see how that would be an effective method of communicating one’s desires.
Loved it.
That last sentence is a killer and just makes this whole piece awesome.
KT
Very glad, thank you for your glowing comment.
I shouldn’t laugh but I nearly rolled on the floor. Such acerbity, such drollness. The whole thing spoke volumes about the perpetrator. Excellent!
AnElephant loves to entertain.
Thank you, Sandra.
Dear AEC,
Perfect voice and actions for your main character. This was a very good read (said the postman). Well done.
Thank you, sir, AnElephant is dead chuffed!
Dear Elephant,
For such a sweet, gentle pachyderm, you seem to have a mean and dark side. I think the recipient got the message. 😉 Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Sweet and gentle?
Shucks, no wonder AnElephant is pink!