Sunday Photo Fiction is a weekly challenge presented by my old friend Al Forbes.
The idea is to write a short story (200 word max) inspired by what you see in his picture (below).
Today’s avian photo reminds me again of our host’s fondness for little feathered beasties – see Current Story at the top of this page – and makes me smile.
Some of us think you do a great job here, Al.
Click on this link to enter your tale, and to see what others have written.
Copyright Al Forbes
Click here to hear me read this 90-second story:
The Feeder
When the great machines destroy my town, I am one of the few survivors.
I escape into the mountains and join the freedom fighters.
There are eight of us, moving constantly, even in the most inhospitable terrain.
We never stop for more than four hours, and that is to sleep.
Every second day we arrive in a desolate spot where a pot sits over a fire.
It contains rabbit, pigeon, sometimes boar.
And potatoes, carrots and beans.
What we don’t eat we parcel in the bread that is also there.
One night, after a bloody encounter with the invaders, we are bandaging our wounds.
We lost two men, another is fatally wounded.
A scrawny, shifty little man carrying an ancient long gun, sidles into camp.
Our leader, nursing a thigh wound, rises, greets him deferentially.
The others too get to their feet, bow their heads respectfully.
Who is he, I ask, who does not fight with us, but is so revered?
He is the feeder.
I enjoyed this CE. A dystopian kind of story. No rule or law, or dependable one so you have guys fighting for survival for what’s right for people in general. And ultimately, it makes a great deal of sense, that the one most revered would be “the feeder” as I imagine for those who aren’t soldiers, find food is difficult to come by. Interesting story. Thought provoking, very much so.
Hugs CE. Enjoy the rest of your week 🙂 ,
I thought it was brilliant and well begun is half done – all the best for the rest of the story.
Interesting story of survival, C.E. Full of vivid descriptions. Good writing. 🙂 — Suzanne
What a picture you painted with your words. I could so imagine the scene. Brilliant
Visit Keith’s Ramblings
Thanks, Keith, it is, as you know, very rewarding when a piece hits home in this way.
Interesting story, and I like the way your pieces always have a sense of rhythm to them. It’s also quite active and fast-paced, which makes it an enjoyable read.
Thank you, Miss K, I think the short sentences give it a sense of rhythm and urgency.
At least that is what I aim for!
That is an adorable conclusion that answered my inevitable question at the very last line. Masterfully done Sir!
I thank you, sir, I do try to make it work.
Even for him.
A necessary role in a subsistence culture and rightfully reverred. I like the way you build the details of their existence – the animals they eat, the bloody skirmishes, the feeling of them huddling together, struggling against a tough world. A great image of a dystopian future.
I always enjoy your comments, Lynn, you have a cool way of saying what you like.
Thank you.
My absolute pleasure 🙂
Super!
That could be the intro to a fascinating book.
Gosh, Em, d’ya fink so?
It just so happens…
Dear CE,
So he’s the one who feeds them? Definitely one to be revered. Your descriptions are vivid in this story. I could feel the desolation and weariness. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Indeed he is, m’lady, a crucial role in the situation.
I am glad it worked for you, there is obviously more room for descriptive text here than in FF.
Hugs
Very visual piece, CE & it really helped to listen to your reading it. Love the personified image of the pot ‘sitting’ over the fire & the effective description of the feeder. Mary
Thank you, Mary, for your detailed comments, the specifics are always good to know.
I am happy that you got so much from it.
And I am glad the reading helped, I have been wondering if it is worthwhile.
Sorry for my late reply! I’ve been very sick and just noticed your message. Yes, I really enjoyed the reading – it’s an excellent piece regardless, but hearing it read aloud brought something extra.
I am sorry to hear you have been unwell, Mary Ruth, I trust you are now fully recovered.
Thank you for taking the time to make such kind comments.
Hugs, if I may.
Thanks, CE!
Interesting title he has. I can see why he is so revered. The hope that no more souls are fed to him.
Thanks, Al, I actually wrote this a while ago, and your pic just popped it into my head!
That’s cool when that happens