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 the picture (below).
This week Al provides us with a superb photo by Eric Wicklund, who bears no responsibility for the tortured convolutions of what passes as my creative process.
Click on this link to enter your tale, and to see what others have written.
© Eric Wicklund
Click here to hear the author read aloud this 90-second story:
The Grass
The Mediterranean soothes my soul.
I sit at the end of the jetty in evening sunshine.
Gazing across the port entrance to the little lighthouse perched on the sea wall opposite, I am at peace with the world.
Then my eye is caught by what looks like grass, in the middle of the channel.
I am confused, because it is not floating, just tips protruding above the surface.
I wonder if it might be a submerged log, which could be dangerous to small craft.
As I ponder this, I imagine that the grass is growing longer.
Then I see a leaf, or several, on a twig, rising higher out of the water.
Within minutes I know it is not my imagination, vegetation is sprouting out of the sea.
People on other jetties are pointing, shouting, running.
I turn to head for the shore, then stop in horror.
Between me and safety is a ten foot wide writhing mass of knee-deep thorny scrub.
The plants are taking over.
Oh, scary tale! Well done.
Oh no! Day of the Triffids and it’s friends. Good story CE. I like it. This is what happens when you decide to play with nature.
Oh you are awake, are you???7
Good to hear from you, old chum, glad you like story.
Almost alive lol
Good sci-fi, C.E. This isn’t your usual genre but it’s good writing. Scary. 🙂 — Suzanne
Thanks, Suzanne, I’m just not sure what is my usual genre!
I enjoy where u you want with one CE. This ideal view of the sea than the plants taking over the ocean and everywhere. Much like the thorns in ‘Malificent’ or in certain versions of sleeping beauty. Or like Jumanji, if you’ve seen the old Rob Williams movie : ) Hugs my friend hope all is well.
All is well, Amanda my sweet, I now need to go check out your references! Hugs
And about time, too. I, for one, welcome our leafy overlords.
Make like a tree, James
That went from soothing to horror quite quickly! Great visuals. That could really happen in Eneana, too. Hm, makes me wonder exactly what spell might cause that… Thanks for the inspiration!
I think that is the Horse Manure spell, perhaps
Ha ha, I don’t know that one; maybe I’ll have to invent it, though.
Oh no, it’s those pesky triffids all over again! Nice one
Please click to read my tale
Go get the secateurs, Keith
Yikers! Seems the plants objected to all those salads. I blame it all on vegans. If you’re interested, there’s a wonderful novel by Sheri S. Tepper entitled, “The Family Tree.” It deals with this topic. It’s an excellent read, and so is your piece.
Thanks, Eric, I don’t know this book.
That must have been powerful wine, please send me the name of the cafe on the jetty.
I think, Michael, you are confusing this with Loch Ness and the local whisky industry
Nature bites back!
With a vengeance!