Friday Fictioneers is hosted by the wonderful Rochelle, the undisputed master of what I call Sound Bite Fiction.
She sets the weekly challenge, and the standard.
This week’s curious photo comes courtesy of Sarah Ann Hall, and I ponder life, death and rock ‘n’ roll.
The idea, as always, is to write a story of around 100 words based on this picture, below.
© Sarah Ann Hall
Click here to hear the author read this one-minute tale:
Dust to Dust
It’s my own fault, I know.
I have never been able to cut down, far less give up, smoking.
It is a vile, poisonous, malodorous weakness.
I cough constantly.
I won’t mention what I emit.
Everything stinks of stale tobacco: my home, my clothes, my hair.
And it costs a fortune I don’t have.
But this is the last straw.
Your dying wish was very specific.
You believe if it is unfulfilled, you cannot move to the next level.
But, sweetheart, I can’t remember which urn contains your remains.
And I can hardly empty twenty ash-trays into the town fountain.
Sound Bite Fiction 
I can certainly identify with this – having kicked the habit 7 years ago – Great story – you are good!
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Thanks, Nan, you are very kind.
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Ha made me laugh! Also made me feel guilty for laughing but… 😉
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Happy it amused you, Dawn, but I don’t think you felt even the tiniest bit guilty!
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Lol
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This is really something☺☺☺
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Something not too awful, I hope!
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Ha! You dark, dark man! Fancy him using the poor woman’s urn as an ashtray – his habit must really be bad. So bad, no doubt he’ll be joining her in due course, so his dilemma will soon be over! Dark, twisty and no more than I’d expect from you, dear C
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Thanks, Lynn, but if you know a few smokers you know that some of them are very inconsiderate. I just stretched it a little to make a point.
I glow at your praise.
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I know fewer and fewer smokers these days – thankfully for myself and for them too. You glow under just praise, sir 🙂
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This is brilliant. Love the twist and love the reading. You have a nice voice. Cheers!
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Thank you, Yuhu, I am happy you enjoyed the whole production, even the Scots accent!
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Now that was a twist I wasn’t expecting! Enjoyed it.
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
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That is what my goal is, to surprise and entertain.
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The audio, for me, added the tone of the piece, the emotion and feeling of the poet. This does add a deeper perspective to the written words. Enjoyed listening.
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Thank you, James, I have just replied to another comment that I am unsure if the reading adds anything, so your words are gratefully received.
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Hilarious story! Loved the audio as well.
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Thank you, Norma. I sometimes wonder if the reading is worthwhile, so your comment is gratifying.
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Oh my word! what an entertaining story. His habits and attitudes make me wonder if she didn’t die of frustration. 🙂
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Laughing. Glad you enjoyed, Fatima.
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Gosh … the traumas one must go through to quit a bad habit. When in reality it’s all up to the individual to decide. If the habit is kept … so be it. One cannot dictate what others should and shouldn’t do. I love the scent of a good cigar. And, a man drinking a brandy as he puffs. There’s a presence of watching a man smoking. It’s as if he’s found the perfect woman to caress. I enjoyed the journey through the mind of one who wants to leave a habit he really doesn’t want to give up. You never disappoints when I pop in to read your work. Thank you for having a plethora of outstanding writing.
Isadora 😎
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What a delight to see you here again, Isadora.
I am grinning like a fool after reading ‘plethora of outstanding writing’.
Thank you.
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Yes, CR – I was side-swiped by Hurricane Irma. She broke me down with her fierce winds and angry rainstorm. We’re trying to repair our home. Right now, no supplies are available because of the high needs of so many. My paradise was tussled about and I retreated like a whimper dog. Now, I’m back and stronger than ever for having gone through it.
“I’ll be back,” as they said in that movie.
Hope your well and enjoying life’s glorious gifts. Best regards …. 😎
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This was so funny! My murderer might be able to help you…..just avoid the tea!
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Happy you enjoyed, Vivian
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I did!
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Ouch. Though I suppose those ash-trays would have his remains too. Maybe more than the urns.
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Confusion reigns, Vinay, thanks for your visit
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There is an underlying irony and sadness behind that false bravado. Beautifully written, Ceayr.
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Thank you, Neel, you see clearly the different layers.
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Dear C.E.
A label maker would’ve come in handy. He sounds like rather busy gent. You made me laugh.
Shalom
Rochelle
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A little organisation is never a bad thing, m’lady.
Happy that I amused.
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I reckonment burying them all. Perhaps I should have done it with the urns in my story🙂
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Doesn’t meet the request, Michael, and I don’t want to be haunted!
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Loved the ending. So funny. Brilliant piece.
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Aw shucks, I am blushing here!
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An impish tale, this.
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What a sweet comment, thank you, Alicia
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I guess that as a smoker he has lost all his sense of smell… but there is a distinct difference in scent between different kind of ashes.
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Unfortunately, Bjorn, they are all ash trays now
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Oh, that one bites.. great one.
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Big thanks, Jelli!
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What an imaginative use for the ornaments. Beautifully written!
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Thank you. And thank you!
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Oh no! That’s another side effect I wasn’t aware of!
Great story ! I hope he isn’t tormented, now that he has accidentally blocked her route.
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Yep, the evils of the vile weed!
Don’t fret, I’ll find a way to free her soul
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So many emotions. What a wonderful story, and I love the ending. :o)
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Thank you, ma’am, happy you enjoyed
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Cruel – I loved it
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I heard you the first time
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Cruel – but I loved it
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Glad you did, Bryan
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Once he’s ashes, I might just find some place in the local wilderness and plant him there. My Dad’s ashes (he’d quit smoking many decades before) are buried near a lake at which he loved to fish.
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A thought, James, but not the request
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There is a sadness beneath the lighter camouflage …
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Well perceived, Reena. A dying request is of enormous importance, and dark humour a mere escape.
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Haha No, the town fountain wouldn’t do. This reminds me of a saying that was on the case of these novelty playing cards I had when I was little. It said “I don’t smoke anymore. But I don’t smoke any less either.”
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But a dying request, Mandie, a man’s gotta do and all that stuff, no?
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Hilarious – and reminds me of my own father, still happily puffing away in his stale tobacco-smelling house!
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Glad I amused, Iain!
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Oh no! That made me smile. Great story.
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A smile from Claire, that makes me smile too.
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This tale is simply smokin’! Great take CE
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Yep, I was on fire there!
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Wonderfully innovative and quirky.
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Thank you, sir, happy you enjoyed
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Haha! That was fantastic, CE.
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Cheers, Varad!
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Made me laugh–great ending, unexpected. And rgayers comment is perfect 🙂
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Then my work is done, dear lady.
But please don’t encourage Russell, okay…
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A great monologue.
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Glad you enjoyed, sir
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She’s the one with no butt.
As I recall, she had a figure like a section of stove pipe.
Go with the one on front/left. It’s the thought that counts after all, right?
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Thank you for your support.
I will always wear it.
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Oh that is gorgeous, just gorgeous
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Delighted you think so, Neil, much appreciated.
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