{This story is in response to a photo prompt from Friday Fictioneers. We are to write a 100-word piece, based on the photo. This time, it looked like somewhere out West to me, hence, the voice. And even though there’s snow on the ground, the building, roofless and abandoned, must’ve had something happen to it. Here’s my best guess.
Thanks for reading and thank you for the prompt!}
Fire done took away all birthmarks, at Iron Bar Ranch.
Danged cow.
Branded with a crown. Owned by Princess.
Not too good, to mix with the locals, though. Lickety-split, she was with calf.
Then, Princess showed up.
Whose calf was it? One hoof, on marble. Another, in mud.
Princess decided for us.
‘Round midnight, her Mercedes slunk down the lane. She packed up her scion, trailing a plaintive moo.
At the gate: quick cig. Quick flick of her wrist.
Bone-dry, high as an elephant’s eye, that grass fire bolted like a spooked herd.
Princess didn’t stick around for the barbecue.
Neil MacDonald
May 8, 2019 at 5:32 pmGreat voice
Andrea LeDew
May 8, 2019 at 7:52 pmThank ya kindly!
draliman
May 9, 2019 at 3:44 amDarn those rich folks. No respect for the countryside.
Andrea LeDew
May 9, 2019 at 7:46 amDang cityslickers! Thanks, draliman.
Iain Kelly
May 9, 2019 at 4:37 amThat’s how those wildfires keep starting.
Andrea LeDew
May 9, 2019 at 7:49 amMystery solved Thanks Iain !
Sandra
May 9, 2019 at 7:24 amConvincing voice. Well done.
Andrea LeDew
May 9, 2019 at 7:50 amThanks Sandra.
Tannille
May 9, 2019 at 8:26 amGave me a nursery rhyme feel and a smile!
Andrea LeDew
May 9, 2019 at 9:30 amOne dark night, when we were all in bed…thank you, Tanille.
patriciaruthsusan
May 9, 2019 at 9:57 amNow I wondering if the cigarette flick was accidentally on purpose. Great voice, Andrea. —- Suzanne
Andrea LeDew
May 9, 2019 at 10:01 amYa think? Thanks, Susan!
Keith's Ramblings
May 9, 2019 at 10:24 amBrilliant – even better read out loud!
‘Retribution’, my short story.
Andrea LeDew
May 9, 2019 at 12:54 pmYes, Keith! You should’ve heard me “editing.” 😊. Thanks!
theministryofshrawleywalks
May 9, 2019 at 5:15 pmThat was really well put together, I loved the voice and read it a few times to get it right in my head, no respect these town mice…
Andrea LeDew
May 9, 2019 at 5:22 pmI think of it as a local legend, told by retirees, smoking in the rocking chairs outside the general store on Main Street. A cautionary tale, perhaps, on the hazards of smoking. 😊
theministryofshrawleywalks
May 9, 2019 at 5:24 pmQuite right!
Dale
May 10, 2019 at 12:30 pmExcellent voice! I kin jes piture it…
Dang city folk ain’t got no bizness in our neck. No way, no how.
Andrea LeDew
May 10, 2019 at 12:31 pmShur nuff!
granonine
May 10, 2019 at 2:49 pmYour title had me laughing, and then laughing more as I read the story. Really good one!
Andrea LeDew
May 10, 2019 at 3:47 pmThanks granonine! It was fun to write, too!
Sascha Darlington
May 10, 2019 at 9:09 pmExcellent voice and tight language. Well done!
Andrea LeDew
May 10, 2019 at 9:40 pmThank you Sascha!
rochellewisoff
May 11, 2019 at 8:48 amDear Andrea,
A right nice tale there, ma’am.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Andrea LeDew
May 11, 2019 at 9:27 amBack atcha. 😊
Alicia Jamtaas
May 11, 2019 at 5:56 pmLove the voice in this!
Andrea LeDew
May 11, 2019 at 7:39 pmThanks Alicia.
Björn Rudberg (brudberg)
May 12, 2019 at 3:11 pmThere those who never have to live with the ash of their deeds.
Andrea LeDew
May 12, 2019 at 10:23 pmYes there are Bjorn.
Brenda's Thoughts
May 13, 2019 at 11:56 amI also enjoyed the voice. Nicely done!
Andrea LeDew
May 13, 2019 at 12:14 pmThanks Brenda!