Flash Fiction, tutto e niente

For the Best

Molly watched and wondered.

Mama always told her it was for the best. They weren’t really captives. It was for protection. They’d hurt themselves or others if they were free.

But still, Molly wondered. Were they happy? Sad? Were they envious? Did they know they weren’t free? Or was mama right and they didn’t even understand those ideas?

One of the little ones followed Molly with its eyes and just for a moment Molly felt a connection. Maybe it did understand. She squirmed a bit at that thought. Maybe mama was right and this was the best thing for them. But still. That look.

Maybe she’d get closer. Try again.

But just then, she heard her mama’s call sing out and she shook off her doubt. Mama would never lie to her.

“Mama must be right. It’s all for the best.”

Already thinking about feeding time, she turned tail and swam away.

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Thanks to Fandango’s Flash Fiction Challenge.

Haiku & Other Poetry, tutto e niente

defying destiny (a tanka)

seeking to avoid

an unchosen destiny

she slips through the gap

like a whisper in the night

a bounded servant no more

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Author’s Photo 

I love cemeteries. A recent visit to the historic Oaklawn Cemetery in Tampa inspired thoughts about escaping an unwanted destiny; whether that fate is death or something else is up to the reader to decide.

But, here’s hoping that 2021 offers some respite from 2020.

Thanks also to Linda’s JusJoJan Challenge word (servant) and to Fandango’s FOWC word (avoid) for giving me added fuel for my vague thoughts.

Flash Fiction, Haiku & Other Poetry, Random Rants, tutto e niente

Steve the Pig

Dreaming of freedom.

Thoughts of bacon are banished.   

Steve drifts out to sea.

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photo by Jakob Owens via Unsplash

Thanks to Three Line Tales for this wonderful reason to write this haiku style short tale about pigs (which I love).

Short version instructions include

  • Write three lines inspired by the photo prompt (& give them a title if possible).
  • Link back to this post (& check the link shows up under the weekly post).
  • Tag your post with 3LineTales (so everyone can find you in the Reader).
  • Read and comment on other TLT participants’ lines.
  • Have fun.

Happy three-lining!