Here we go
with another snapshot prompt over at Chasing
Revery. This week’s photo is shown below. As normal, participants are asked
to put together an offering of 500 words or less, using the given photo for
inspiration, and using five pre-selected words. The words for this prompt are:
Flea, River, Denim, Creeper, and Catastrophe.
The
Hunter’s Moon has risen into the sky. Just a little higher and the event will
begin. Traverse the city and cross the river
and I’m safe. At least until they capture me again. This is my third hunt since
men invaded from Europe .
The last
time they captured me, I had not learned to distrust mankind. Back then they
hunted me in buckskins and boots; this time they’ll wear denim and “tennis.” Back
then parasites infested my pelt and now I wear a flea collar under my pressed, white, long-sleeve shirt. At least
that’s an improvement in my situation.
Even in
their movies they depict the hunt in fog shrouded locations where the beast –
that’d be me – lopes through a forest of creeper
choked trees, howling. No one pictures the savage ritual taking place in the
middle of New York City
But this is
the end. I am the last. My instincts tell me that the hunters have become too
sophisticated, too well armed with technology, for me to escape again. They
will hunt me down and when I am dead the world will see catastrophe as they have never before witnessed. For without the
“Old Ones” to speak with the spirit of the Earth, and comfort it, all of nature
will fall out of balance.
The
universe must have a sense of humor. Tonight, civilization will finally do away
with the last remnants of the old way and when it does nature will pound humanity
back into the Stone Age. Perhaps then my kind will be resurrected to rule over
them as they once did. Or maybe it is just The End. Who knew?
The view
through the window really was remarkable. The moon is so beautiful nestled
between the marvels of modern architecture. The old and the new – together.
That is beautiful.
Well done, Randy! Those are tricky words, but you did a great job using them to add weight to your character. Good job!
ReplyDeleteThanks. I appreciate the compliments.
DeleteGreat premise and background, Randy. You gave a deep history, and a sense of "long ago lost" to a 500 word piece. Excellent. Your use of "creeper" has me corrupt and frothing with jealousy.
ReplyDeleteExcellent work all around.
~Chris
Thank you. Corrupt and frothing with jealousy. Wow. You have a way with words as well.
DeleteI love the poetic feel of this story, Randy. Though the premise of a savage hunt implies violence, I actually feel a heavy sense of sadness at the impending loss. I feel for the beast. Well done!
ReplyDeleteIf you feel for the beast, then my message has come through. Thanks for the comments.
DeleteI love the premise behind this - the character and the idea of the 'Old Ones' has gripped me. This is a story line I would like to see through to the end - and even go back a little. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you. It's always a good sign when people would like to see more of a story. Who knows, maybe I will expand this a bit.
Delete