50s ... Sent
50-word micro fiction
“Sometimes, less is more”
I love the challenge of wrestling a fully-formed story out of a few words.
Inspired by Justin Deming (‘Fifties by the Fire’) and Miguel S. (‘Microdosing - 50mg of fiction’), I have got my microfiction mojo back.
These short bursts of imagination and wordsmithing have been the perfect pathways back into creativity after attending the excellent ‘Colourful Characters’ course run by Matt Kendrick
50-word stories don’t take long to write … and are perfect with a morning coffee. Because one is never enough, here are three short tales to snack on.
Prompt: Fight (Microdosing)
Shield Wall
Our shield wall was no defence against the fighter’s fetid breath. His chainmail jerkin leaked crimson as I forced my iron blade past its flimsy resistance. His spittle-laced curse frothed redder than our Jarl’s cloak. We roared, summoning Odin’s strength as we pushed them seaward. Their land was ours now (50 words)
Prompt: Funeral (Microdosing)
Burial
A peaceful soundlessness, broken by soil rattling on wood. Muffled tones, strangely respectful. The silk padding had surprised me. Thought they’d be cheap after their cash was frittered away at the bookies. But the coffin is filled with fancy lining and crumpled betting slips so they can’t hear me scream (50 words)
Prompt: Arrivals and Departures (Fifties by the Fire)
Waiting
Trainspotting offers very little reward. Each day I scribble numbers into a dog-eared purple notebook with my stubby, chewed pencil. Today, an old man steps down, wreathed in steam. He places the tan leather valise onto the platform. He nods once, climbing stiffly into his carriage. I hesitate. Should I?
This is a delightful treo of fifty-word stories.
Thank you so much for the mention, Barrie. You’re an important part of what makes our “fifties by the fire” so special!