i think i knew i had better things to do… it’s too late.
back then i wouldn’t say it. i blew it.
we said someday we’d feel more. i was lookin’ to stay.
if i could i would change every memory; it’s hard to say goodbye.
~kat
For Manic Monday’s Three-Way Prompt Challenge based on the Photo (above, the words: Reflection-Reflect-Reflecting, and the song: Photograph by Nickelback (see below with found words in bold text).
Look at this photograph
Every timeI do it makes me laughHow did our eyes get so red?
And what the hell is on Joey’s head?
This is where I grew
up
I think the present owner fixed it
up
I never knew we ever went without
The second floor is hard for sneakin’ out
And this is where I
went to school
Most of the time I had better things to
do
Criminal record saysI broke in
twice
I must of done it half a dozen times
I wonder if it’s too late
Should I go back and try to graduate?
Lot’s better now than it was back then If I was them, I wouldn’t let me in
Oh, whoa, whoa, whoa, God, I
Every memory of lookin’ out the back door
I have the photo album spread out on my bedroom floor
It’s hard to say it
Time to sayit
Good bye, good bye
Every memory of walkin’ out the front door I found the photo of the friend that
I was lookin’ for
It’s hard to say it
Time to say it
Good bye, good bye, good bye
Remember the old arcade? Blew every dollar that we ever made
The cops hated us hangin’ out
They said somebody went and burnt it down
We use to listen to the radio
And sing along with every song we know We said somedaywe’d find out how it feels
To sing to more than just a steering
wheel
Kim’s the first girl I kissed
I was so nervous that I nearly missed
She’s had a couple of kids since then
I haven’t seen her since God knows when
Oh, whoa, whoa, whoa, God, I
Every memory of lookin’ out the back door
I have the photo album spread out on my bedroom floor
It’s hard to say it
Time to say it
Good bye, good bye
Every memory of walkin’ out the front door
I found the photo of the friend that I
was lookin’ for
It’s hard to say it
Time to say it
Good bye, good bye, good bye
I miss that town
I miss their faces
You can’t erase
You can’t replace it
I miss it now
I can’t believe it
So hard to stay
Too hard to leave it
If I could relive those days I know the one thing that would never change
Every memory of lookin’ out
the back door
I have the photo album spread out on my bedroom floor
It’s hard to say it
Time to say it
Good bye, good bye
Every memory of walkin’ out the
front door
I found the photo of the friend that I was lookin’ for It’shard to say it
Time to say it
Good bye, good bye, good bye
Look at this photograph
Every time I do it makes me laugh
Every time I do it makes me
Songwriters:
Chad Kroeger / Daniel Adair / Daniel Patrick Adair / Michael Kroeger / Michael
Douglas Henry Kroeger / Mike Kroeger / Ryan Peake / Ryan Anthony Peake
About the challenge: Each Tuesday I will provide a photo prompt. Your mission, if you choose to accept the challenge, is to tell a story in 280 characters or less. When you write your tale, be sure to let me know in the comments with a link to your tale.
A final note: if you need help tracking the number of characters in your story, there is a nifty online tool that will count for you at charactercountonline.com.
I will do a roundup each Tuesday, along with providing a new prompt. And if for some reason I missed your entry in the Roundup, as I have occasionally done, please let me know. I want to be sure to include your tale.
Finally, have fun!
And REMEMBER…you have 280 characters (spaces and punctuation included), to tell your tale…and a week to do it. I can’t wait to see what you create this week.
Starting us off… There had been a spree of holiday heists on Elm St. The neighborhood watch stepped up its surveillance thanks to Norman, who made ornaments fitted with cameras. As he watched monitors in Mrs. Dudley’s attic, the thief made his move. Could it be? He gasped. The Grinch was real! ~kat 279 Characters
By Reena at ReInventions: Future Stories Cold nights and bare branches are my canvas to paint life. Snow will cover everything soon, but greenery waits for spring – buried beneath shades of white and grey. This is the time I choose to impregnate darkness and write the future. Fear not … I’m a messenger of times to come. (279 characters)
By Michael at Morpethroad: At midnight a single light shone from an upstairs window. The old man wrapped the only gift he gave each year. The tree in the yard was festooned with the signal bauble. At one minute past, he heard the tap. Bowing he gave the gift to his caller. The caller gave him another year.
By Willow at WillowDot21: Every year two red lights, one in the tree and one the attic. Nick looked forward to this stop. Rudolph and the gang not so much. Well, he got brandy and mince pies, they got carrots! This year was different there was a bucket of beer left out for gang. It was zig,zag all the way home. (285 Characters)
By Ponnz at The Swan Song: Deserted Twilight it is, love Welcoming me home Deserted as it, I am You failed to phone Christmas it is, bells I’ll hang ’em up now Just to let you know I was here in the snow.
By The Dark Netizen: CHRISTMAS NIGHT This is the last house for the night. It does look quite weird, the Christmas decoration. Spooky. But as Santa Claus, I will do my job. Nice, an open window. Now only to place the present. Wait, what’s this? A TRAP? Why are these people approaching me with knives and a hungry look?!
By Di at Pensitivity101: She watched the two baubles on the tree outside from her attic bedroom window. At the strike of midnight, a moonbeam hit one, then the other, uniting them. She smiled and whispered ‘Merry Christmas Mum and Dad. I love you’ then settled down to sleep. 247 characters.
By Fandango at This, That, and the Other: The Haunting “What’s your problem?” Tim asked. “Why do you always take the long way home?” “That big, old house on Main Street,” Dave said. “It’s haunted. I’ve seen the ghosts.” “You’re just a scaredy-cat.” “Am not.” “Are too.” “Fine,” Dave said. “Let’s go that way.” Neither boy was seen again. (276 characters)
By Ron at Read 4 Fun: Even Santa Can Get it Wrong Norman rented them the fraternity house on Elm St in the town of Amityville for pledge night. Committee members Freddy, Jason, and Chucky would approve new members. Joker provided laughs. Jigsaw posed riddles to candidates. Wait! Yo! Santa, are you sure you want to pledge this? 278 characters
By Peter at Peter’s Pondering: The old house has been deserted for years. Each Christmas, on the bare tree in front, a few old baubles appear. No-one ever sees who places them there, or who takes them down on twelfth night. No-one ever witnesses the party that takes place, and survives! Unfortunately for you! (279 characters)
By JP at Wide-Eyed Wanderer: This Old House Teena surveyed the old house with a quiet kind of dread. The old man lived alone and needed a caregiver. Teena needed a job, but still, this was creepy. Ah well, nothing for it, she walked to the door and knocked. The door opened silently on it’s own. Teena screamed. Character count 272
By Anurag at Jagahdilmein: Midnight Marauders We froze as we heard a scampering sound, and then a big THUD! As Pat checked through the keyhole, I whispered accusingly, “It’s Christmas Eve, the house would be empty, you said!” 275 characters.
By Deepa at Sync With Deep: The Wait Begins city was lit up when festivities were on post festive empty streets are depressing people are back to square one worried about electric bills the wait for another year has already begun when the few happy days will come again and light these streets up!!
By Deb at Twenty Four: Marcia paused as she walked by the old mansion which sat on the hill. It had been empty ever since the tragic accident but the Christmas decorations remained. Marcia shook her head and then continued on her way, a eerie smile twisting her lips. An accident, that was what it was. (280 characters)
By Indhu at Always!: Spread Happiness “Why is this house not decorated?”, asked little Matt. “The old man living in this house has no family and would like to keep it to himself”, said his Mom. Next morning, old Harry opened his front door and saw decorations on his old parched tree. He couldn’t help but smile! <273 characters>
Wonderful roundup my friends. I am honored that you joined the challenge durring this holiday week for so many of you. As I prepare this roundup, we are mere hours away from a new year. I wish every one of you a 2019 filled with happiness, good health, love and peace. And thank you so much for sharing this tiny part of your journey with me in 280 characters or less. 🙂 On to next year! What conversation did this unsuspecting voyeur overhear? Did he witness a crime? Or maybe he has some observations about the humans nearby. Be sure to link back to the comments or ping your story here. And I’ll see you at the Round Up. Have fun!
Twittering Tales #117 – 1 January 2019
Photo by Free-Photos at Pixabay.com
My humans love to repeat some silly words. ‘Hello, bye bye, nite-nite.’ Lame! Sometimes I give ‘em a ‘good boy’ or ‘hello’. The old guy is my favorite. He taught me a few new words.
Whenever I get tired of the one they call mom I give her a loud SHIT. I like to hear her scream!
About the challenge: Each Tuesday I will provide a photo prompt. Your mission, if you choose to accept the challenge, is to tell a story in 280 characters or less. When you write your tale, be sure to let me know in the comments with a link to your tale.
A final note: if you need help tracking the number of characters in your story, there is a nifty online tool that will count for you at charactercountonline.com.
I will do a roundup each Tuesday, along with providing a new prompt. And if for some reason I missed your entry in the Roundup, as I have occasionally done, please let me know. I want to be sure to include your tale.
Finally, have fun!
And REMEMBER…you have 280 characters (spaces and punctuation included), to tell your tale…and a week to do it. I can’t wait to see what you create this week.
Starting us off… Josh waited for the house to grow quiet before hiding in the box. He had a perfect view of the fireplace. The front door creaked open. Josh watched in horror as a man in a red suit took the TV off the wall. Before leaving the man whispered “ho ho ho”. That wasn’t Santa. No way! ~kat 277 Characters
By Ron at Read4Fun: Not Merry for Everyone A huge Rolodex, two sections; “naughty” and “nice. The number of names and numbers! Every year he disappeared all night. I knew he brought some of them back to the workshop. I’d catch him this year. Helpers! I never suspected. There will be more than lumps of coal tonight. 273 Characters
By The Dark Netizen: HOLE I looked through the hole. My brother and I had watched a mummy movie, and he suggested we enact it. We made a cardboard coffin. I became the mummy. We only had enough bandage to cover up till my mouth. I could only watch as he left me inside the coffin and went outside to play… Character Count: 280
By Reena at ReInventions: Dark Xmas I expected at least one stocking under the tree, to have my name on it. But it’s not there. My mother left me in the car, strapped to seatbelts, and is busy partying inside. She expects me to cry myself to sleep. Well, this looks like …. darker than sleep. Is it the end of the world? Do they even know that I’m here? I’m not dead. (265 characters)
By Fandango at This, That, and the Other: Hide and Seek Eddie hid inside a large cardboard box. He used a stick to poke out a peephole to see out. He waited for his pals to find him, but no one showed up. He grew tired and, after a while, fell asleep. It was dark when he woke up to the sound of his father frantically calling his name. (280 characters)
By Kristian at Tales from the Mind of Kristian: Looking and Hoping He kept a sharp eye on his peep hole. The room beyond was bedecked with Christmas finery and under the tree was a treasure trove of goodies. One day, he hoped to be adopted by a family like this, that would be the best present ever. In the meantime, he just looked on and hoped. [279 Characters]
By Deepa at Sync with Deep: Black Hole funny it is when I enjoyed reading the story ‘Alice in Wonderland’ I wondered how she went on an adventure after falling through a never ending hole. well, believe me It is not fun.. things are weird here as I am in the black hole.T
By Violet at Thru Violet’s Lentz: Look Away For a second- just before he pulled the trigger- Jason was that little boy again Alone in the dark closet eye pressed to a hole in the bedroom wall not wanting to see- but unable to look away Today he didn’t want to look away- not when he was dispatching some poor slobs slutty wife Character Count: 280
By Willow at WillowDot21: Hidden. Time had stopped. He’d lost all sense of time. Was it hours or days since mum had told him to stay silent and still. The sound of boots on the stairs grew louder. He stayed stock still not even breathing. They dragged his family off. Crushed into the train she prayed he’d survive. (280 Characters)
By Anurag at Jagahdilmein: Hunger Games I stared in horror at the carnage being inflicted on our town by the dragon. She appeared to be desperately searching for something. In my nervousness, hunger pangs started gnawing at me. Thank God for the strange-looking egg I’d picked up in the forest this morning. CRUNCH! Aah! 280 characters.
By Amritha at Igniting Hope: Lost and Found! Ron hid himself in a box with a hole during the game of hide and seek. He rushed out of his haven to his wailing younger sister. She was upset as she could not find him. Yes he lost, but gained much more, the sparkle in her twinkling eyes. Little things in life matter the most. (278 characters)
By Michael at Morpethroad: My neighbours have cut down the trees between our places. I watch them do nudie runs from the bathroom to their room. They don’t know I can see them. I started to time them. He is quicker some days. She on other days. Must be the cold weather that influences their speed. (266 characters)
By Di at Pensitivity101: He’d been stealing from other kids pockets when he heard footsteps, so hid in the cupboard. Now he couldn’t believe what he was seeing, the headmaster and the gym teacher doing that. He couldn’t tell….. or could he? It would be easy money. 238 characters
By Lady Lee at Lady Lee Manila: Consumed by fear, he stood As still as the dark night above him He didn’t want to be misunderstood And life could be so grim
He trembled as the clock struck midnight What he saw changed his life forever No one there to fight his plight Then everything went blur (255 characters)
By Ponnz at The Swan Song: Little Santa They didn’t sense him hiding in the box. He saw them placing his Christmas gift wrapped in blue. Once they fell asleep,he watchfully paced to the tree and admired his gift. He then placed a box close by his with two toffees and a scroll To my the best parents~Santa singing ho ho ho! 280 Characters
By JP at The Wide-Eyed Wanderer: Sanctuary Billy watched from his hiding place between the walls. His fingers sore and bloody from tearing a tiny hole through which he peaked out of his sanctuary. Had the monster left? Then he heard the monster roar. “Billy you come out now, it’ll only be worse if you don’t.” Oh crap! Character count 279
By Deb at Twenty Four: They peered so intently into the hollow of the tree trunk that she wondered for a moment what had captured their attention, perhaps a caterpillar or even a butterfly. With a smile she leaned over to have a look and then drew back with a gasp. Who would have thought it. (267 characters)
By Ryanne at Ryanne Shore Poetry: View From a Paper Bag World Safe here Huddled, cuddled in dark Unseen arms of God protect His whisper tells “all’s well” Whatever little eye can see In tiny view torn from Street’s paper bag world Is more than enough for me Grounded angels walking by Leave scattered pieces Peace-hope-joy Carol Jesus Once like me, a boy
By Peter at Peter’s Pondering: Roger said “Sorry Mum, I was messing about!” He knew she would not believe the truth. It was difficult enough for him, and he’d seen it with his own eyes. The goblin had flown twice around the bedroom and then decided to fly straight through the wardrobe door. He was still in there! (280 characters)
By Indhu at Always: The Secret The seeker began to count. All ran as fast as they could to find a good hiding place. Amy waited for others and then hid. Six different seekers have tried to find Amy but in vain. Amy giggled to herself and was proud of her secret hiding place which no one has figured till date. <279 characters>
By John at Broadsides: From my castle: A cardboard box is a homeless person’s castle. It shields me from all those people. Not from the cold and wind. And if it rains we get soaked. Again. I can watch them passing by, going to the warmth of their homes and friends, with parcels and mince pies, and in my cardboard castle, quietly cry.
Awesome tales everyone! And a Merry Christmas to you (if you celebrate). Thanks to everyone who participated last week. For this week’s photo prompt, one of my own creations. I happened upon a decorated tree on my walk with the pup the other night. Not the kind of tree you expect of course. But I found it really beautiful in its simplicity. There is also a red light in the attic of the house just past the tree. Not sure what that’s about. I suppose red is a Christmas color. That is the only decoration. To each their own. I managed to hang a wreath on the front door. Jingle jingle all the way. 🙂 Have a great week. See you at next week’s roundup.
There had been a spree of holiday heists on Elm St. The neighborhood watch stepped up its surveillance thanks to Norman, who made ornaments fitted with cameras. As he watched monitors in Mrs. Dudley’s attic, the thief made his move.
captives mourn in exile here wisdom teaches us to rescue them, give them a safe abode bright morning, bring us comfort from the night and light to bind the hearts of all in peace.
~kat
Today’s Manic Monday Three-Way Prompt is based on the Word: Rejoice, the Photo: (a portion of the original) above and the Song: Oh Come, Oh Come Emanuel (lyrics below). When I think of God/Emanuel coming, I think about the innocents that need him most. At least for today, there are many who are still suffering. And so I decided a prayer would do for today’s Manic Monday. I’m not sure why my thoughts and heart went in an opposite direction with today’s prompt. It’s not exactly an example of rejoicing. But perhaps it’s a means to an end. Peace, kindness and love to you.
O come, O come, Immanuel,
and ransom captive(s) Israel
that mourns in lonely exilehere
until the Son of God appear.
Refrain:
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel
shall come to you, O Israel.
2 O come, O Wisdom from
on high,
who ordered all things mightily;
to us the path of knowledge show
and teachus in its ways to go.
Refrain
3 O come, O come, great Lord of might,
who to your tribes on Sinai’s height
in ancient times did give the law
in cloud and majesty and awe. Refrain
4 O come, O Branch of Jesse’s stem,
unto yourown and rescue them!
From depths of hell your people save,
and give them victory o’er the grave.
Refrain
5 O come, O Key of David, come and open wide ourheavenly home.
Make safe for us the heavenward road
and bar the way to death’s abode.
Refrain
6 O come, O Bright and Morning Star,
and bring uscomfort from afar!
Dispel the shadows of the night
and turn our darkness into light.
Refrain (to)
7 O come, O King of nations, bind
in one the hearts of all mankind.
Bid all our sad divisions cease (in)
and be yourself our King of Peace.
Refrain
About the challenge: Each Tuesday I will provide a photo prompt. Your mission, if you choose to accept the challenge, is to tell a story in 280 characters or less. When you write your tale, be sure to let me know in the comments with a link to your tale.
A final note: if you need help tracking the number of characters in your story, there is a nifty online tool that will count for you at charactercountonline.com.
I will do a roundup each Tuesday, along with providing a new prompt. And if for some reason I missed your entry in the Roundup, as I have occasionally done, please let me know. I want to be sure to include your tale.
Finally, have fun!
And REMEMBER…you have 280 characters (spaces and punctuation included), to tell your tale…and a week to do it. I can’t wait to see what you create this week.
Starting us off… “He just stands there, Sheriff.” “That’s Skip. Ned raised him from a pup. He owned this place ‘fore you all.” “He’s tame?” “Got along with Ned. I’ll call the ranger.” “Wait. Hey Skip!” the wife called. He raced to them, tail wagging. “Guess he just needed an invitation,” she beamed. ~kat 279 Characters
By Reena at ReInventions: But Still… I don’t know how real, really is reality. The snow is white and ethereal, but chilling. I want to feel the texture, and see if it melts in the warmth of my palms. But I stay in, for I fear the wolf out there. It never moves. Some people say a taxidermist kept it there. But still… (280 characters)
By Ron at Read 4 Fun: White Walkers are Coming Going to the Wall there are a few frozen lakes to cross. White Walkers, being essentially skeletons, don’t weigh that much but they can’t risk breaking through the ice. White Walkers don’t swim. (Sounds familiar). Their friend Jack (London) sent me, Buck, ahead to test the ice. Ron (278 characters)
By The Dark Netizen: Lone Wolf I saw him looking at me. Petrified with fear, I stood rooted in spot. The black wolf took slow steps towards me. As he neared, i could see his eyes and once I had seem them, all fear began left my body. I had seen those eyes before. They held dark loneliness inside. Like my eyes… Character Count: 280
By Kristian at Tales from the Mind of Kristian: A World of White The Wolf looked around his territory surprised at the change in the landscape. Something had happened last night to turn everything into a white wonderland. He sniffed disdainfully. The air smelt different. The soap factory had exploded, covering the surrounding area in suds. [278 characters]
By Teresa at The Haunted Wordsmith: Solitary Solitude called to Edward throughout his life. A dream finally realized fifty years ago. A hand-built cabin in the Alaskan wild. Just him and nature. A lone wolf – cold, hungry, and tired. Enticed by scents of life and warmth. Two lost souls, each missing a piece, now complete. 277-characters
By Di at Pensitivity101: Lone Wolf The snow was cold on his feet as he stood silently watching. He would recognise her anywhere. In a former life, she had been his soul mate. She looked up, took stock, and moved tentatively forward, knowing. Two wolves together, soul mates of a different kind. 256 characters.
By Hélène at Willow Poetry: Snow Guide I was lost in a fresh snow covered expanse. By now my friends’ footprints were invisible. Too quiet around me, no direction to lead me. Aware of a lone wolf pawing her path towards me her friendly grey eyes signal me to come. Following behind her, she guides forward to my friends. 280 characters
By J.A. at Keyhole Poetry: Wolf Therapy So you DID return, Wolf I should have known I recall your kind wisdom Generosity often Your therapy room full Of things fascinating to Wounded hearts, minds, souls I still have pastel you coaxed Me to draw, ‘Journey’ Hope you’d be pleased How far I’ve come Good to see you On crisp winter day
By Melanie at Sparks from a Combustible Mind: The young wolf had been driven out of the pack for challenging the alpha male. He wandered, alone, through the deep snows of high winter. He was an excellent hunter, and he didn’t go hungry. Still. He wanted a female to start his own pack with. He continued to hunt. Character Count: 272.
By Anurag at Jagahdilmein: Proof of the Pudding I stared at the wolf across the frozen lake as my hand inched towards my gun. Snow in Central Park in mid-July! Who would’ve thunk! Our beloved leader was a genius after all, as if any further proof was needed. Global warming was ‘Fake News’ indeed! 256 characters.
By Michael at Morpethroad: Mutual Agreement The crone left the meat out for the wolf knowing he would arrive soon. It was a weekly ritual, her way of paying homage to a superior being. The wolf watched over her, as she aged and slowed she potentially became vulnerable. It was to both their advantage to care for each other.
By Ramya at And Miles to Go Before I Sleep: The Wolf The lone wolf stared at the soft hustle behind the bushes, ready to leap. As the hustle grew louder, the wolf bound towards the bush but stopped midway when he saw someone coming out of it. The Wolf met Mowgli – the Man cub. Character Count – 223
By Paula at Light Motifs II: The Sentinel The earth rang From the shores of Mayotte To the peaks of Chile; Waves rippled and buzzed, Traversing the oceans, Vibrating the plates– We missed this call. He didn’t though: Lupine ears on alert, Paws stilled in snow. The moment passed; He resumed his patrol, On guard, alone.
By Deb at Twenty Four: They had passed her by for weeks, not noticing her painstaking work and she had ignored them, applying herself diligently to the task at hand. Leaning back she smiled as her Father strolled into the room. “Time to pack up the puzzle Sarah, we need the table for Christmas dinner.” (278 characters)
By John at Broadsides: Well hello, little red riding hood! No need for me to pretend to be your grannie is there? not out here. You know, don’t you, how big my teeth are? Anyway, your grannies a gonner now. Tough old chew she was, but you, young sweet thing in your bright red cloak, you going be real tasty.
By Wide-Eyed Wanderer: The Wolf The wolf stood staring at the cottage. Lavender had lived there alone since her grandmother’s disappearance. The wolf appeared each evening like it was checking on her. Finally, Lavender went out to the wolf. She met the sapphire blue eyes, “Grandmother?” she whispered. Character count 275
By Peter at Peter’s Pondering: A taste of justice I can see you Henry Roy James, and I know you can see me! But you don’t recognise me. You still think you got away with it, but really, you didn’t! The jury may have believed you, but natural justice shall prevail. You killed me, and I’m going to kill you. Then I’m going to eat you! (279 characters)
Fantastic Round Up everyone! Thank you for joining the challenge last week. For this week, a photo by MabelAmber at Pixabay.com. It could be a memory, a story of friendship, a mystery or a game. Tell the tale of these two kids or perhaps the tale of the old tree…in 280 characters or less. And I’ll see you at the Round Up next week! Have fun!
Photo by MabelAmber at Pixabay.comThe Old Wolf Tree
Eyes twinkling, Granny whispered, “le’me tell ya’ ‘bout that old wolf tree. My great granny Nell planted it long, long time ago. Ya neva’ know what ya’ might find in its belly. Once I found a family of faeries!”
Of course the boys had to check it out for themselves. Wouldn’t you?
So it is easier for you to find all the parts/chapters of my ongoing fiction series, I created a new page that lists all the links. You can check it out HERE!
Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kat Myrman and Like Mercury Colliding with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
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