Tuesday, December 26, 2017

Holiday Flash fiction contest round 2

Round two
Posted: 12/26
Opens: 12/27 (7:47am)
Closes: 12/28 (9am)

prompt word: ring
Number of words: 25

You can enter Round 2 even if you did not enter Round 1.

You may continue the story you wrote for Round 1, OR use someone else's post from Round 1 as your "starter"
If you use a starter, you MUST include it in your post WITH ATTRIBUTION.
It must be differentiated from the entry in round 2. (A line, five stars, something) (I need to be able to calculate the word count for each entry readily)

It goes without saying (but I'll say it anyway) that you use someone else's work with respect.

You can NOT use 29 words in this entry if your previous entry was "only 26 of the allowed 30" In other words, no carry overs.

1. You must use the whole prompt word (ring) but that whole word can be part of a larger word. The letters for the prompt must appear in consecutive order. They cannot be backwards.
Thus: ring/ringding is ok but ring/rousting is not





6 If you use a STARTER post, those words DO NOT count as the 25 limit for today's entry.



9. It's ok to tweet about the contest generally.




Round 2 opens: 7:47am, 12/27/17

Round 2 closes: 9am, 12/28/17


an .xls spread sheet here http://www.colindsmith.com/TreasureChest/

(Thanks to Colin Smith for organizing and maintaining this!)

Questions? Tweet to me @Janet_Reid
Ready? SET?

Not yet!
oops, too late, this round is closed.


James Leisenring said...

Bird: “Should we tell them about us?”
Bee: “We don't have the time.”
Bird: “We should try.”
Bee: “Okay, where do we start?”

Bee: “Orchid. Bird stopped for a drink.”
Bird: “Bee had a few too many.”
Bee: “Still, Bird liked me. Month later, I gave a ring.”

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

Fog shrouds the house.


The fog breathes, escapes.

The bird does not.

Inside, the occupants are still hungry.

Long ago, they gathered at the dinner bell's ring.

But the meal was not for them.

The only thing to grow up was their rage.

[Round 1 Starter - mine]

Patricia L. Shelton said...


Ring neck pheasant. That's the only thing would draw the hunter and his dog out to this section of the county, this time of year.

Marie McKay said...

"Eat the damn bird."
"Eat. Or. Else!" said their Father.

Birds squawked, "Tell." But Peter sealed Richie's bruised lips with marshmallow. He'd seen his Mom accept flowers as purple as the rings decorating her eyes.

Steve Forti said...


Dec30: Still walking. Why so far away? I swear the star is moving. Yitzhak and Hebir fight over gifts they bring. WTF is Myrrh, anyway?

Lisa Bodenheim said...

Her partner read from the paper, “…a major seabird breeding station.”


Kelly glanced at her, “Did you bring them?”

Sure her face was white as a ghost, Jeanie patted the rucksack in her lap.

Mallory Love said...


"It was an accident," you begged forgiveness, tightening the string like a noose.
Apologies don't raise the dead, dear, and mothers can't nurture memorials.

(Starter from round 1- mine)

S.D.King said...


Neither does my foster mom. So I wear long sleeves.
Mrs. Armbruster’s rich. In the vestry, a big ring sparkles in her open purse.

Dena Pawling said...


“It was on top!” I splutter.

But he's right. What can we give four calling birds?

@%^!# North-Pole gift exchange.

“I know! Let's give them five gold rings.” I'm brilliant, thank you very much.

Blitzen snorts. “Ring their little necks is more like it.”

[Round 1 Starter - mine]

Nathan Holland said...


Dec 27. The ringing, the sound of bells reaches her ears before the birds tapping ends. She knows then it is coming. He is coming.

Les Edgerton said...

One day I found a volume of poetry by Robert Frost in the prison library at Pendleton and checked it out.
Back in my cell, I read: Home is the place where, when you want to go there, they have to take you in.
When I made parole, I gave my mom a ring to tell her my good news. I found out that my dad had never read Robert Frost.
At least not that poem.

Craig F said...


I didn’t have to ring; the nurse was waiting. When I got to my girl’s room I bent to kiss her. No response, organic damage.

Emalbom said...




I'd welcomed the lie - first love of my unnoticed life. Understood the price when steel kissed my wrists.
'Where'd you get the ring, kid?'

Kim Long said...


I know why She turns me, of course. Clawed feet. Night vision. Perfect for night-time thievery.

Now to spot the ring.

And survive ‘til night.

[round one starter - mine]

Cheryl said...

(Round One: Mine)

It opens.

I enter the cave, which is warm and full of light.
“What do you want?” Her voice is frail, stringy. Ancient.
“Give back the sun.”

Barbara Lund said...


Gotta break up my trail, so I bust in the front door of the next house without ringing the bell. No one Home Alone here.

Anonymous said...


The flight was brutal, but no ruffled feathers would stop Cher Ami. He stuck the landing, savoring the respite while the general read his missive.

Kerry Bernard said...

Sighing, he stepped up on the ring of soiled blocks and into yet another sooty maw. The hot, creosote-lubricated throat swallowed him greedily.

Gaylord Pusyslayer said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Curt David said...

[Round 1 starter - mine]


Cafeteria. ALAN and RACHAEL sitting. JOHN enters.

JOHN. Are you two lovebirds?


(John exits. Beat.)

RACHAEL. Number five. Ralph and Piggy.

ALAN. What if we were?



Central Park. Dusk.

ALAN. (Stuttering.) I have question. When I’m with you. You see, we’ve known each other-

RACHAEL. Yes, I’ll marry you.

CarolJ said...

Round one (Mine)


The cat's cradled in my arms, and I indulge in yearly tears of remembering the almost-child who died on Christmas eve fifty years ago.

Kathy Joyce said...

(first entry mine)


Hope wheels her chair from the window, wistful.


A mean drunk, the driver wouldn’t relinquish his keys.

When the accident severed Hope’s spine, Drake flew like a peregrine falcon. She kept the ring.

Mike Hays said...


The truth would change everything. It would torch this promising relationship. But with guilt ringing in his head, how could he continue to keep quiet?

Michael Seese said...

She swallowed a shot of 151 and her pride before taking the stage.

The pole reeked of prostitution. The dollar bills, desperation.

His ring... salvation.

Amy Schaefer said...


I took a bite.
She took a bite.

You’re so relieved, you nearly tip your wine glass. Food matters, here.

Mother nods.

You pull the ring from your pocket.

(Round 1 entry - Amy Schaefer)

Laurie Batzel said...

It had to be her.
This had my sister's fingerprints all over it.
Tonight was my first time hosting our family's annual Christmas gatheRING and every pan in my cabinet was coated with a layer of purple glitter.

E.M. Goldsmith said...

(1-mine) Death in raven form followed the old man.   He smiled at the night.   



Shattering the veil between worlds, the old traveler ventured into the valley of darkness. Such great rewards awaited if courage allowed him passage across.

Matthew Wuertz said...

Didn’t need no birddog to flush you out.

Didn’t need no 12-gauge to take you down.

Told you not to bring Kate into your world of false hope.

Told you I’d bring you into my world of true despair.

CynthiaMc said...



"I like birds and squirrels," Kitty purred.

"What did you bring us?"

The scurry of squirrels converged at my feet.

"Peanuts!" I said.

"Murder and mayhem!" Kitty sprang from the plumbago bush.

Sharyn Ekbergh said...

I became a bird.


I perched on the roof.
Spread my lovely wings, drinking the salt air and the ring around the moon. Singing to the lonely foghorn.


Claire Bobrow said...

Christmas dinner.
Her first.
Invitation went straight to the heart.
Couldn’t dodge it.
She arrived perfectly dressed -
a swell bird, a dish -
but wished she had ducked.

Too late for regrets!
Her soul winged its way onwards,
the blue yonder calling,
ringing in her ears
like the report
of a gun.

Sherry Howard said...



Her ingratitude had been incomprehensible. Yet, he’d played along. Bought the ring. Gotten down on one knee. Even set a date—upon his return. Soon.

Carolynnwith2Ns said...

Dazed in the ring, hate cleared my head. I can legally kill my ex’s live-in. Hard right. Neck snapped. Won a championship belt for murder.

E. Berg said...


Must stay quiet. The order brings heat to my veins, purpose to my hollow mind. My name escapes me; don’t want it back. Never back.

Ashes said...



Her wedding ring tan line a willful reminder, fingers wrapped around an unsympathetic cocktail. It had been too long.

He looked nothing like his picture.

(Starter mine)

Lennon Faris said...

[Round One – author Sherryl Clark]:


Sleepless bedhead, circle of my wedding ring on his cheek almost finished me.

Oh, Theodore, trust me!


Commenced flashy exit.

Hope those bastards saw.

Crystal Cantabrana said...

"No bother at all. I just put the bird in the oven."
Mom was infamous for never answering her phone. Why today? I lamented inwardly.

Jennifer Delozier said...


Murder-for-hire was boring, but it paid the rent. Crimes of passion were a different species, and Raunch fed his soul with their bones and flesh.

french sojourn said...


He had a couple guns to take care of in Sacramento.


After pushing the windshield for five hours, eyes red, ears ringing, he pulled over. Caffeine, nicotine, then back behind the wheel. He chambered a round.

Sherin Nicole said...



Mouth dry as ashes, caught in their tightening ring, Rosie prophesied: They’d all fall…stairs, wells, cliffs... The malice they taught, they’d learned at l'Académie.

Anonymous said...

Rings of fire, wreathed round towns
Rings of fury, kings bowed down
Rings of failure, terror fueled
Silly humans! #DragonsRule

Beth Carpenter said...


Grumman Goose – the quintessential sea plane. National Guard has six of the belly-landers lying, not laying, in the snow. Close enough. Which brings us to…

Marty Weiss said...

The bird entered by flying through the bars.
“Hello there, Tweety. What’s that in your beak?

“Can you bring me more? Understand more?
Well, ring-a-ding-doo, I believe you do.
Flower buds and leaves would be welcome.
Give you peanuts in return.”

Barbara said...

(Round 1) Was a Christmas miracle, for sure. Hadn't et in eight days. Slinked to the neighbor's pear tree 'cross the way, but weren't a pear on it. Was a bird, though.

(Round 2) Partridge. Wringed its neck and took it home. We et good that night. For the next 11 nights, I found something worthwhile in that tree.

(Round 1 mine)

Brian Schwarz said...

(1 - Laurie Batzel)

It had to be her.
This had my sister’s fingerprints all over it.

* * * * *

It wasn’t underwear we found in my bedroom. It was her knife, because
Christina cooked his dinner.
Her catering skills were famous.
my poor husband

Timothy Lowe said...

“Early birds!” Gregor scoffed.


Marie sighed. “You never plan ahead.”

Surreptitiously, he pocketed the ring.

“You’re right.”


“No worries.” He fingered the other unpopped question: a sealed vial. “I can make us something mouthwatering...”


“... I always have a plan B.”

Steph Ellis said...


“What if I’ve got you a diamond ring?”
She saw the jewel glimmer, dropped the axe. She always enjoyed Christmas carving, but it could wait.

Colin Smith said...

We tried warning him, but he called us poulets, fearing our own shadows. It was the shadow behind him he didn’t see. Whack! Fermier fou!

Ivy Blackwater said...



“Do I have to?” She peeked at him, voice quavering. “So many men.”

He squeezed. “You’re the sexy manager. Show them. Take it all off.”

Claire AB. said...


She almost succumbed, but then he spoke of bringing her north. That tipped her off: he could read minds, but she didn’t like the cold.

Brig said...

She enjoyed life at a distance, never chose the bird in the hand. In a bush, preferably imagined, meant perfection, control.

He arrived like a cowpat from a jumbo jet.


He was attractive like he ate Pringles over the rug: infuriatingly, messily; a whirlwind completely at ease. With her, a maypole, his whirling made sense.

Scott G said...



Go away bird.

My arm would not move.



Fly away bird.

Don’t peck my eyes, my cheeks, my lips, cracked and burned from the hovering, desert sun.

I cannot see my leg.

Anonymous said...


No, maybe Louise.

"Stop pretending you cain't hear me, woman."

She absently traced the ache of bruises ringing her arm, reckoned pretending was what kept her alive.


[all words are mine]

Anonymous said...

Round One:


Round Two:
Rainbird stole Shieldbird's Ring. With this ring she was invulnerable. She could survive Firebird's love. The two of them...

She only had one ring.



Clarity was required, else the second device wouldn't trigger.

She dreamt of an optical camera.
(round one starter - mine)

First, pass by the IR camera. Second,
pass underr in gamma ray. Third, wait a week for the final image to develop in their flesh.

RosannaM said...


A plane ticket, a passport and an unsigned invitation. A pile of cash on the bottom provided the how. The who would keep him wondering.

Jason said...

It isn't enough the light shines through the window in the morning, but the birds make it impossible to roll over for more sleep.

My phone rings but is somehow less irritating than the chirping cacophony outside my window. If I could hit it on the head, I would.

Karen McCoy said...




One turkey thrown out, the other perfectly laid on a platter, next to an engagement ring. Broken china, thrown by his outraged mother.

Megan V said...


Dear Mrs. Claus,




So my husband would rather deck you than deck the halls—who cares? He won’t remember a thing after we ring in 2018.


Sherryl Clark said...


Or a Mustang either. I was left with Janice's engagement ring. A real diamond could have bought me two Mustangs.
Or a good hitman.

walkie talkie said...


Inside the bird was still alive.

"Bitch is back."

“I oughta ring your neck.”

The parrot dove, puffed with madness.
Loretta’s bones cracked as she dodged the attack. She rose and preheated the oven.

Kregger said...

In a world where the priority is to get down,

and feathered humans are fowl.

There lurks a quill-less, caponesque villain most foul,

that Birdman’s moniker made him go jihad.


Like Jonah Hill in Super Bad,

and the Duchess attacking string, Birdman got serious.

And like chicken to Colonel Sanders, people were going to suffer.

Snail said...


What the bowerbird lacks in colour, he makes up in his curated display. The ring is its centrepiece. A better use than on my hand.

Kat Turner said...

Remote Death



Hoods shielded executioners from humanity. Like towers, Russ reckoned. Up high, swallowed in night. He pushed the button, activating an Isabelle Ringer. Paid good, though.

[Starter mine]

Ginger Mollymarilyn said...

Rings feature predominantly, often signifying the coupling of two humans in a committed relationship. Most are made of gold or silver, adorned with valuable jewels.

Terri Lynn Coop said...

A bird from the murmuration landed on my shoulder.

“She’s your guide. It’s time.”

“This potion will protect me?”

“Hell can’t harm those immune to death.”

I drained the chalice.

The ringing phone interrupted the dream I’ve had for twenty centuries.

I led my beloved from Hades’ chasm and we loved a lifetime. His lifetime.


Kate Higgins said...


* * * *
However, bioengineering data reveled unforeseen complications; a shorter life-span, collisions with high-rise windows and wires And egg-laying was a surprise. Thousands sued AreoHomid and lost.

Just Jan said...

R1 (Mine)

“Barcardi has a bat, not a bird.”



The ringing of a clock and the lusty cry of a newborn tell me it’s time to make my exit.

I won’t be going alone.

RKeelan said...

Bird’s in the oven,
Table is set.
Santa on rooftop,
Not ready yet.

Hearth was still lit,
Now soaking wet.
Live wire sparking,
Santa’s kismet.

# # #

Boots hit the water,
Ringed in flames.
Leaping from fireplace,
Santa remains.

Quick as a twinkle,
The flames wink out.
Bone-chilling magic,
Saint Nick’s redoubt.

Theresa B (of Nebulopathy) said...



Head bowed, she wishes.


The ring tightens as her vows are spoken.

“Mine at last.”

One cut. One finger. Blood dyes her shoes red as she dances away.

(Starter from round one -- mine)

Chefemie said...



Who knew birds had such good hearing? ***** He imagined his Sebring was a space fighter, gunning down blabbermouth parrots. “Everyone’s got their fantasy, okay?”

His wife glared. “Most don’t involve their mothers.”

Jeannette Leopold said...

The girl squatted by it on the sidewalk.


But the girl touched its broken neck.

And knew who’d killed the bird.


Susannah twisted her wedding ring around her finger. Frank had said if Peter did this again… Through the window, her daughter’s red eyes met hers.

[starter- mine]

CED said...


The open window beckoned.


Free, as a bird. Forever.


She inhabited the sky, flitting and fluttering over deserts and oceans, forests and mountains, yearning and mourning, caged by cruel freedom. What had she done?

Tony said...


Blinding sunlight awakens me, prone on the turf, head ringing. Men, armored, look down while a medic leans in close. I’m dizzy, may vomit.

RKirkman said...

[Starter: mine]


“Watch out for that truck!”

Chuck stopped and looked back.

First words the damn bird ever said.



The bird had distracted Chuck. The Kringle for the office party was still in his kitchen.

No problem—he’d just swing by the bakery.

Caru Cadoc said...

I want her to stay
But unless she flies away,
This will end in shit.

A little at first.
It will grow like resentments,
On the window sill.

Shoo, bird.


Rain fades rings of shit
Like white paint from empty homes.
The sparrow is gone.

John Davis Frain said...

Wideload Johnson stumbled. Ogled the idling pickup. Shimmied inside.

Perfect fit.

Next surprise—it was a convertible and defied physics.


* * * * *

The sleigh stopped. A glimmering, unfamiliar house.

He knocked.

A girl answered. “Uncle Teddy?”

Wideload shook. “Ain’t nobody call me that name in twenty years.”

Eileen said...

His newest shill inspects the bullet. I wear his ring, but he's doing hocus-pocus with her.
Big mistake... I'm the one who pulls the trigger.

Janice Grinyer said...


Wildfire does that.

Every week until snowfall they come. Both wild and tame, staring, damaged forever. Bang! Bang! Bang! Sick, I’m kneeling in blood.

Wildfire does that.

shanepatrickwrites said...


Waiting to die while hoping the phone will ring, shoveling suet and seeds into my craw.

Mike Mikula said...

Round One (my own work):



Round Two:

Soaring with the phoebes felt right, Charlie Chirplan thought, almost as good as not having Alice’s every thought ringing in his ears, yet he worried.

AJ Blythe said...


I peer down the barrel. Steady myself. Never thought of myself as a twitcher, but I am. The high I seek…crave…brings with it a slamming pulse. Sweaty palms. The need for another notch crushing.

I wait for the red-head.

[All my words]

Amy Johnson said...

[Round 1 starter is mine.]
Maggie was in heaven. Lying on puffy clouds.

Voices. “She’s back.”

In a bed now.


Bars on the window?

Caged like a Serinus canaria domestica.


“That’s your name?”

“Must speak with Winifred.”

“Is Winifred here now?”

“With me for years.”

Ears! Ringing again!

Robert Ceres said...

Too drunk.
Me and my Karate Kim. So he’d driven her home.

Too stupid.
I’d introduced…my two best friends.



The door crashed open. “You uncaring ass. Some wingman you are.” She dragged me out of bed, onto the floor. ““Our Christmas! He…” She punched.

Rena McClure Taylor said...

The scream swirls around her bed, black and streaked with blood; then hovering at her feet, finally settles dripping the moments. She counts, waits … counts, waits …

“God-damned Bird.”

The daughter flutters around her bed. “Mama, what’s wrong with you?”

"Wring his dinger. Ding-a-ling-a-long.” Stares, her wrists ooze red.

Cecilia Ortiz Luna said...

Bird saxophoning Summertime

That handsome boy with the jaw
Crooning about someone laughable, unphotographable

I dance in their veins
And their notes soar

I smite


His guitar spewing fire

Her voice
Mellifluous lava

Gods at 27
Their price and prize

I drench their souls

I wring