Five Sentence Fiction #8 – HARVEST

What it’s all about: Five Sentence Fiction is about packing a powerful punch in a tiny fist. Each week the hostess will post a one word inspiration, then anyone wishing to participate will write a five sentence story based on the prompt word. The word does not have to appear in your five sentences, just use it for direction.

                                                             

 

Source

It returned like a boomerang, unexpected, and hit the mark – bullseye!

He hadn't heard the "dotty decree" (as he so mockingly referred to it), in thirty odd years.

The words came loud and clear, defying time and space, as real as if his grandmother were standing next to him (the trademark, no-nonsense,  thin-lipped disapproval etched on her face), on that blistering day with the sun at its zenith, the temperature skyrocketing to an unbelieveble and record high of 45 degrees in the shade, the air sizzling with electricity that seemed to intensify and gather momentum, the humidity so high that laboured breathing accompanied by nasal congestion and sinus headaches became par for the course; and as he surveyed the charred and unyielding land that stretched for miles in front of him, and wondered for the millionth time that week, why misfortune seemed to have become his lot in life————–

Be careful what you sow… todays seeds of discontent become tomorrow's fruits of despair…

At last, he understood.

30 Comments

  1. The Golden Eagle on July 2, 2012 at 10:37 pm

    Wonderful description. The scene with the character's grandmother felt very clear!

    • michelle on July 5, 2012 at 11:36 am

      Thanks G.E. I think the granny's character is a bit stereotypical… I battled a bit with this prompt!

  2. Ryan Derham on July 3, 2012 at 1:58 am

    Amazing description, M! Poor guy having misfortune as his lot in life? Mystery, reflection and despair are all packed in nicely here.

    • michelle on July 5, 2012 at 11:38 am

      Yep… misfortune is the keyword! In his situation, it's a case of "you reap what you sow", and not only in a literal context! There's more… 🙂

  3. Sandra Crook on July 3, 2012 at 5:28 am

    Very atmospheric, and some great descriptions and imagery.  Nicely done – enjoyed it.

    • michelle on July 5, 2012 at 11:40 am

      I tried to create a certain atmosphere… didn't quite go how I wanted it to, but if you enjoyed it, then I don't feel too bad! Thanks for the visit Sandra!

  4. Jocelyn Rish on July 3, 2012 at 8:08 am

    At first I was thinking that 45 degrees sounded kind of awesome right about now, then remembered you live in one of them there Celcius countries. 🙂  Which I guess makes it even worse than the melting heat we've been having here.  But great description of the misery that goes along with such extreme heat!

    • michelle on July 5, 2012 at 12:40 pm

      I'm on the east coast where we enjoy a hot & humid sub-tropical climate…  at present, we're experiencing balmy days, even though it's almost mid-winter… 🙂

  5. shelly on July 3, 2012 at 12:31 pm

    This was full of wisdom. Very nice, Michelle.

    • michelle on July 5, 2012 at 12:41 pm

      Full of wisdom you say… mmm… I didn't know what to do for this prompt. I just went with the first things that came into my mind. Thanks Shelly!

  6. tara tyler on July 3, 2012 at 1:10 pm

    amazing! and just 5 sentences? wow!

    • michelle on July 5, 2012 at 12:43 pm

      Tara, your response just made my day! Thank you so much!

  7. Alex J. Cavanaugh on July 3, 2012 at 1:23 pm

    I can see Grandma so clearly!

    • michelle on July 5, 2012 at 12:45 pm

      Thanks Alex! Grandmothers always have words of wisdom that youngsters quite often ignore… until later on in life… something goes wrong, then the penny drops!

  8. Sherry Ellis on July 4, 2012 at 1:12 am

    I love the way you use words.  Wonderful description!

    • michelle on July 5, 2012 at 12:45 pm

      Thanks Sherry!

  9. Cheryl on July 4, 2012 at 1:34 pm

    Really good writing, alas, I want more!

    • michelle on July 5, 2012 at 12:46 pm

      Good to hear from you Cheryl! I'm really enjoying the reviews you've been posting on your blog!

  10. Stephanie on July 4, 2012 at 2:37 pm

    Longest five-sentence story ever!  Ha!  I love your blog, because I never know what to expect.  You do have a way with words!

  11. mary aalgaard on July 4, 2012 at 4:05 pm

    Great description of the "seeds of discontent."
    <a href=http://maryaalgaard.blogspot.com>Play off the Page</a>

    • michelle on July 5, 2012 at 12:49 pm

      Thanks Mary!

  12. Rekha on July 4, 2012 at 5:18 pm

    An ode to the vagaries of life…your distinct voice makes the sun stand out as it does grandma's image. Will miss your presence this month. I  may  just come by whenever i can. Enjoy your july.

    • michelle on July 5, 2012 at 12:50 pm

      Thanks Rekha! Don't be too much of a stranger…. pop in whenever you get a chance.

  13. Britton Minor on July 5, 2012 at 12:52 am

    Oh the regrets that permeate our lives when opportunities pass…and nature rises up to show us our losses.  Ouch!  Well done.

    • michelle on July 5, 2012 at 12:52 pm

      A wonderful summation. You've captured the essence of the piece!

  14. Medeia Sharif on July 9, 2012 at 11:57 am

    Great piece. So much was described in five sentences.

    • michelle on July 10, 2012 at 9:29 pm

      Thanks Medeia! 🙂

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