The 100 word challenge for grown ups, Week 20.
To view other entries visit http://jfb57.wordpress.com
Introduced by Julia Skinner who sets the weekly challenge . . . ‘Now for this week we are going topical again. King James bible celebrated it’s 400th birthday last week. Although it is a religious text is has formed our language across the years. It has some surprising phrases that we use often in everyday conversations.
The prompt this week is to use at least one of these.
…the powers that be / the apple of his eye / the writing on the wall…’
I thought why not use all three phrases, I like a challenge!!! 100 words, plus 14 words set text.
A double tragedy
Harry’s father described him as, ’the apple of his eye’. Such was the depth of love between them.
However, this bond was stretched to the limit when Harry fell foul of the College authorities, not just once but on a regular basis.
The writing was on the wall, ‘the powers that be’ would expel him before the term was out; no other decision was possible now.
His father was devastated, it was more than he could bear.
He walked by the river one night and that was the last time he was seen.
It was a double tragedy, both for the family and the academic world.
The College President overwhelmed by events was dead.
Lisa Wields Words said:
So sad and tragic. Impressive use of the prompt. I’m intimidated.
gsussex said:
Don’t be intimidated Lisa you are a great writer! This week’s prompt could be interpreted in so many ways. I had an idea and went for it . . .
Lisa Wields Words said:
Thanks Gill. I have an idea but I’m mulling over it for a little while, since I already wrote two posts today. 😉
Dughall McCormick (@dughall) said:
How sad!
Well done for getting them all in and for such speedy work, Gill!
gsussex said:
Thanks, I was lucky an idea came to mind as soon as I read the prompt, not always the case.
midlife singlemum said:
Today’s lesson: Let your children follow their own path and don’t expect them to excel in your own chosen field if it doesn’t suit them. Maybe that was the real tragedy.
gsussex said:
A good take, or was Harry just a rebel at heart?!
jfb57 said:
You are getting a reputation for being fast you know! 😉
This is wonderful and so clever. It flows so well & the phrases fit perfectly. Thank you so much for your continued support Gill!
gsussex said:
This week’s prompt suited me and an idea clicked into place. Julia you need to be aware I am not at all competitive(?!). I love the weekly prompts that challenge our writing. It’s not about being fast for me, but if I have an idea I love to write and post . . . The down side, now I have to wait for a week before the next prompt! I am pleased you liked my post, I was pretty happy with my effort this week; sometimes I think my writing is weaker.
Colin said:
And the final twist… It wasn’t Harry who killed himself. We are left to wonder if Harry even knew why his father died…
gsussex said:
It’s always fun to try and add a twist at the end or leave a degree of suspense!
Sally-Jayne said:
Wow – well done you for getting them all in without it sounding contrived. This was such a sad tale with a haunting last line.
gsussex said:
Thank you Sally-Jane.
annahalford (@anhalf) said:
Tragic end to this- I wasn’t expecting that at all. I love this challenge too and it is incredible to see all the interpretations. ( I’m with Lisa- I find it intimidating to read them first! More fun for me to see how everyone interprets them in their own way. Great writing as always.
Yay, roll on next week 🙂
gsussex said:
Thanks Anna. I look forward to reading your post.
Him Up North said:
Cleverly done and just the right amount of bleak. 🙂
HerMelness Speaks said:
Such a clever use of the prompt, with bare stark words that say so much. Loved this piece.
susankmann said:
Very cleverly done. A great use of the prompt and was just right x
fireflyphil said:
Ingenious answer to the prompt!
GSussex said:
Thanks everyone! G