Tag: writing exercise

The toucans calmly regarded the human on the ground. He seemed in a terrible hurry about something.

“Well, that one’s making an awful racket,” said Sam.

“He looks as if he’s trying to run away from something.” Winona replied. “Maybe he’s frightened of those humans behind him.”

“Ground dwellers are such ridiculous creatures.” Sam snorted derisively.

“I feel a bit sorry for him. They have such pitiful little beaks, can’t fly a lick – I’ve really no idea how they manage to feed themselves at all. Perhaps we should help the poor thing.”

“Oh really, Winona! You do carry on so. It’s only a human, after all. Besides, even if he outruns those others, he’s headed straight for that Jaguar.”

Sam’s indifference aside, Winona took flight to see what she could do about it.

“Winona!” Sam called after her. “I’m not coming along this time. Do you hear me?” He shuffled from one foot to the other, agitated at the whole situation. Why can’t we ever just enjoy a quiet breakfast? I’m going to sit right here. You are on your own, old girl.

He shifted once more and ran his elegant beak down the length of his wing. As if there aren’t enough humans. Ridiculous. He craned his neck, but could no longer see Winona or the running man. The little herd of angry humans was just passing below the tree. Well, perhaps I’ll go over and just have a look.

In 250 words or less, tell us a story incorporating the elements in the picture. The 250 word limit will be strictly enforced.

Please keep language and subject matter to a PG-13 level.

Use the comment section below to submit your entry. Entries will be accepted until Tuesday at 5:00 PM Pacific Time. Continue reading “Flash Fiction Challenge: Toucan Rescue”

On the ranch, there was one pasture we called the far-back. It was 260 acres of good grazing, but it was well away from the house. The far-back was over a little ridge and a devil to get to if the creek was up.

My grandfather was always worried about the wild horses getting in there with the cattle. He said they’d eat the forage and bring in disease. There was no arguing with him on the issue. He made a point of running them off whenever he found them there.

When I got older, he’d send me out there alone. The main problem by then had been the coyotes. We’d lost a lot of calves to those vermin. I always took the rifle, but never once managed to get off a clear shot. The coyotes were just a little too quick for me.

At age sixteen with little else but girls and coyotes on my mind, I’d long quit worrying about the handful of wild horses. One day, I saw a little foal out there. He just looked back at me without a trace of fear. I know it sounds strange, but I felt an instant liking for him. There was something about the way he carried himself. He didn’t take any guff off the other foals, and asserted himself at every opportunity. I called him Dominator.

I didn’t know it yet, but Dominator would be the key to solving our coyote problem. That horse was a warrior and absolutely hated coyotes.I guess you could say he saved the ranch.

The first day I saw him in action was the first day I thought I had a clear shot…

In 250 words or less, tell us a story incorporating the elements in the picture. The 250 word limit will be strictly enforced.

Please keep language and subject matter to a PG-13 level.

Use the comment section below to submit your entry. Entries will be accepted until Tuesday at 5:00 PM Pacific Time. Continue reading “Flash Fiction Challenge: Dominator”