First Words—July 16, 2018: C.M. Simpson

I was a little slow off the mark this morning. Yesterday, I struggled to start the short story I have slated this week – just couldn’t get started, so, this morning, I sat down and listed the anthologies and collections I have in the works. Now, when I am stuck, I’ll just work my way through the list. Here are the first words completed for each project I worked on, today: 

Another 365 Days of Poetry

Prospector Denied

Written on July 16, 2018, for the March 11 entry of Another 365 Days of Poetry, this science fiction piece is about someone finding their own place and feet after being cast aside by someone they trusted.

When I called, you did not answer

and I walked the world alone

When I cried, you were not there for me

and I turned my heart to stone

When I feared, you weren’t standing at my back

and I learned to face my fear despite the lack

so don’t return and ask me

to fall down at your feet.

Don’t be hurt when I regard you

and wonder what you could offer that I’d need

I’ve journeyed far since you left me

in a fit of pique

upon a world we didn’t know

I’ve found my feet, my place, my home

so go back to your shuttle

and return to your far-flung stars

Another 365 Days of Flash Fiction

 

The Unicorn Operation

Written on July 16, 2018, for the July 16 entry of Another 365 Days of Flash Fiction, this piece returns us to the world of pixie-dust, and a P.O.S. officer that reminds me suspiciously of Harper…

The unicorn stood beneath the gum tree, its head up, ears alert, eyes wide. Its nostrils flared as it searched the air, scenting cinnamon and sugar. I heard the angry grumbling snort it gave, and moved closer, drawing my Glock. The ’corn noticed the movement and bobbed its head, snorting approvingly. I just hoped back-up arrived soon. It was going to be a blood bath, otherwise. All I could do was try not to let the big beast get itself killed; it would take an elf to stop it murdering every single dust-runner who’d gone under the bridge. I wasn’t ready, when it sidled over to me and bunted me with its shoulder.

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Would you like to read more? 

Previous collections of flash fiction—365 Days of Flash Fiction and 366 Days of Flash Fiction—and poetry—365 Days of Poetry and 366 Days of Poetry—are all currently available.