In 99 words (no more, no less) write about the day the earth turned brown. How did it happen? What else might be going on? It can be dramatic or even humorous. It can be the greater globe or a localized ccurance. It can be an aftermath or a revival. Follow where the prompt leads you.
Charli Mills’ prompt is in sepia tones, here. It feels a like a throwback to a different world but her own take on the prompt points to a possible dystopian future.
For my take we go back to Mary North, watching her parents’ garden being destroyed by the police forensic team as they hunt for other bodies. Here is the story so far. And here is this week’s episode.
Darkest before the dawn
Mary stared at what was once her parents’ garden but now looked like the Somme. Figures in white suits, like choreographed aliens moved slowly between trenches. A group were struggling to raise a tent to protect the current working area.
She heard her half-brother say, ‘They’ve not found anything. The detective said they should be finished by the weekend.’
Mary watched the clouds roll in, the first of the promised rain dropping on the turned earth. Finished by the weekend? ‘It’ll never be finished.’
Her husband put his arms around her waist. ‘Yes it will; you wait and see.’
‘ Figures in white suits, like choreographed aliens’ really really like that phrase Geoff. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Have you got father’s poem about a neighbours garden, that would certainly fit the topic. But perhaps not the right number of smokers.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have absolutely no idea what I was thinking of when I finished the last post.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ah well I love it all the same
LikeLike
Fantastic. Love the dynamics and different personalities in so few words. Not to be gloomy, but I kind of agree with Mary. Great take on the prompt. I’m seeing such a variety and I thought this one was going to produce a lot of similar pieces.
LikeLiked by 3 people
The contrast of white and brown in a garden is both alien and depressing. The scene mirrors the overwhelming despair Mary must be feeling by now. Good that her half-brother and husband are supporting her.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh, I can just see all that mud – and the cliffhanger, will Mary ever be free of this?
LikeLiked by 2 people
So many people ask that – it’s getting like East Enders!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Great, Geoff. I love the way you are dragging this one out, keeping us in muddy suspense. But poor Mary. Such goings on in the family plot. I hope it works out well for her.
LikeLiked by 1 person
should I put her out of her misery do you think?
LikeLiked by 1 person
It depends what tactic you use for doing that! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Remind me what is Mary’s maiden name?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah we don’t know. Her birth mother was Amanda Johns but we are told if North is her adopted family name or a married name. Good question.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😉
LikeLike
It is astounding to me how all of Charli’s prompts lead you back to Mary. How do you do it?
LikeLiked by 1 person
not sure; just keep trying to maintain it. Somehow, so far it works..
LikeLiked by 1 person
‘It’ll never be finished.’ Is that a clue? 😉
LikeLike
Watch this very big space
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: The Day the World Turned Brown « Carrot Ranch Communications