Fifties by the Fire — a fifty-word, prompt-based writing challenge. Feel free to share your response below, or read and comment to join in on the fun.
Prompt: Write a fifty-word story (fiction, poem, or work of CNF) incorporating freedom, liberty, or a flag.
Here are the other guidelines:
Make sure your piece is exactly fifty words. Feel free to use Word Counter or the word processor you use.
Write a title with the genre in the first line. (Example: Porch, Fiction)
The title does not factor into the word count.
Good luck and have fun. Happy writing!
Special thanks to John Lightle for providing “The Colonel Stands Ready” for our writing prompt.
John Lightle is a Texas writer, poet, and photographer who spends many hours sitting on his woodpile contemplating. When away from his frame shop, he schleps his artwork among area art shows. The job takes him across the countryside, occasionally overseas, photographing the quiet resolve found within the golden hours.
Jamie had been swimming in its shallows when the riptide pulled him under. He tried powering through—fighting against its force—but it proved hopeless.
Thinking quickly, he swam parallel to the coast. He inhaled saltwater, tasted death. Saw light, life—broke free, sputtering.
The figure stabbed the flag into the ground, her blonde hair waving with its movements in the refreshing wind. Tears glistened on her cheeks as her back faced ten other figures.
"We did it," she whispered to the one who wasn't there. "We're free. And it was worth losing you."
I can see an entire storyline developing! Sometimes these fifty-worders can lead us to longer pieces, and I can one hundred percent see that happening here. Great stuff, Myinc!
This was actually less a comment on his lack of etiquette, and more a comment on his obtuseness. Because as a man, he's never experienced what she has in terms of the level of fear that women have for their own safety. Also, in my head they had just met. Maybe at a party/bar. First date-ish. So, not a couple. And she's already determined he ain't good enough for her. I imagine. 😂
“Did you know that me and the wife finally got divorced? Oh, well, I guess I told you that already. Yessir, I am like a sailor on liberty. Freedom! Free as rain! But you know, living alone... It sure ain’t what I thought it’d be. It’s awful damn quiet.”
On September 12, 2011, our flags flooded the country, a patriotic tsunami.
.I never saw a flag for Emmet Till. Never saw one for Maloclm X. I never saw a flag for Allende, or any democratically elected leader we covertly overthrew.Never saw flags for kids crammed in cages Did you?
Jul 8, 2023·edited Jul 8, 2023Liked by Justin Deming
Once again, I tried to write a 50-word story and failed spectacularly. It ended up 160 words. But I appreciate the prompt. I will include the story in my Monday newsletter.
That sounds like success to me, Mark! I’m happy to hear you were able to utilize the prompt and that it sparked a longer story. Looking forward to reading it!
That's kind. It bubbled up from a 76,000-word dystopian manuscript I wrote last year. The UK government (and I try very hard to keep quiet about politics) has effectively turned my imaginings into 'current affairs'! That sense though that politicians 'wrap themselves in the false flag of patriotism' is an interesting angle though. These 50-word challenges are great. Keep up the good work, Justin.
Really behind on the readers, Justin. Started writing a quick one and . . .TIME! Only word count instead! Alot of great stories here. Thanks for the prompt!
Riptide, Fiction
The Atlantic needed to feed.
Jamie had been swimming in its shallows when the riptide pulled him under. He tried powering through—fighting against its force—but it proved hopeless.
Thinking quickly, he swam parallel to the coast. He inhaled saltwater, tasted death. Saw light, life—broke free, sputtering.
Freedom.
Yikes! Life or death in 50 words! Cool one, Justin.
Thanks, Sharron! The ocean is a beautiful and treacherous place.
I am always a little nervous swimming in the ocean. Riptides, sharks, jellyfish, etc. 🦈
I prefer a pool or freshwater lake.
Me too, Mark. I like swimming in the ocean, but the fear is always somewhere in the back of my mind.
I think Jamie will prefer a pool now, too. 🤣
No doubt.
totally. More on oceans tomorrow.
The Swan, Fiction
As he lay there amidst bodies and bullets, his gut gaining heat and the riverbank staining red, Admiral Barrett saw the strangest thing.
Floating in the river, like a cloud among sky, was a swan.
She didn't know that she signalled the end; his final liberty.
Now neither did he.
Whoa, this is brilliant, Chris. You cover a ton of ground here. Great story!
Excellent, Chris.
Thank you!
Joyriding on a Budget, Poem
I flag down
the first Ferrari I find
leaving the car show
and ask for a ride to
my rig.
We purr a few blocks
til
I say 'here' and
'thanks.'
Guy drives off.
I walk back
to the avenue
full of wheels
and flag down
this time
a Lamborghini.
Lovely poem, Tara! And the title is absolutely perfect. I agree with Sharron!
Thanks, Justin! 😊 These prompts are a lot of fun.
Superb! Lean, but not truncated. You got this format down, Tara.
Thank you, Sharron! 💕
Enjoyed that!!
Thank you, Reena! :-)
Sacrifice, Fiction
The figure stabbed the flag into the ground, her blonde hair waving with its movements in the refreshing wind. Tears glistened on her cheeks as her back faced ten other figures.
"We did it," she whispered to the one who wasn't there. "We're free. And it was worth losing you."
I can see an entire storyline developing! Sometimes these fifty-worders can lead us to longer pieces, and I can one hundred percent see that happening here. Great stuff, Myinc!
Freedom From Fear, Fiction
Walking home alone she braces for danger.
She’s paralyzed. Fingers laced through her keys.
Death on her mind.
Walking home alone he doesn’t worry.
He’s distracted. Face in his phone. She’s on his mind.
He could have walked with her. But it was out of his way.
She’ll be fine.
I love how you capture the two walks home and how staggeringly different they are. I’m with Mark on this one...she needs to dump him!
Ha! Fair enough. 😊
This was actually less a comment on his lack of etiquette, and more a comment on his obtuseness. Because as a man, he's never experienced what she has in terms of the level of fear that women have for their own safety. Also, in my head they had just met. Maybe at a party/bar. First date-ish. So, not a couple. And she's already determined he ain't good enough for her. I imagine. 😂
Maybe with his face in his phone he will step into a pie of dog poo. Just saying.
He deserves it!
What a jerk. Dump that guy! 🤣
Free as Rain - A cautionary tale
“Did you know that me and the wife finally got divorced? Oh, well, I guess I told you that already. Yessir, I am like a sailor on liberty. Freedom! Free as rain! But you know, living alone... It sure ain’t what I thought it’d be. It’s awful damn quiet.”
I see a long road ahead for the narrator. The final line says it all! Excellent story, Sharron!
Every coin has two sides.
The Shining Pole, Poem
Each year I buy a new Flag
To run up the shining pole.
The old one having taken the brunt
Of a year's worth of wind and sun.
Like the flag our Country toils
against the bells that toll
A warning that our Liberty and Freedom
Must never go unsung.
Beautiful work, James. I really enjoyed it!
On September 12, 2011, our flags flooded the country, a patriotic tsunami.
.I never saw a flag for Emmet Till. Never saw one for Maloclm X. I never saw a flag for Allende, or any democratically elected leader we covertly overthrew.Never saw flags for kids crammed in cages Did you?
All valid points, my friend. “Did you?” lingers long after reading.
Once again, I tried to write a 50-word story and failed spectacularly. It ended up 160 words. But I appreciate the prompt. I will include the story in my Monday newsletter.
That sounds like success to me, Mark! I’m happy to hear you were able to utilize the prompt and that it sparked a longer story. Looking forward to reading it!
The Flag
Is the flag in shot?
But, Minister, your view on what’s happening.
And the Portrait of His Majesty?
Minister, I must press you. The riots, the looting, the beatings?
That’s the trouble with these people. No respect for our country, our values, our flag. So is it in shot then?
This space is for all of us to practice the fifty-word format in any way of our choosing! No judgement here.
Thank you very much for sharing these powerful words with us. 🙏
That's kind. It bubbled up from a 76,000-word dystopian manuscript I wrote last year. The UK government (and I try very hard to keep quiet about politics) has effectively turned my imaginings into 'current affairs'! That sense though that politicians 'wrap themselves in the false flag of patriotism' is an interesting angle though. These 50-word challenges are great. Keep up the good work, Justin.
It’s scary when dystopia becomes reality. I hear you there. Congrats on your manuscript, too! Best wishes with it, and thanks for the kind words!
I just have to find the Stephen King "to edit is divine" vibe!
Haha! Drafting a story is the magical part for me, too. Editing...ugh. It feels like a chore!
Really behind on the readers, Justin. Started writing a quick one and . . .TIME! Only word count instead! Alot of great stories here. Thanks for the prompt!
Of course! Thanks for reading ‘em! 😀