Author Archives: wordsmith50

The world is so different now that everyone has agreed to allow implants to control our lives. The title of this story is the perfect example. Before my implant, I would have written A.I. and Me, which we all know … Continue reading →

He knew the man staring back at him in the mirror better than anyone else could ever know him. He was Barnabas, a leader of men, a purveyor of knowledge, a pillar of strength. If he could see these attributes, … Continue reading →

Is it safe? Is it safe? It must be safe. I don’t hear any fishing lures plunking into the water or boats with trolling motors plying the surface of my lake. Yes, I said my lake, even though these air-breathing … Continue reading →

Mark Twain called the building I work in, “The ugliest building in America.” I agree. The Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Office Building isn’t the largest in Washington, D.C., but its imposing façade makes it feel like it is. I work … Continue reading →

1959 was developing into a historic year for the U.S. and the world. America had added two more stars to its flag, as Alaska and Hawaii became the forty-ninth and fiftieth states. Fidel Castro wrested power away from the corrupt … Continue reading →

The Epicurean possessed the title of best restaurant in the tri-state area. People would try for weeks before acquiring a reservation in the main dining room. Snagging a coveted table in a private room took influence and a great deal … Continue reading →

Wow, that was one hell of a New Year’s Eve party. At least, the parts I remember were. I don’t understand what made the room spin so erratically while the antique grandfather clock was ringing in its welcome to 2024. … Continue reading →

Today is the big day. After all these years, I’m to be happily tossed out with the trash without as much as a farewell. Have you forgotten that I was with you from the very beginning? I’m responsible for many … Continue reading →

A beam of sunlight entered his room, turning the wall opposite the window a soft gold. It was the only bright light in the otherwise subdued hospice room. The old man in the hospital bed watched the beam flicker as … Continue reading →

Have you ever noticed how all the best stories ever written are based on some really stupid decisions? Why did Don Quixote think he was doing the right thing by charging a spinning windmill? Did Captain Ahab actually think he … Continue reading →

“Come on, Lester, you’re my campaign manager. Why am I sagging in the polls? It’s time to earn your paycheck.” “Well, Mayor, voters don’t see you as someone who takes a stand on important issues. My latest surveys show that … Continue reading →

This bizarre and complex series of events started innocently enough. At three in the morning, I begrudgingly dragged my body out of a cozy, warm bed to answer nature’s call. I never put on a light for this journey, preferring … Continue reading →

The Road to Understanding Clip… Clop… Clip… Clop… “Dad?” “Yes, Son.” “Who made those stone walls, and why are there so many?” “Our ancestors made the walls when they first came to the island.” “Ant-sisters, that’s a funny name. Have … Continue reading →

Isaac spent every day of his seventeen years in Southwest Florida. His parents never traveled outside of Florida. When Isaac was younger, he thought every state had palm trees, flat swampy areas, and alligators. When the temperatures dropped into the … Continue reading →

Now that was a well-deserved weekend off! My back and legs were just killing me, not to mention my arms felt like they were about to fall off. Yes, I really needed this long weekend just to pull myself back … Continue reading →

Seven-year-old Jimmy watched as his mother change his baby brother’s unusually messy diaper. “That’s biscusting! How can you do that?” “What makes you think your diapers weren’t as biscusting as your brothers?” “No way! No one can have poopy diapers … Continue reading →

“Harry, Harry, look at the size of these footprints—there meginormous!” “You’re right Pete. I think we finally found his trail. These prints have to be three times the size of a normal human, and they look fresh. This could be … Continue reading →

His gelatinous body quivered and roiled as Blobby slithered from one intersecting sewer pipe to another. He filled his lungs with the sewerdiferous aromas that permeated the air surrounding him. How could anyone not enjoy starting their day this way? … Continue reading →

Mind the Gap is a phrase Archie heard over the loudspeakers every day when entering and exiting the tube, or as they call it in America, the subway. Naturally, he thought the announcement was referring to the space between the … Continue reading →

The steady rhythmic beep, beep, beep of the monitors attached to Ida’s body lull me into a semi-conscious state. I cradle her hand in mine, absentmindedly rubbing her wedding ring with one of my fingers. It’s strange how the mind … Continue reading →

Peter always needed to trek across town if he wanted to enjoy the welcoming feeling he got when visiting his favorite coffee shop. No matter the traffic conditions or the weather, he felt the trip was always worth it. The … Continue reading →

The high-mileage car sputtered, bucked and coughed before giving up the ghost, stranding its occupants. Kevin, Marsha, and their two kids sat quietly for several minutes, trying to decide on their next move. The family stared out of the car … Continue reading →

As I look back on the events of the last three days, I still can’t believe how fast my life has spiraled out of control. Everyone says a deal is a deal and once made, there is no going back. … Continue reading →

Brilliant hues of yellow, orange, and red pierced the evening sky, turning it from black to a faded purple. Such a beautiful and terrifying sight for all to see, but no one was there to bear witness. The neighborhood was … Continue reading →

I’m not saying my parents were superstitious, but the one phrase I heard over and over growing up was, “Everything happens in threes.” If someone in the family died, there appeared to be unofficial odds makers taking bets on who … Continue reading →

“Wakey, wakey, Mr. Estrada! It’s time for us to have a little conversation.” “There you are, back from the brink of oblivion. Boy, that Naloxone is really powerful stuff, don’t you agree?” “Oh, sorry. I guess it’s rather difficult to … Continue reading →

“Welcome to the Fairyland 6 o’clock news. I’m Peter Pumpkin Eater, and here is what’s breaking as we speak. A tragic series of events occurred this afternoon involving Mr. Mouse and a clock. For more, let’s go to Henny Penny, … Continue reading →

I’ve been awake now for 48 hours and I know I won’t be able to stay this way for much longer. Who wants to die at 31—I know I don’t, but I’ll have to sleep sometime. Maybe the end will … Continue reading →

“Okay, Zeke, what’s the catch?” “Catch? What makes you think there’s a catch?” “Because we know you, and there is always a catch when you offer to do a favor or give something away.” Zeke clutched his chest in mock … Continue reading →

It was in the time of Earth’s infancy that there was only one massive continent. The inhabitants called this supercontinent Pangaea. This unity of continents encouraged a similar unity among species. Men and beasts worked as one, building a civilization … Continue reading →

17th June 1829 It was a stormy evening out at sea. Gigantic waves relentlessly crashed into the side of the sturdy wooden ship. All Amy could hear was the long loud rumble of thunder and the panicked shouts from the … Continue reading →

Everyone is listening to a man standing at the podium and venting at the city council. Billy “Big Bang” Morgan, president of Boomtown Fireworks, had reached the limits of his self-control. These pompous city council jackasses were actually determined to … Continue reading →

( No prompt. Just a little something for a laugh.) It’s Friday, you must eat your fish! I hate the taste; may I have a different dish? The church says fish. You have no other wish. Go to bed hungry … Continue reading →

Some places just put a person’s internal alarm systems on active standby. Alma Latinas was just such a place. Sure, Mike had visited this cantina before with several friends, but never alone. Actually, Gringos never visit this part of Nuevo … Continue reading →

Hello Darkness, It still amazes me how our relationship has developed over the years. When we first met, you terrified me. I was just a child and didn’t understand how you could exist everywhere I went, and everyplace I looked. … Continue reading →

It’s my privilege to report on this first-ever Amish Grand Prix to take place in Pennsylvania Dutch Country since the area was founded. People have come from all over the region to watch this unique challenge of horse, man, and … Continue reading →

“The cameras are set up and ready to roll, Professor Colter. We’re prepared to record every minute of this history-making event. What does it feel like to be the first human in over eight thousand years to enter this massive … Continue reading →

(One more story from the word matrix) A lone lantern slowly swayed in rhythm with the gently rocking rowboat. It cast its dim light out into the evening mist, attempting to illuminate the darkness. Even the mighty beam from a … Continue reading →

(For those of you who would prefer a more feel-good story) “Grandpa, Mom told me you can make music with a comb. She was joking, right?” “Nope, she was telling you the truth. My dad, Billy, who is your great-grandpa, … Continue reading →

The roar of motorcycle engines echoed through the normally quiet valley, alerting the villagers to the potential chaos about to arrive. Most residents hoped the riders would pass through without stopping, but a few waited anxiously for them to arrive. … Continue reading →

“How did you like the story, Sam? Is it the way you thought it would go? I tried to mimic your writing style. “The story is phenomenal, much better than anything I could have written, and that’s the problem. I … Continue reading →

“So, this is what I get for trusting you.” The vitriol oozed from Cain’s words. His eyes burned with hate as he glared into her gold-flecked orbs. All he needed to do was pay attention, but that was something he … Continue reading →

“Go ahead, ask her, Jimmy.” “Nah, I’ll walk over, ask her to dance. She’ll say no, then I’ll walk back and you guys will all have a good laugh. Why would I want to do that to myself?” “Come on, … Continue reading →

Witnesses standing along the perimeter of the small regional airport said the commuter jet didn’t appear to land unusually hard compared to other planes that had touched down just before. At the debriefing, the pilots claimed to have inspected the … Continue reading →

It was an unusually warm September evening. Sweat slowly trickled from Zack’s hairline over the ridges of his wrinkled brow, through his bushy eyebrows, ending its journey directly in the marksman’s eyes. The salty perspiration stung, blurring his vision. It … Continue reading →

(I shared this with our group last week but since the turnout was small I decided to post it. The story is for reflection, nothing more.) 50 years have almost passed since the last soldier returned. 50 years and the … Continue reading →

It happened during a two-day period. The Earth seemed to be stuck in the comet’s tail as they cruised through space together. On day three, the unnamed and unexpected comet went on its merry way, leaving a thin coating of … Continue reading →

John Morgan glared at the answering machine as it played the pre-recorded message once more. Hi, this is Cindy. I’m not here to take your call right now, but if you leave a message, I’ll get back to you as … Continue reading →

It’s been a grueling winter and I must admit I haven’t given my car the tender loving care it deserves. I probably hit every pothole from my house to work and back five days a week. Now my steering pulls … Continue reading →

“Uncle Bill, I just saw the strangest-looking plane. It’s wing came right over where the windscreen should be. How is the pilot supposed to see where he’s going if he doesn’t have a windscreen to look out of?” “Daniel, I’ve … Continue reading →

Dave: “Okay, who is this and how are you able to answer my phone? If this is some kind of scam, you’re wasting your time. I’m broke and even if I wasn’t I wouldn’t give any money to you. Get … Continue reading →

Many non-native speakers have said that English is by far the hardest language to learn. It’s not sentence structure or other formatting nuances that confuse people. It’s all the various ways the same word is used. The word “bad” is … Continue reading →

A new world government came into power after the great cataclysm. In theory, consolidating all countries into a global community would solve the lack of cooperation that caused the near extinction of humanity. Unfortunately, whether multiple governments control the masses … Continue reading →

Everyone thought of Marty as a dim bulb. When talking about him, people would use descriptors like: not the sharpest knife in the draw, lights are on but nobody’s home, nice guy but not playing with a full deck. His … Continue reading →

At 11 a.m. my phone rang. I immediately picked up as I was waiting for a call from an exterminator. At 8:00 a.m. I had called Joe the Terminator, his idea of a clever play on words, to take care … Continue reading →

“Man, we should have left that party hours before we did. My head won’t be right for a week. How are you doing?” “Oh, come on Perry. It wasn’t that late. Besides, when I got home, I slept like a … Continue reading →

“You’re supposed to be dead!” exclaimed the reclining figure with a multicolored coat. “Who told you that?” replied Blackey, while attempting to convey a look of shock and dismay. “People talk. I hear things. There aren’t many secrets around here. … Continue reading →

How would you like to live in a world where everyone who chooses to can read your mind and you theirs? Now, just to make it more interesting, what if you have lost the ability to read everyone else’s mind? … Continue reading →

Last week, a group of people gathered in the hotel lobby where I work. They were waiting for their ride to a company Christmas party. The women were dressed in elaborate evening wear, covering just enough of their bodies to … Continue reading →

(This is a story that has taken off on Vocal so I thought I’d share.) This was it. The day that was circled in red on my calendar. I reluctantly opened my eyes after a restless night’s sleep, knowing what … Continue reading →

“No! Absolutely no way am I moving into one of those warehouses for old people waiting to die. Not at this stage of my life.” “But dad, you’re not as strong as you used to be, and the doctor said … Continue reading →

I had entered an obscure writing contest a few months ago and promptly forgot about it. Entering contests has become a hobby of mine, and writing stories is a way to pass the time. I’ve never won or even come … Continue reading →

I was on vacation exploring famous locations in the historical wild west. As luck would have it, I arrived in Deadwood, South Dakota, on Wednesday, August 2, 2016. It was exactly 140 years ago to the day when James Butler … Continue reading →

People are always accusing me of snooping around. They say I stick my nose where it doesn’t belong, that I should learn to mind my business. Of course, I ignore these critics because they don’t know what they’re talking about. … Continue reading →

I enjoy perusing the classified ads. People will post everything from attempting to reconnect with a long-lost love to selling a pair of slightly used shoes. There really is something for everyone. Since I’m new to town, checking out the … Continue reading →

Living in the year 1819 meant only one thing for a large segment of the population—poverty and despair. There were no government subsistence programs, unemployment checks, or homeless shelters. During this time in our history, the country was in the … Continue reading →

Ron had met Charlotte at a high school dance. It wasn’t love at first sight or even like at first sight. They were simply tolerant of each other. From time to time, they would pass in the hall and acknowledge … Continue reading →

(This is a story I’m submitting to a Vocal competition. I would appreciate a critique before I submit it.) The war had been raging for over a hundred years, but in the farming community of Tranquility, life carried on in … Continue reading →

Entry for round 9 Florida Weekly picture of clouds. Reason Prevails To the untrained eyes of uneducated earth dwellers, it simply looked like the gathering of storm clouds, and they would be partially correct. There was a storm brewing, but … Continue reading →

(This is my entry for round 7 of the Florida Weekly) When I was a kid, it was standard practice to always use the back door. The front door was for visitors. The only time a child used the front … Continue reading →

Ronald sat in his cubical staring at a banner 8 feet long by 3 feet tall with the words SIEZE THE DAY printed in bold letters. He had stared at this sign for five months while making countless phone calls, … Continue reading →

In today’s tumultuous world, it’s no surprise there is a greater disconnect between generations than in any other period of history. One probable reason for the animosity between generations is that people are living longer. The older generation, in this … Continue reading →

An elderly gentleman casually strolled around the perimeter of the gallery, admiring the paintings. He would stop in front of each one, read the placard describing who the artist was, the year it was painted, and the title of the … Continue reading →

We found a locked metal box in the basement of my grandmother’s house. I’m sure grandma probably forgot it was even there. Neither of us had ever seen this box before, which was strange since she took pride in displaying … Continue reading →

It’s a given that everything, be it mountains, oceans, rivers, plants, animals, and of course, people die. No matter what it is, at some point, it will cease to exist. If birth and death are the only constants, why are … Continue reading →

Even as a young boy, Oscar was always pulling pranks on his peers. This desire to place other people in embarrassing situations may have developed because of his name. His parents named him after a distant relative, not the Muppet … Continue reading →

(This is my entry to round 4 of the FL Weekly.) We’ve all seen them, perched on high wires or rooftops, staring at the world below. Crows congregate in small groups, and when one departs the murder, another quickly takes … Continue reading →

A gentle rocking motion coupled with the rhythmic clickity-clack sound that filled the air made it difficult for me to wake from what I presumed was a deep sleep. One would assume that returning from my near catatonic state, I … Continue reading →

I hear the other kids say, “When I grow up, I want to be a firefighter, astronaut, truck driver, doctor….” The list is endless. Most kids want to follow in their parent’s footsteps, but from what I can tell, very … Continue reading →

This place hasn’t changed much since I was a kid. My parents would take us here for summer vacations. The boardwalk is longer now, and there is a restaurant at the end, but the water, the beach, even the tall … Continue reading →

(This is my submission to round 2, the Florida Weekly challenge. Couple on a boardwalk with a plane going overhead.) “Jen, will you look at that, a WWII vintage fighter plane.” “That’s nice, Jeff.” “Come on Jen, you haven’t looked … Continue reading →

(This story is for a Vocal competition. Write a scary story to be told around the campfire. Everyone’s story starts with the first sentence. Looking forward to some feedback.) The cabin in the woods had been abandoned for years, but … Continue reading →

Milton had no friends because he hated people. His deep-rooted disgust for humanity wasn’t something he was born with; it developed over a lifetime of rejection and disappointment. He was the middle child of a family of six, which meant … Continue reading →

(This is my Florida weekly submission for the picture Patti posted) My body felt as though it had been slowly baked on hot tiles. Pain forced my reluctant brain to reengage with the world. The unrelenting sun’s rays penetrated my … Continue reading →

If you’ve ever watched “Sunday Today with Willie Geist” you may have seen a segment called “A life well lived.” Each week it highlights a person or persons, recently deceased, that have made noteworthy contributions to our country and, occasionally, … Continue reading →

The prosecution spent hours building its case based on the information their one and only eyewitness had provided. She had been there since the scam’s inception, watching as her employer and his associates concocted a system designed to bilk billions … Continue reading →

Orson worked as a contract coder for multiple medical software companies. Freelancing let him make his own hours, live where he wanted, and be his own boss. He avoided petty office politics and usually made more than the 9-5ers. The … Continue reading →

Have you ever reached a point in your life when all you want to do is get away? It doesn’t have to be a drastic change, just a fun weekend get-a-way where the only decision you’ll need to make is … Continue reading →

(This is a story I plan on entering in a contest. The genre is Fantasy and every entry has to start with the sentence: There weren’t always dragons in the valley. If you would give me some constructive feedback I … Continue reading →

“Mission control, this is Stargazer. Do you read me?” “I’m sorry, commander, but all I’m picking up is static on every channel. I can’t even raise the ISS.” “The ISS is on the other side of the planet, so it … Continue reading →

I like to think that doing what’s necessary to keep our house running in top shape is a joint venture between my wife and me. We stay ahead of the curve and run a tight ship, metaphorically speaking, of course. … Continue reading →

Horace stood in a corner of the airport terminal watching travelers hustling from gate to gate urgently trying to make their next flight. A young boy around the age of four looked up at him and smiled. The encounter quickly … Continue reading →

“Ralph!” “Yes, dear.” “I’m having the girls over for a late afternoon get-together, so you’ll need to find someplace to go for three or four hours. Can you do that?” “Yes, dear.” “Good! Before you go, I have a list … Continue reading →

I have to assume they finally found the Titanic, or you would not be reading this. Before my death, I left explicit instructions with my barrister to leave this letter sealed until the remains of the old girl had been … Continue reading →

Jake is a busy guy. Every time he starts a project, or just thinks about starting something, he gets interrupted. Most of the time they’re annoying minor interruptions: phone calls, a knock at the door, text messages from work, the … Continue reading →

Lieutenant Baskins was in charge of the investigation. It wasn’t her first murder investigation, far from it. Since transferring to homicide ten years ago, it felt as though she had a fresh case every week. Most of the bodies she … Continue reading →

Even as a young boy, the idea of traveling the globe, meeting different people, and exploring unknown places fascinated me. As I got older, I crisscrossed the U.S. and Canada, taking in all each country offered. My wandering spirit was … Continue reading →

The congregation bowed their heads in reverent reflection as the vicar droned on about the evils of sin and the ultimate reward for the righteous. His ability to preach about topics they had recently been thinking about baffled them. This … Continue reading →

Phoebe Oakley, a petite 44-year-old female, represented herself in court today. The charge was reckless endangerment with a handgun during a road rage incident. Ms. Oakley, (a.k.a. Anne) claimed her actions were well within reason, considering the circumstances. When the … Continue reading →

“You are a stubborn old fool,” Matilda chided. “We’d be rich now if you sold this place when you had the chance.” “My daddy’s, daddy’s, daddy built this place from the dirt up and it will get passed on to … Continue reading →