IAIN KELLY

TAM, IN HONOUR OF RABBIE BURNS

Tam stumbled out the pub into his car.

‘Off home then, Meg,’ he patted the grey metal, named after the horse she had replaced. After several attempts he managed to crank the engine into life and got behind the wheel.

He weaved drunkenly along the single track road. As he passed the old church and graveyard he veered as bright lights sped past him and a loud shrieking horn blared out.

‘Aha, the ghosts and witches are about tonight!’ he cried.

Behind him a blaring siren and more bright lights pursued him.

‘They shan’t catch us tonight, Meg,’ and on he charged towards the river.

Reaching the Bridge of Doon, the car clipped the stone wall and the rear bumper clattered off, colliding with the police car that had chased the erratic driver.

Tam looked back and shook a gleeful fist at his stricken pursuers.

‘Kate, I’m coming my love,’ he laughed. Only when crying her name did he begin to fear what Kate would do when she saw he had arrived home drunk again.


al_forbes
© Al Forbes

Written as part of the Friday Fictioneers challenge hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields (more details HERE). The idea is to write a short story of 100 words based on the photo prompt (above).

I apologise and hope I can be excused for exceeding the word limit this week as today is Burns Day in Scotland, celebrating the life and work of our national poet, Robert Burns. One of his famous poems is ‘Tam O’Shanter, A Tale’ – based on the prompt I have attempted an updated version in honour of Burns.

The original poem can be read here: TAM O’SHANTER, A TALE

A straightforward explanation of the poem can be found here: Wikipedia

To read more stories based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.

67 responses to “TAM, IN HONOUR OF RABBIE BURNS”

  1. neilmacdon Avatar

    You and CE are doing wir Rabbie proud

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
  2. shehannemoore Avatar

    Nice take on this Iain. I am getting your interview up .

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Shehanne, looking forward to seeing it.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. shehannemoore Avatar

        it’s up Iain.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Iain Kelly Avatar

        Thank so much Shehanne, what a good laugh it is 🙂 Great job.

        Like

  3. wmqcolby Avatar

    Yes, I thought it was a little long, but I wasn’t bored. When it’s Robert Burns’ birthday, well, what can you say? Anyway, good story. I’m a poetry appreciator so this was something I liked. It seems we all (so far) wrote about love in some way. I guess we guys are kind of getting mushy, to which Burns would have written about, too.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks for allowing the extra words. If ever there’s a day when brauny Scottish menfolk can write mushy romance it’s today! 🙂

      Like

  4. michael1148humphris Avatar
    michael1148humphris

    I’ll take a tot of whiskey and give a toast to Robbie and you.

    Like

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Here’s tae ye!

      Like

  5. J Hardy Carroll Avatar

    I’m truly sorry man’s dominion,
    Has broken nature’s social union,
    An’ justifies that ill opinion,
    Which makes thee startle
    At me, thy poor, earth-born companion,
    An’ fellow-mortal!

    And how. Nice work.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      I remember having to recite this one at school when I was younger, I don’t think I had a clue what it meant at the time. Thanks

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Al Avatar

    Whoops. I don’t think she is going to be happy with him at all. If he survives that is.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      I suspect he has made the same journey a few times in similar conditions, but at some point it won’t end well. Thanks Al.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Dale Avatar
    Dale

    We’ll let it slide. This time. 😉 It is Robbie Burns birthday, after all.
    And his drunken ass would not be welcomed if this is a more than regular ritual…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Dale – it’s a while since I’ve gone over, I will aim to be under next week to compensate! 😉

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dale Avatar
        Dale

        Nah…. you can keep it at 100, no need to compensate!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Iain Kelly Avatar

        🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  8. Sandra Avatar

    Your account’s overdrawn now. I’ll be expecting a story in 25 words next week. That’s Clark Gable’s birthday, by the way.

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Sandra *hangs head in shame*

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Lynn Love Avatar
    Lynn Love

    That Tam was a cheeky fellow, always full of mischief – and I get the feeling he’ll be in serious trouble agaon now! A nice piece of whimsy and so fitting for the night 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Lynn – can’t ignore the day as a Scottish writer! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Lynn Love Avatar

        🙂

        Like

  10. paulmclem Avatar
    paulmclem

    The modern day bard…I’m sure it’s a good picture of what he might have been in 2017!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Would be nice to think so – although hopefully learned his lesson about the drink driving! Thanks Paul

      Like

  11. Joy Pixley Avatar

    I think I like this story a lot more on the page than I would if I were Kate! Well done, and just right for the day, it seems.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Joy 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  12. HonieBriggs Avatar

    You know I love me some poetry. So, word count be damned! This time. : ) Don’t tell Rochelle I said that.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks, still bracing myself for my telling off….!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. HonieBriggs Avatar

        Mind you don’t sass her.

        Liked by 1 person

  13. Life Lessons of a Dog Lover Avatar
    Life Lessons of a Dog Lover

    I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Loved that he talked to his car like he would talk to his horse.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks, it seemed like the only way to tie the prompt into something written in the 18th century. Glad you liked it.

      Liked by 1 person

  14. rochellewisoff Avatar

    Dear Iain,

    I’ve debated all day whether or not to say anything. I do love poetry and have a special spot in my heart for Robert Burns. However, I was a bit put out by your timing. You may or may not have noticed my note at the top of my page just below the FF instructions concerning overage of words. Last week one writer posted a story on her page that was 220 words long. Like Sandra said, you’re only allowed 25 next week. Not really. You’re a regular participant and a decent writer. Two things I’d rather not lose.

    I maintain that if you really wanted to, you could trim that story, good one though it is, down a wee bit

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      I have to confess to missing your note by skimming over the start of the prompt this week. Apologies. As a challenge and penance I will take up the challenge of a 25 word epic next week. Iain.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Sandra Avatar

        This I’ve got to see… 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Iain Kelly Avatar

        🙂

        Like

  15. plaridel Avatar

    a well-written story. that said, he might be sleeping on the couch tonight. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      I think so, or in his car 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  16. draliman Avatar

    Home drunk, car all banged up, a fugitive from the law… 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      A typical night out in Ayrshire… 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  17. nonsmokingladybug Avatar

    It’s a bit long this week. 🙂 But I liked it

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      I have been scolded already 😦 At least you liked it 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

      1. nonsmokingladybug Avatar

        Goodness, didn’t mean to scold you. I was just rethinking my own story, thinking my word count was wrong. LOL

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Iain Kelly Avatar

        Don’t go over the 100 words, Rochelle’s taking no prisoners this week…!

        Liked by 1 person

      3. nonsmokingladybug Avatar

        As you know, English is not my first language -it’s not even my second language. For me it’s a beautiful torture to cut myself short. It helps me to focus when I have to tell a story in 100 words. Quite a challenge!

        Liked by 2 people

  18. Liz Young Avatar

    We’ve been smacked on the wrist this week for going over the limit. Goody two-shoes (me) has only ever exceeded by one or two. Rabbie Burns is the best excuse I’ve seen so far.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Liz – in my defence I don’t think I’ve ever strayed too far over the limit in however many months I’ve been contributing, but lesson learned 😦

      Like

  19. spicedmullings Avatar

    Hilarious. Not frightened of police, but of Kate! Ha, ha, ha! Every man should be!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Exactly 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  20. rgayer55 Avatar

    I rather like that Tam. He seems a lovable sort.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      A charming rogue indeed.

      Like

  21. Michael Wynn Avatar

    Nice take and I enjoyed the interview

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Michael, I think I was overshadowed by the hamsters…. 🙂

      Like

      1. Keith's Ramblings Avatar

        I forgive particularly in light of the delightful Burn night I enjoyed this year – in England!

        Click to read my story!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Iain Kelly Avatar

        Thanks Keith

        Like

  22. Sarah Potter Writes Avatar

    Iain, it’s certainly a very Scottish, “spirited”, and funny story. I guess that drunken people can get a bit long-winded at times. The discipline of a 25-word sober story will be most interesting after this, and I look forward to you doing your penance next week 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Sarah 🙂

      Like

  23. Inside the Mind of Isadora Avatar

    Forgiven for the overage of words as they made the story very enjoyable.
    I don’t believe his drunken behavoior will be forgiven if it’s happened too many times before. But, one never knows, does one?? I enjoyed this a lot.
    Isadora 😎

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks, I don’t think he will get away with his behaviour either 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  24. Mandibelle16 Avatar

    Another great piece and nice tribute to Robert Burns. I think Kate is probably not going to be so thrilled to be dealing with a dead drunk, although, the fact the police caught him drinking and driving and being a menace on the roads and the ticket accompanying this, might make her even angrier. I don’t think she’ll mind how badly he’s hungover the next day. She’ll think he deserves it!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      I think she might do everything she can to make his hangover worse, like making a lot of noise round the house 🙂

      Like

  25. Clare Hempstead Avatar

    I think he’ll be in a spot of bother when he gets home. 25 words is a must-see!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Clare, we’ll see how it goes!

      Like

  26. lingeringvisions by Dawn Avatar

    Well, now I understand why I have read two Rabbie Burns stories in the span of a few minutes!
    Good one.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
  27. patriciaruthsusan Avatar

    A fitting tribute to Robert Burns, Iain. Good whimsical writing. He’ll certainly be in trouble. 😀 — Suzanne

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Suzanne 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

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