TAM, IN HONOUR OF RABBIE BURNS

~ Iain Kelly

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.

Published by Iain Kelly

39 year old writer, avid film viewer and book reader, employed in the media industry as a television editor.

67 thoughts on “TAM, IN HONOUR OF RABBIE BURNS”

  3. 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.

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  5. 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

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  7. 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…

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  9. 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

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  14. 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

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    1. 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.

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      3. 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. 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.

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    1. 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 😦

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  22. 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 😉

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  23. 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 😎

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  24. 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!

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