VORTEX

~ Iain Kelly

‘They symbolise the whirling mass of humanity that will flow beneath, replicating the whirling music from the orchestra,’ the artist opined to his guests.

‘Wonderful.’

‘Enchanting.’

‘They will each be placed in the optimum position to ensure the acoustics of the hall, will not be compromised.’

Nodding heads of agreement and contemplation.

‘If you will follow me through to the restrooms, I will show you the acoustically satisfying toilet bowls which follow the same vortex pattern.’

Gary, the joiner, watched them leave, scratched his chin and contemplated how the hell he was going to hang this contraption from the bloody ceiling.

dales-symphony-2
Copyright Dale Rogerson

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).

To read stories of 100 words based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.

This April I am taking part in the A to Z Challenge once again. My theme is a collection of stories from around the countries of the European Union, and you can find them here: A TO Z CHALLENGE 2018

Published by Iain Kelly

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

99 thoughts on “VORTEX”

  2. This has me laughing so much. Try not to imagine the acoustics of the toilet bowls, I dare you. That was great, from the pompous artist to the hard working joiner.

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  14. I like this. I was thinking about writing a story where the interior decorator gets fired for choosing such weird fixtures but they wind up using them anyway because they were so expensive. This story does a better job of that same theme. Well done.

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    1. Behind every great artist there are the workers who make it all happen. Actually typing that makes me think of my job as a TV editor, working behind the scenes, making the talent look good – oh my, I’m basically Gary!

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  20. Very funny story – and I have an idea thatmany similar conversations have happened. There is always that conflict between designer and executor. I am sure this is a thing of great asthetic beauty – but how the bleepin’ hell am I supposed to fix it in place?

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  23. oh yes, toilet bowls have the distinct acoustics. just after lunch break, when i visit the restroom at work, i often hear it accompanied by a medley of sounds like cracks of thunder before the downpour, often followed by sighs of relief. 🙂

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  29. This made me laugh, not only because of the haughty descriptions of the artist, but when you mentioned the acoustics of the toilet, it brought to mind toilets in Japan, and how they play music. 🙂 Fun interpretation of the prompt!

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  44. I wonder if anyone actually aspires to design “acoustically satisfying toilet bowls”. 😉
    Let’s hope Gary manages to hang the contraption securely, so it doesn’t end up landing on some poor music lover’s head.
    Enjoyed your take on the prompt. I could easily imagine the tour taking place in the place in the picture.

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  48. Fantastic contrasting voices. As usual the designer has no given no forethought to the poor person who will have to erect his contraption. However, I’m a little worried about those acoustically satisfying toilets.

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