IAIN KELLY

TICK-TOCK

‘Tick-tock, tick-tock,’ went the clock.

‘Time’s up! Time’s up!’ cried the People.

‘No more! No more!’ chanted the Poor.

Save me! Save me!’ weeped the Earth.

‘Me Too! Me Too!’ screamed the Victims.

Louder and louder the voices grew.

Higher and higher the echos reached.

Some of the Powerful fell on the sword of justice.

Some fell in the court of public opinion.

Most carried on. Making things Great.

And the Oppressed worked longer, for less.

The People survived as best they could.

Divisions grew. Polarity won over compromise.

While the clock carried on regardless.

Until it was the only sound left.

‘Tick-tock, tick-tock.’


jhc-clock
Copyright J Hardy Carroll

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.

117 responses to “TICK-TOCK”

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Dawn

      Liked by 1 person

  1. Russell Gayer Avatar

    I thought we were writing fiction? Polarity won over compromise. That line says it all.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Russell – sometimes fact is more dramatic than fiction!

      Like

  2. patrickprinsloo Avatar

    You’ve been visiting Washington recently?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Fortunately (?) you don’t have to go all the way to Washington to experience the wonderful world we live in!

      Like

  3. michaelwynnauthor Avatar

    I liked this, not least because you took a path I was considering but am pleased I didn’t now because you nailed it and I struggled. The remorselessness of time and our helplessness in the face of it is fascinating to me.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Michael, too kind.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Susan Avatar

    This deserves a WOW. I am not sure I can add anything more. Just WOW.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Too kind, thank you.

      Like

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