‘So, Daniel, a winged lion?’
‘That’s right, yes.’
‘And what do you think this vision of a winged lion might represent?’
‘Perhaps the coming apocalypse.’
‘That’s a little extreme, don’t you think? Is there anything else you can tell me about your dream?’
‘There’s also a funny-looking bear, a four-headed leopard and a beast with a little horn and iron teeth.’
‘Uh-huh. Quite a collection of beasts. Tell me, before you had this vision, where were you?’
‘At a party with some friends.’
‘Mmm, and did you have a little to drink, perhaps?’
‘No, don’t touch alcohol. But there was…’
‘Yes, Daniel?’
‘There was these little orange pills that were being passed round. With little pictures on them.’
‘Pictures of what?’
‘Now that you ask, a winged lion.’
‘Ah, perhaps this explains your subsequent vision.’
‘It would explain a lot.’
‘Certainly more plausible than a message from God about a coming apocalypse that will establish the Kingdom of God on Earth, don’t you think?’
‘Thank you so much, I was worried there for a moment.’
‘Not at all, Daniel. Same time next week?’
Written as part of Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers. The challenge is to write a flash fiction story or poem in around 150 – 175 words, based on the weekly photo prompt. Thanks as always to the challenge host Priceless Joy. For more information visit HERE.
To read other stories based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.
One early appearance of the image of a Winged Lion is from the Bible, in the Book of Daniel, Chapter 7, alongside other beasts, which herald the coming of the kingdom of God, replacing Babylon on Earth. If you believe that sort of thing. Wikipedia
Very interesting take on the prompt, Iain. In the Bible, animals represent nations. In this case, the lion represented Babylon.
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Thanks.
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Those little orange pills, they cause so much trouble, but it was no trouble to read this story, for you had me smiling.
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Thanks Michael 🙂
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What drug is our Daniel taking? Drugs can do strange things.
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They certainly can!
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Actually most people find the coming apocalypse far more interesting & would never blame an orange pill rather take two next time. Nicely done
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Ha, yes, more apocalypse please! 🙂
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You know I hadn’t considered this before but the old testament could have used a few more psychotherapists. A great story, Iain.
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It might have calmed a few people down a bit. A lot of issues going on in those days.
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Apart from being a good story that made me smile in its own right, Iain, this brought back two memories – one of singing “The Daniel Jazz” at school, in a feeble attempt to sound like Paul Robeson, and another of a Del Boy character at the youth club who made a decent income selling little orange pills, until his punters realised they were Haliborange. I don’t know why they complained – they didn’t catch colds for ages afterwards!
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Haha, love the Only Fools and Horses story – we don’t seem to make comedies like that anymore.
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That’s true, but did you know Only Fools and Horses: the Musical is due to open in London in February next year? It’s been co-written by Paul Whitehouse, who will also play Grandad. Fingers crossed that it’s a worthy adaptation and, if so, that they take it on the road so we non-Londoners get a chance to see it without making a trek.
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Hahaha! He is in a psychiatrist’s office! Good thing it wasn’t the end of the world as we know it! I looked up a winged lion and it use to be the symbol for Venice. It was also the symbol for one of the apolostles but Iforget which one. I think, John. Great story, Iain!
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Thank you PJ, it seems to represent quite a few things over time as a mythical animal. I went with this biblical one. I do wonder what we would make of the prophets in the modern world if they appeared telling everyone their stories now! 🙂
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Curious question. I wonder too…
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A winged lion and a beautiful Biblical tale. Lovely writing KELLY.
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Thanks Neel
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So what if the lion couldn’t fly, Daniel’s imagination certainly could 🙂
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Ha, with a little help, he has no limits!
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Love the ‘casual tone of your piece! Nice one Iain’
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Thanks Keith
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And the winged lion is associated with St Mark and Venice. Love the way you represented this in a current day venue. How many “Prophets” are today only “crazy people”? Nicely done.
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Thank you Jo, that was my thought. Today those prophets would be dismissed as insane.
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This is really creative and fresh, Iain. Thank you! Not sure what I think about the apocalypse; however I do have familiarity with Daniel and he’s a pretty cool and wise guy from my perspective. 🙂 Blessings to you! Debbie
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Thank you Debbie, I do like to wonder what would be made of the prophets and their stories in the modern world!
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