Trapped
You have gone to far this time, we can not ignore what has happened, the poisoning of the oceans, the production of military hardware. That was bad, but to send your evil to our world, that is not exceptable. We have thought long and hard about what your punishment should be. Now that we have decided, you must face the consequences. We are determined to isolate you, so we have placed a blockade around your world. Rather like the iron bands that enslave most of your worlds population. We will remove it when you see the light.
Footnote:
I struggled to find a flash story for this weeks prompt. For what I saw was an iron band surrounding a light globe. The thought [ globe ] saved the day when I thought of antique star globes. Frustratingly as I am writing this footnote I started thinking of stories centred on antique globes. Now that’s another story for me to try my hand at some point. It is strange how each photo prompt can stimulate a story given time. Thank you Sandra. …
This Post Has 47 Comments
That happens to me sometimes too, that the prompt takes me in one direction, and then later in a completely different one. Your take here is really interesting, the idea of a prison built around a whole planet like that — until we “see the light”, which of course would be cut off by the starglobe. (Unless you’re picturing it only being the iron bands?)
Thank you Joy, I envisaged the rest of the universe placing a no travel ring in place around earth!
I can see why they’d want to, that’s for sure!
Let’s hope more people soon learn to care for planet earth.
Wow! What an entirely unique take, lateral yet literal 🙂 Loved it!
You have created ‘a space in my heart’ my your comment. Thank you.
Ha ha ha ha ha. Thank you so much Michael for making the effort to read my About page 🙂
It was a pleasure: reading and writing are great pleasures. I have never have enough energy to read widely. It is a real regret of mine.
We had very similar thoughts about the globe
It seems that finding boundaries are a fact of life. Thank you Neil.
Great take on the photo. And such an authoritative ring to the voice. Quite scary, in fact.
Thank you for your kind comment, Sandra. I did not mean to be scary, but perhaps that is how humans might be seen in the wider universe.
Dear Michael,
This sounds like a voice of authority. Perhaps an alien planet with a message for wasteful humans. I liked it. Frighteningly good.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Rochelle your comment has made my day. For no one has ever ever said a story of mine was frighteningly good.
Well you certainly sparked a reaction in me. I hope humankind do eventually ‘see the light’ – we’re doing a great job at destroying our planet at the moment!
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
Thank you Susan, as a race we do need to wake up and care more for our planet. I smiled when you featured George Formby in your post. I always smile when I hear his music.
Delightfully different. Nice one
Click to read my FriFic!
So pleased to read your comment. I appreciate the ‘creatures of the night’. I enjoy walking my dog after nightfall. But one pitch dark night in 1958, I was startled nah frightened by a blast of heat from a dragon. Which it turned out was a simmering steam roller!
I’m tempted to go all philosophical over this one, but I’ll resist that. You told your story very well, and I enjoyed reading it 🙂
Really pleased to read this comment. When I was writing ‘Trapped’ I had to stop myself getting philosophical, for I could have written a weighty tome.
I’m kind of glad you didn’t write that weighty tome 🙂
Me too.
I have to say, Linda, that I’d be fascinated to hear you waxing philosophical over the story!
What a great take on the prompt! I must say, those aliens sound like good guys from where I sit. They propose a just and proportionate consequence to our stupidity, namely that we should not be allowed to export it anywhere else.
I hope that they are good guys. I did wonder why they did not send teachers to put us on the right path. Loved your comment
Nice take Michael, a vision of the future I hope we avoid.
Me too Iain.
I like that you saw a world encased in bonds in the photo. I wonder if that world is us? It certainly could be. Nice one!
I believe that I did see our planet in a poor light, I truly hope that I am wrong.
Good metaphor!
Thank you Dawn. It took quite a bit of time for the story to arrive, so I was pleased to receive your feedback.
Sadly, I think it would take something like this to make us stop ruining our planet – a great take on the prompt.
Let’s hope not. Thank you for your support Claire
Oh, Michael, this is wonderful. I do believe it’s one of your very best!!! Cheers! Alicia.
Thank you Alicia for your wonderful encouragement.
that’s a lovely take on the prompt. i’m impressed.
Thank you so much plaridel. I really struggled at first with the prompt picture, later several story ideas turned up.
Interesting take Michael. It would take something this drastic to teach us our lessons, I believe
Sadly I think that you may right Michael.
Sometimes we have to stand up I think… the iron band was a great thought
I do believe that we need to ask these questions. Thank you Bjorn.
That is very good observation of the prompt. This one has many layers. A wow write.
You are most kind Yarnspinnerr, thank you so much.
I hope that never happens. I think there are aliens somewhere out there watching and they probably do think we’re violent with good reason. Good writing, Michael. 🙂 — Suzanne
If they are out there I hope they are calmer and less violent than human beings. Thank you Suzanne.
The really enjoyed the idea of this. You might have struggled with a story, but this works really well.
Then I am glad that I persevered. Thank you Sarah Ann