First date jitters pulsate through every nerve.
A walk across the parking lot
leads to dinner and destiny.
With a surge of bravery he gingerly
wraps his fingers around hers.
His nervous and tenderly curious face looks to her,
silently searching for acceptance.
She answers with a smile that wonders,
What took him so long?
- – -
This little story comes from a writing prompt known as the 55-word challenge. To my fellow writers and readers I ask, what can you do with 55 words? Post your stories or links in comments below!
c.b. 2011
I am by no means a writer. But I would love to try this!!!!
This visual made me smile
You are a writer.
I’m glad it made you smile.
I’ve never tried a 55-word story, but I have written a number of 101-word stories. They’re on my blog, if you care to take a look.
By the way, I like the poem. Very sweet.
Ooo, I’ll check it out. I’ve never tried 101 words, but I’m up for the challenge.
It’s a good length, I think, because you have a few more words, but you still have to pick and choose and make every one count.
55 words, eh, you painted a great picture. here’s mine:
A child splashing in a puddle
not a care in the world
giggling wildly as she
gets soaking wet.
Unaware that mother’s
frustration rises as she watches
more laundry to do on top
of everything else.
The child looks up, smiles
calls out mommy come and
play. Would she?
To hell with laundry, let’s play.
I love it!
The whole story played out in my head like a little movie!
heh heh. Didn’t know where it was headed when i started but like how it ends, for sure. Glad you like it.
Oh, I like this!
A beautiful use of 55 words. Well done!
Thanks!
Here’s my shot at it, though it’s not a feel-good one…
Hot summer day, into the house to cool off.
She was introduced by mother to visitor,
Then told, “Go away.”
Overheard behind her as she walked away, “She’s a cute girl.”
It felt good to hear a compliment…something new to her.
“Don’t tell her that!” said with hint of disgust.
The good feeling is gone…forever.
Wow. This is very powerful. All the more proof that a few words can really pack a punch. Nicely done!
*exactly* 55 words or *within* 55 words?
M
55ish.
I’ve done several 100-word stories. It’s a lot of fun – as you found out with this 55-worder. They’re both really great practice for focusing in on exactly what you mean to say and how best to do so.
I liked this exercise because it showed me just how many “little” stories run through my mind. I never thought to write them down as they were so short!
Now, I do!