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The Feather #flashfiction

This week at the Carrot Ranch, Charli Mills challenged writers to In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story that features feathers. It can be a single feather or more. Where did the feather come from? Does it hold meaning to the character or story? Go where the prompt leads!

I don’t know if you ever did this when you were young, but I and my siblings and/or friends used to. We would attach meaning or significance to otherwise insignificant events or occurrences, such as seeing images in the clouds or finding a coin or ‘special’ shell or rock in the sand or on the path. Anything could intrigue and we would create stories to explain why we were the chosen ones for the particular find or revelation. I guess it was a way of giving rein to our imaginations and, perhaps, an attempt to make our ordinary lives seem extraordinary. I guess most children do this in the land of dress-ups and make-believe.

This is where Charli’s prompt took me this time. I hope you enjoy it.

The Feather

‘It’s not just a feather. It’s the feather.’

Which feather?’

‘The one from the beach that day.’

‘Which day?’

‘Remember when we went to the beach and there was a flock of birds that looked like they were having a conference but when they saw us they flew away and one dropped a feather that landed on top of our castle. We knew it was a sign, they were telling us something.’

‘That’s just silly childish stuff.’

‘It was a sign. The birds need our help. The bulldozers have arrived. They will destroy the habitat. We must stop them!’

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Thank you for reading. I appreciate your feedback. Please share your thoughts.

Comments

55 responses to “The Feather #flashfiction”

  1. Jennie Avatar

    You brought back memories of playing that game, Norah. Your story was a perfect example. That’s creativity.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      I’m pleased it brought back memories for you, Jennie. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Jules Avatar

    I think there needs to be more listening between interspecies. I hope the animal habitat gets saved!! In our area too much of the land seems to be being plowed under. Though our Farm preservationists are working very hard to save some of the local farms. We have some small forested areas and wetlands, but not really enough to meet all the needs of all the animals.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      Listening and action, eh, Jules? We need to be more respectful of our co-inhabitants on this amazing planet we call home.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Patricia Tilton Avatar

    That is really a great piece of flash fiction. Don’t think I made up stories about things I picked up as a kid — even more of a reason to appreciate your creativity. Could see this as a start for a PB.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      Thank you, Patricia. Someone else suggested a chapter book. I’ll have to keep it in mind for future writing.

      Like

  4. Feathers « Carrot Ranch Literary Community Avatar

    […] The Feather by Norah Colvin […]

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  5. Hugh W. Roberts Avatar

    I remember those stories as a child, too. It seemed to be about finding a coin back then. Those coins always ended up in my moneybox, whereas my friends often spent their find straight away.

    When I read your piece of flash, I couldn’t help but think of the movie and book Watership Down when I reached the end, Norah. I liked the location of your story and especially the line about the birds having a conference.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      I found some coins too. It was actually a coin that I was thinking about as I wrote my story.
      I have to admit that I haven’t read Watership Down, Hugh. I just couldn’t get into it, but I appreciate your kind words, nonetheless.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Hugh W. Roberts Avatar

        I’ve only ever seen the movie, Norah. The latest animated version was excellent. It was shown a couple of years on TV just before Christmas.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Norah Avatar

          Perhaps I should try watching it then, eh, Hugh?

          Like

          1. Hugh W. Roberts Avatar

            Yes, if you see it coming to a television near you soon, give it a go, Norah.

            Liked by 1 person

            1. Norah Avatar

              I will. Thanks for the recommendation, Hugh.

              Liked by 1 person

  6. calmkate Avatar

    Yea that call to activism!

    Liked by 1 person

  7. D. Wallace Peach Avatar

    Now that you mention it, Norah, I remember those special messages, usually from nature. Your story is wonderful. The birds need our help indeed. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      Thank you for your lovely comment, Diana. The birds do. So do many others. 💖

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Susan Scott Avatar

    A lovely story Norah thank you. I still collect feathers and imagine them as a sign of ‘something’. Besides, they’re usually very pretty. A friend of mine who’s father died many years ago, kept on finding feathers in abundance very soon after his death. More than at any other time.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      Thank you for your kind words, Susan.
      I’ve heard many stories of people finding feathers after a loved one has passed. It must be very comforting to feel that connection.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Anne Goodwin is bringing Matilda Windsor home Avatar

    I think the kids are right this time.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      They got the message.

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Kate Avatar

    I like how you tie an event from the history with the present and in only 99 words. Very creative.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      Thank you, Kate.

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Liz H Avatar

    The signs are clear to those open to receive them.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Norah Avatar

      Indeed they are. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  12. D. Avery @shiftnshake Avatar

    There’s nothing silly or childish about that sign from the found feather. Good one, for the homage to imagination, and to the message of preserving habitat for our feathered friends.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      Thank you for your support, D. Both are important, and we need our imaginations to find ways of preserving the environment. We didn’t use much imagination in destroying it.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Bette A. Stevens Avatar
    Bette A. Stevens

    Well done!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      Thank you, Bette. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Jacqui Murray Avatar

    What a lovely story! Or the start to a novel–what did they do?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      It could be the makings of a chapter book. Thanks for the idea. I don’t know if I’ll ever get to it though.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Jacqui Murray Avatar

        I know what you mean, Norah. Sigh.

        Liked by 1 person

  15. Jim Borden Avatar

    wonderful, thought-provoking story , Norah. and in just 99 words!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      Thank you, Jim. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Darlene Avatar

    We played these games too. This was a great story!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      Thank you, Darlene. I’m so pleased to hear others played these imaginative games too. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Rebecca Glaessner Author Avatar

    I can almost remember this conversation from my own past, word for word. I used to love feathers. My children seem to have inherited that without my conscious influence. They have ziplock bags full of the ones they’ve collected. The storytelling component, however, we’re working on. This was wonderfully nostalgic Norah, you portray the minds of kids vividly. I do hope the seagulls return and drop many presents on the bulldozers too.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Norah Avatar

      I’m pleased you enjoyed the story and that it brought back memories, Rebecca. Big presents! 😉

      Liked by 1 person

  18. robbiesinspiration Avatar

    This is a lovely piece, Norah. We also used to play these sorts of games. I have good memories of these times.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      I’m pleased, Robbie. They were fun, weren’t they?

      Liked by 1 person

  19. Charli Mills Avatar

    I’m not sure I’ve outgrown that use of imagination, Norah! But in the end of your story, there is a legitimate reason to think the birds need help.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Norah Avatar

      We do need to keep those imaginations working, don’t we, Charli? Too many bird habitats (and others) are being destroyed to make way for construction. I was quite happy to let the feather be prophetic, though I don’t think any of our childhood revelations ever came to fruition.

      Like

  20. Chel Owens Avatar

    I … still do that. 😀 I think we all need a little bit of childhood in us.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      I agree, Chelsea. Especially when we work with children or want to write books for them. 🤩

      Liked by 2 people

  21. petespringerauthor Avatar
    petespringerauthor

    I don’t remember doing things like this, but I can very easily see a group of children actively using their imaginations.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      Thanks, Pete. Maybe you had more fun things to do. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. petespringerauthor Avatar
        petespringerauthor

        I was lucky to grow up in a neighborhood with lots of kids, so there was always someone to play with. It was a time when parents didn’t have to worry so much about if their kids were safe or not. Mom used to call us in with a dinner bell.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Norah Avatar

          That sounds a bit like my neighbourhood, Pete. We still liked to use our imaginations though. 🙂

          Liked by 1 person

  22. OIKOS™- Art, Books & more Avatar

    A intriguing answer, Norah! Thank you for sharing! Have a beautiful week! xx Michael

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      Thank you, Michael. You too!

      Like

    1. Norah Avatar

      Thank you, Michael.

      Like

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