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The Midnight Rider

8/12/2020

25 Comments

 
Each week, author Suzanne Burke invites readers to use her photo prompt to write a poem or tell a story. Her Fiction in A Flash Challenge! is now in its 12th week. Perhaps you'd like to participate?? The image this week is a clock.   

When I saw the photo, I imagined a train station and decided to superimpose the clock on a station scene. Focusing on the time, I thought of a country rock song. You'll soon discover why.   
Picture
​Midnight Rider
“What’s wrong, Bernie? I came as soon as I could.”

“It’s Sam. He took off tonight.”

“He left—again?”

“Said he had a train to catch.”

“What the hell is wrong with that guy? Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I should have expected it. I told him about the baby.”

“And the bastard didn’t give a shit?”

“He said something like, ‘that’s your problem, not mine.’”

“Why do you put up with him? Really! You need to figure this out, Bernie.”

“I know, I know. I just keep thinking he’ll settle down. He’s a good guy down deep.”

“Well—down deep doesn’t cut it. In my book, he’s nothing but a drifter.”

“Do you think that after the baby is born, he’ll…"

“Are you serious? Bernie! We’ve talked about this way too many times.”

“What should I do?”

“To start with, forget Sam. You’ll never catch this midnight rider.”
25 Comments
Suzanne Burke link
8/12/2020 14:16:36

I love this take on the prompt, Gwen! Thanks so much as well for the inclusion of that great song clip. I'll be featuring it on my site over the coming weekend. ❤

Reply
Gwen Plano
8/12/2020 18:28:13

Thanks so much, Soooz. I thought the prompt deserved music. ♥

Reply
Jill Weatherholt link
8/13/2020 02:56:01

Nicely done, Gwen. I love that song! <3

Reply
Gwen Plano
8/13/2020 05:33:28

Thank you, Jill. Have a wonderful day!

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Harmony Kent link
8/13/2020 04:29:22

Wonderful take on the picture, Gwen. :)

Reply
Gwen Plano
8/13/2020 05:35:32

Thank you, Harmony. It's always surprising what a simple photo can evoke. :)

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Joan Hall link
8/13/2020 04:33:19

When I saw the title of this post, I immediately thought of the Greg Allman song. Great take on the prompt!

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Gwen Plano
8/13/2020 05:41:03

Thank you, Joan. The short dialogue is different from what I normally write. The result of a simple song and a thought-provoking image, I guess.

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Staci Troilo link
8/13/2020 05:06:51

Great song! So glad you included the clip. Loved the story, Gwen. Nicely done.

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Gwen Plano
8/13/2020 05:42:10

Thank you, Staci. It's always surprising where our imaginations travel. ♥

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Mae Clair link
8/13/2020 06:50:41

I love this song, and wow, what a great interpretation on the photo prompt, too. Fabulous job, Gwen!

Reply
Gwen Plano
8/13/2020 08:59:23

Thank you, Mae. The dialogue is a little different for me, but our imagination takes us places we often don't expect. ♥

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Jan Sikes
8/13/2020 06:53:04

A fantastic response to Soooz's prompt, Gwen. And I LOVE the song! It's always been a favorite! Well-done!

Reply
Gwen Plano
8/13/2020 09:01:13

Thanks so much, Jan. When I wrote this short piece, I thought of you and country music. You've brought that music alive for me. ♥

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Vashti Quiroz-Vega link
8/13/2020 07:13:47

What a unique take on the prompt, Gwen! Reading your story I felt as though I was standing nearby eavesdropping on two friends talking. I loved the natural dialogue. I wanted to continue reading more of the story.👏😍

Reply
Gwen Plano
8/13/2020 09:02:48

Thank you, Vashti. I so appreciate your comment. Soooz has created a wonderful way for all of us to have fun with our writing, right? ♥

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Vashti Quiroz-Vega link
8/13/2020 11:00:21

Absolutely! I’d love to join in, once I‘m finished with my WIP and have more time.😀

D.L. Finn
8/13/2020 12:09:57

I like how you weaved the song into the story too. I kept hoping the friend's wisdom would get through. Great story Gwen!

Reply
Gwen Plano
8/13/2020 12:22:14

Thank you so much, Denise. I hope all is going well for you. ♥

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John howell link
8/13/2020 12:26:01

Terrific, Gwen. The station adaptation was genius.

Reply
Gwen Plano
8/13/2020 15:56:02

My goodness, thank you, John. I kept thinking of Grand Central Station and the time...just before midnight. I couldn't resist. :)

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Donna Connolly link
8/13/2020 18:53:30

Hi, Gwen - I love the blending of the (superimposed) photo, the story and the song. Seamless!

Reply
Gwen Plano
8/14/2020 10:55:36

Thank you so much, Donna. Have a wonderful day!

Reply
Miriam Hurdle link
8/13/2020 19:05:03

The vision is blurry when it's close to the face. It's the false hope that breaks the heart. Great take on the prompt, Gwen. I enjoyed reading this story.

Reply
Gwen Plano
8/14/2020 10:57:24

Thank you so much, Miriam. Your insight is absolutely right. False hope breaks the heart. ♥

Reply



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Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way. ―Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning


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