Press play for some mood music
Going back to the well and dusting off something short and sweet for this week's Flash Fiction.
I'm using the art of old friend of mine named Steve Cummings. While his work was haunting years ago, it's matured and deepened through the years. Like some of Edward Hopper's work, his art centers on the outsiders, outcasts and misfits of American life.
The selection I chose for this piece is is entitled "Scenes from the American Depression 3." In any case, I explained to him that I would love to flash fictionalize one of his paintings and this is what came out. His gallery and site can be found HERE.
When her mom died of TB, he took in his estranged daughter despite the fact he was a driver for a traveling circus. All in all, the gypsies and freaks that made up the road show were fine people, it was the clowns you had to watch.
The 'Dirty Thirties' was rough on them and he knew pretty much from the get-go she didn't like him much, if at all. One creepy night somewhere in the dustbowl of America, their smoking jalopy of a bus puttered out 49 miles from their Okie big top.
As the gin-fueled clowns barreled past her and towards Mell's to get their jollies, the little girl saw a car up ahead inching its way towards them.
She summoned the will to raise her thumb to escape but she heard the jangling of his leather belt and knew she'd get worse if she ran away -- again.
Music: "Big Beaver" by Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys. It can be downloaded HERE.
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When her mom died of TB, he took in his estranged daughter despite the fact he was a driver for a traveling circus. All in all, the gypsies and freaks that made up the road show were fine people, it was the clowns you had to watch.
The 'Dirty Thirties' was rough on them and he knew pretty much from the get-go she didn't like him much, if at all. One creepy night somewhere in the dustbowl of America, their smoking jalopy of a bus puttered out 49 miles from their Okie big top.
As the gin-fueled clowns barreled past her and towards Mell's to get their jollies, the little girl saw a car up ahead inching its way towards them.
She summoned the will to raise her thumb to escape but she heard the jangling of his leather belt and knew she'd get worse if she ran away -- again.
Music: "Big Beaver" by Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys. It can be downloaded HERE.
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You gave further dimensions to the people in that painting, and did it well. I want to know what happens next, though this is perfect as is. I'm always greedy for more.
ReplyDeleteCan always wait until he goes to sleep. Then he can get the worst.
ReplyDeleteAnother fine piece of writing, Anthony. Short but oh so sweet! Well done, mate.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great piece if art as well. Love it!
Have a great weekend!
Always enjoy how you package up your fine stories with perfectly suited music and terrific art. It's like coming to a movie.
ReplyDeleteA fine, fine piece of writing.
ReplyDeleteOk, share your secret.. How do you always manage to find awesome music as backdrops to your great stories?
ReplyDeleteHmmm?
The whole enchilada's one powerful package. I hope she gets away some day soon. Peace...
ReplyDeleteYou have me rooting for a fictional girl to run away. Fine writing!
ReplyDeleteAs usual, Anthony, you have blended the perfect mix of music, words and visuals. Please, sir. May I have another?
ReplyDeleteFreakin brilliant and I love how you add more senses to the writing. Like a movie. Big fan of that.
ReplyDeleteChilling, creepy and awesome.
ReplyDeleteExcellent story! Hopefully she'll find a way to get lost soon, before having to get the belt again.
ReplyDeletethanks an eye to this tips
ReplyDeletepmu
turf
Hey Anthony - Been missing you, man.
ReplyDeleteIt's as if you reached in and ripped out a piece of the painting's soul.
Absolutely fabulous Ant! The picture itself is creepy, and though your telling of the story has its eerie points (the clowns, I hate clowns), you somehow give it a...humane outlook (if that makes sense).
ReplyDeleteBecause of your incredible story-telling skills, you deserve this (on my nonfiction site): http://wp.me/pxgHj-n1
Wonderful blend of image, music, and story. As usual.
ReplyDeleteWow. That's heavy. Hope she runs away.
ReplyDeleteCreepy is right! Her plight comes through loud and clear in this. Poor little girl.
ReplyDelete