It’s Fiction in 50 time for the final time in 2016 and our challenge prompt this month is….
To play along, just create a piece of fiction or poetry in fewer than 51 words, post it, then pop a link to your post in the comments. For more detailed information, just click on that attractive button at the top of this post.
As it’s the last challenge for the year, I’ve thrown caution to the wind and restraint out the window, and I haven’t bothered to keep to the word count. Avant garde, I know. Anyway, here’s my epic contribution, which I have titled (ironically)…
Quality Control
CreatorBeing sat beside his latest crafted soul. It was his custom to do so before each soul was given physical form, as both a way of checking the quality of his creation and a way to pass some of the infinite store of time allotted to him, as CreatorBeing.
As CreatorBeing completed the final test, he whispered in the soul’s ear.
“Shall I tell you a secret about humanity?”
The soul looked up, wide-eyed.
“Why yes, CreatorBeing! I would be honoured!”
CreatorBeing smiled benignly and began.
“Above all things, humans are my most favoured creation. Do you know why?”
The soul responded eagerly.
“Because we are made in your image, CreatorBeing?”
CreatorBeing laughed.
“Not just that, pure one! It is because above all else, humans are to be counted on to behave in predictable ways. Each and every generation of humans believes, with all its collective heart, that it alone has learned from the mistakes of the past, has harnessed the power of nature, has made the world the best it can possibly be.”
The soul nodded earnestly as CreatorBeing continued.
“Every single generation believes this is so. Yet history continues to repeat itself, the earth is ever more abused and age-old problems continue to persist.”
The soul furrowed its brow and then, with a deep breath, turned proudly to CreatorBeing.
“I promise you, O Great One, that I will be different. I will find the way to peace and prosperity and encourage others to do the same. I will learn from the past and help create a better future.”
CreatorBeing nodded slowly, before exerting his will and sending the soul upon its earthly journey. He allowed himself an indulgent chuckle.
Whatever else may be said about humanity, they remained his most consistent creation.
I’d love to see what you have all come up with for this month’s prompt. Prompts for the first half of 2017 are up already and you can view them here. For January 2017 our prompt will be…
Until next time,
Bruce
The Bookshelf Gargoyle 