Lillie McFerrin hosts a Five Sentence Fiction competition on her blog. This week’s theme is Thunder.
Here is my entry, which is metaphorically inspired by the stormy picture this week:
“Shakubuku”
by Dr. Mike Reddy (@doctormikereddy)
Herman “Lightning Rod” Humphries was, by all accounts, the record holder for surviving the most lighting strikes. It had certainly had an effect on him, neighbours and friends would sympathetically share, when sure he was not in earshot.
“It’s just part of the job,” he would explain shyly, “Being a park warden and all.”
When asked if he minded the risk Herman responded, “Life is a risk, but it doesn’t stop you living before you die, like lightning comes before thunder.
“Better than dying before you live!” he would say, if people stuck around long enough,”Cos them that gets hit don’t hear the thunder.”
I actually have heard of the man who has been struck by lightening the most times. It’s an amazing amount of times. Great story.
The person you are referring to committed suicide after surviving 7 lightning strikes as a Yellowstone Park warden. A darker ending than my tale…
Nicely crafted. I enjoyed your five sentences.
Thanks
I think there’s something below the surface here
but I can’t quite tease it out.
Nice.
Cheers!
JzB
I love the way you told this. You have a fantastic writing style. I’d love to see more of this story.
Thank you.
Great story, rather a cautionary tale. I like it!
I am surprised he had any abilities left after seven lightning strikes. WHo knows what kind of tormented life he led.