Friday Flash Fiction
  • Home
    • About Friday Flash Fiction
  • 100-Word Stories
  • Longer Stories
  • Poetry
  • Authors
    • A-C
    • D-F
    • G-I
    • J-L
    • M-O
    • P-R
    • S-V
    • W-Z
  • Submissions
    • 100-Word Submissions
    • 500-Word Submissions
    • Poetry Submissions
    • How to complete the Entry Form
    • Writing Good Flash Fiction
    • Contact FFF
    • Appeals/Feedback Request
    • Technical Stuff >
      • Terms & Conditions
      • GDPR Compliance
      • Duotrope

I'll Go To It Laughing, by Mary Wallace

14/8/2020

 
My dad was a thief. He stole words from literature to use as weapons. I remember dodging and weaving to avoid his barbs, although some still found their mark.

Having ducked Oscar Wilde's "Nowadays people know the price of everything and the value of nothing", I later flung it at my own children. Words became shields to strengthen character, fight injustice.

On the day he passed away, I excused myself with, "we need never be ashamed of our tears", Charles Dickens. Dad countered with "Herman Melville, Moby Dick."

I had to read the entire novel to find that farewell quote.

Marjan sierhuis
14/8/2020 07:05:46 pm

Lovely, Mary.

Mary Wallace
15/8/2020 04:23:17 am

Thanks for your kind words Marjan.

Krystyna
14/8/2020 08:50:12 pm

"Many a true word has been said in jest", Geoffrey Chaucer.

Love your humorous take on literature, Mary. Excellent!

Mary Wallace
15/8/2020 04:24:05 am

Thanks for reading Krystyna.

Jim Woessner
14/8/2020 10:26:10 pm

"Only in the agony of parting do we look into the depths of love.”
George Eliot

Mary Wallace
15/8/2020 04:25:34 am

Thanks Jim, that is a beautiful quote.

Sue Clayton
15/8/2020 02:17:10 am

Wonderful idea, Mary, using word phrases as verbal abuse. Great FFF as always.

Mary Wallace
15/8/2020 04:27:14 am

Often what we see as criticism are building blocks for our character. Thanks for reading Sue.

Mary Wallace
15/8/2020 02:47:30 am

Thanks for reading everyone.

Sivan Pillai
15/8/2020 04:44:51 am

Reading great writers help build our character. Nice story, Mary.

Mary Wallace
15/8/2020 05:32:35 am

Thank you so much Silvan.

Paritosh Chandra Dugar
16/8/2020 06:42:28 am

I think the opening two sentences can be expanded into a full essay. Wonderful!

Mary Wallace
16/8/2020 07:29:15 am

Thank you Paritosh.

Al Watt
16/8/2020 12:42:36 pm

Interesting character study, well done.

Mary Wallace
16/8/2020 02:47:10 pm

Thank you for reading Al.

JIm link
16/8/2020 03:51:57 pm

Nicely done, Mary
Jim

Mary Wallace
17/8/2020 06:42:37 am

Thanks Jim, I hope you enjoyed it.

mark tulin link
16/8/2020 06:05:01 pm

Very nice, Mary. I love the literary theme.

Mary Wallace
17/8/2020 06:43:14 am

Glad you liked it Mark.


Comments are closed.

    "Classic"
    100-Word
    Stories

    Since Friday Flash Fiction began in September 2013, 100-word stories have remained its 'beating heart'.

    Normally, 100-word stories are scheduled for 07.00 BST (GMT in the winter) on the following Friday. However, where a large number of stories (more than 25) are due to be published on the same day, we publish a second batch around 10.30am.

    Each week we pick a story or (occasionally) a poem as 'Editor's Choice'.
    It's a personal favourite, no more. Do you agree?
    Editor's Choice

    NEW: we have a FACEBOOK PAGE where regular contributors can share ideas and discuss stories. Why not join in?

    We occasionally send out little newsletters running competitions – and subscribers are also our voting panel. If you'd like to join us, please click the Subscribe to newsletter button below.
    Subscribe to Newsletter
    No spam, we promise!

    Friday Flash Fiction
    Rules
    Kinda obvious, really...
    • Fiction only
    • Stories of 75-100 words only
    • Don't be nasty or cheat
    • Include your name and a story title

    Archives

    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013


Picture
Website by Platform 36

Photos used under Creative Commons from YLegrand, Tony Webster