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
  • Contest Entries
    • 100-Word Submissions
    • How to complete the Entry Form
    • Writing Good Flash Fiction
    • Appeals/Feedback Request
    • Competition Contact
    • Technical Stuff >
      • Terms & Conditions
      • GDPR Compliance
      • Duotrope

The Legless Man, by Sivan Pillai

26/3/2021

 
Keeping aside the Bible, I try to sleep in vain. I’m seething with anger. Crooks become rich overnight, but those sweating it out remain poor.

The sound of drumbeats wafts from far away. The late-night tribal dance has begun. I walk towards it. A ring of dancers, male and female, move around a portrait. The drumbeat becomes deafening, and the pace of dancing increases. They move at an incredible speed, striking at each other’s sticks with abandon.


A legless man emerges from behind the portrait, crawls towards me, flames darting from his eyes.


​I retreat, thanking God I could run.
Pamela Kennedy
26/3/2021 09:24:29 am

Sivan, thanks for reminding us that we don't always realize that we are blessed in so many ways that others are not.

Angela Carlton link
26/3/2021 01:01:08 pm

Very powerful and visual with a poetic spin!

Krystyna
26/3/2021 02:17:09 pm

Stark life contrasts brilliantly presented to touch readers’ senses... you are an amazing writer, Sivan.

Swapan k Banerjee
26/3/2021 03:15:09 pm

You remind me of Heart of Darkness, Sivan.

Candace Arthuria Williams
26/3/2021 07:11:49 pm

So visual, Sivan---stark, graphic, unnerving. In other words, frighteningly effective.

Sue Clayton
27/3/2021 02:36:50 am

Truly a sign of how lucky he was to have his legs to run away, and hopefully run fast. Superb imagery as always.

Padmini Krishnan
27/3/2021 04:33:25 am

Very realistic. Well done

big man wilson 21432134342342342
30/3/2021 02:43:35 pm

man without leg go brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr


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
    Picture

    For those looking for the latest story (or poem) from our Ukrainian contributor Malvina Perova
    – just to check she's safe & well –click the button below.
    Malvina in Ukraine

    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

    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
    December 2012


Picture
Website by Platform 36

Photos used under Creative Commons from YLegrand, Tony Webster