September 26, 2023, prompt: Write a story that includes a blade of grass in 99 words (no more, no less). What can you compare it to? Or in contrast? Is it a character prop or a story linchpin? Go poetic; go any genre or tone. Go where the prompt leads!
Roots – by Hugh W. Roberts
Technology overtook nature, and a blade of grass became a symbol of rebellion.
It sprouted in a crack between neon-lit sidewalks, a living relic of a long-forgotten past. Scientists marvelled at its resilience while authorities saw it threatening their synthetic world.
They dispatched the drones to eradicate the abnormality, but the blade fought back. Extending its roots into the digital grid, it sparked chaos.
Within days, cities crumbled, and nature reclaimed its dominion on Earth.
That lone blade of grass is me. I stand tall, a testament to the lasting power of life, rekindling hope in a dystopian age.
Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.
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I’ve seen those defiant blades of grass and tiny flowers that grow in the cracks. I would never underestimate their power. Great base for a story.
Thanks, Dan. Have you noticed that plant life like those always seem to last the longest.
They do. We have plants that we’ve bought that struggle, and we have self-starters that thrive.
This is an inspiring tale of determination, Hugh.
Thank you, Nicole. My lesson from this tale is ‘never give up.’
Fabulous, Hugh. Even one blade of grass, one Hugh, can make a difference.
Indeed, it takes just one of anything to make such a difference, Norah. I think this blade of grass tells us all an important lesson.
I think so too.
Excellent, Hugh. Sometimes one blade of grass – or a single person – can make a difference. (I guess either in a positive or negative way – I just read a story about the vandal who cut down the Sycamore Gap tree. I’m not sure what kind of person does that.)
Janis, the whole of the UK is in shock at the tree in Sycamore Gap being cut down. All that history gone in a fe minutes. They do say that the tree will regrow, but none of us will be here to witness the tree growing to the size it was when cut down.
Your comment ended up in my spam folder. Not sure why WordPress thought it spam, but thankfully, I don’t get any spam anymore. WordPress seem to have waived some kind of magic wand and got rid of it all.
WordPress in general has seemed a bit wonky lately. I am getting a lot of comments from “Anonymous” and I can’t always leave comments on sites that have never been a problem before. Now, I guess I’m going to spam jail. Thanks for rescuing me! :)
There are some issues surrounding the new comments box, Janis. If you’re getting comments from Anonymous, it may have something to do with the settings on your blog where you’ve allowed anyone to leave comments regardless of wether they are logged into WordPress or not.
This post gives more details.
Cool story, Hugh! I love it when nature wins. A hint of the Mockingjay from The Hunger Games, a symbol of rebellion, that’s what the blade of grass reminded me of. I better be careful with the weeds that are breaking through the cracks in our walkway. I figure the snow will eventually wear ’em down. LOL!
The cold weather and snow will certainly keep them ay bay, Terri. Of course, we never know what goes on underground, though.
I’ve never seen The Hunger Games movies. For some reason, the trailers never temped me. Have you ever seen a movie called ‘The Maze Runners?’ I enjoyed the first one, and there are several more for me to catch up on.
What I liked about The Hunger Games, the first movie, it was true to the book. The whole set may still be on Netflix. I will check out Maze Runners, thanks Hugh!
Wow – I hope it never gets to that point but your vision may be spot on.
Do you think so? I think you may be right. The plant world will reclaim the Earth one day.
I like this blade of grass as a rebel. I can easily imagine weeds growing in sidewalk cracks, and it’s a strong symbol!
Yes, I see them growing between the cracks of the sidewalks and pavements, with hardly anyone else taking much notice of them. They’re checking the human race out, and planning when to strike so they can save the planet.
That might not be too much of a stretch, Hugh. Doesn’t bear thinking about…
After what happened at Sycamore Gap, I would not be at all surprised if it happens one day, Cathy.
I can’t understand what people get out of such pointless acts of vandalism. Such a shame to ruin such a beautiful landmark. I hope whoever did it gets what they deserve.
I agree, Cathy. All that history gone in a matter of minutes. I was so sad when I heard of the news of what happened.
Me too. We’ve been there and it was incredible.