#ThursThreads - Week 144 - Winners

Week 144 of #ThursThreads had some terrific tales. I'm honored to see all of the returning writers and read your stories. It was so nice to see so many of you this week! Thank you for coming back again and again to write and for helping me celebrate these years of flash. Great thanks to Michael C. Icofs for judging this week. Be sure to check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on FB to keep up with news, etc.

Entries:

• Anastasia Vitsky | @AnastasiaVitsky
• Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil 
• Anna Lund | @AnnaLund2011
• Sandi Layne | @Sandyquill
• Kelly Heinen | @Aightball
• Silver James | @SilverJames_
• Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
• Wendy Strain | @WendyStrain
• Charles W. Jones | @ChuckWesJ
• Charley Emma | @lindorfan
• Michael C. Icofs | @MichaelCIcofs
• Lizzie Koch | @Lizzie_Koch
• Mary Decker | @mishmhem
• Mary Rose
• Ruth Long | @Bullishink
• Cara Michaels | @caramichaels

Winners Announcement:

Honorable Mentions

Ruth Long | @Bullishink

Michael says: In the span of 250 words, we find that the person who we thought was the villain turns out the be something of an antihero. Hints at complex motives, a splash of the supernatural, and the threat of what will happen to Brash once Jankowski learns of his treachery.

Kelly Heinen | @aightball

Michael says: I enjoyed the conflict she painted in the mother, and how in one sentence, she created enormous depth in the character of the doctor. Great work.

Sandi Layne | @sandyquill

Michael says: This was a great example of using efficient words to paint the shadow of a picture with enough detail to let readers wade in and fill in the rest for themselves. One sentence about tearing a gown tells me more about the Princess, and Odenlin's opinion of her than a whole paragraph might have.

Lizzie Koch | @Lizzie_Koch

Michael says: Compelling scene in which we see a character's selfish motives backfire on her. The very act that she sees as her deliverance turns out to be the one that will likely lead to her own death. Karma's a bitch....

Week 144 Winner

Charley Emma | @lindorfan

Michael says: I chose this piece for several reasons. First, it wonderfully blurs the boundary between poetry and prose. Second, Although it’s never explicitly spelled out, I imagined a teddy bear as I read it, and being able to point the reader to such a specific image without actually invoking the words is certainly an achievement. Finally, there was a poignancy in the words that connected me to nostalgia, loss, and passing the torch. And it did all that in 141 words. A wonderfully emotional piece.

"Take care of him won't you?
He has seen quite a lot.
Fights and brawls and spillages the lot.
He has sat there on the on the ledge.
Just sat there and watched
Till he was taken down to be loved
Which was quite a lot!
He has seen tutors teaching
Witnessed Children in their squabbling
Silently never judging.
You will take care of him won't you.
He has listened to my flute practice silently encouraging
He has listened silently to my woes and dreams.
He has watched me attempt to master the piano
Never once did he judge me
He has been my best friend above all.
Now I care for you my sweetheart
He can not have my care as much
So I give him to you...
You will love him won't you?
You will take care of him?

Congratulations Two Time Winner Charley, Ruth, Kelly, Sandi, and Lizzie! Don't forget to claim your badges and display them with pride. You certainly earned it!

Pass on the great news on Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus, shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all the stories here. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! :)