PHOTO PROMPT © Liz Young
Drats! Mother told me to remove the wheels before locking the cage, my sanctuary from the crime scene of a world where fellow zombies threaten to eat anyone who’s different.
Did I listen? Noooo.
But, I’m not like the rest of them! And now, I’ve rolled away from my briefcase—where I hid the key.
So, now what?
I’ll sing! Because Wes Craven once said, “If I’m going to be a caged bird, I’ll sing the best song I can.”
It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood . . . won’t you be my neighbor?
Because we’re all caged birds.
THE END
100 Words
Friday Fictioneers is a compilation of writers from around the world who gather online weekly, guided by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. The challenge? To write a story in 100 words or less based on a new photo prompt.
To read more stories in an online flash fiction anthology by Friday Fictioneer authors, click:
“We’re all caged birds”. Lovely
There’s something that cages us all, I believe. Only when we realize this can we break free.
Dear Jan,
I’ll admit I had to look up Wes Craven. At first I thought Maya Angelou. Definitely not where you went. 😉 The addition of Mr. Rogers’ tag line added to the creepiness factor. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
I’m not a fan of zombies, but I suppose even they can have a heart. 🙂
Ah, good one, Jan!
Thank you! 🙂
A depressing thought that we’re all caged birds really, but done with a bit of humour and optimism. Nice one 🙂
It is a bit depressing, until we break free of what cages us. 🙂 Thanks, Iain!
I love the line ‘We are all caged birds’
Thanks, Siobhan!
Damn. I hate it when I lose my keys! Poor zombie.
Me, too, Stu. And it happens more and more often these days! 🙂 Loved your story, too!
Trapped in a moving cage without a key? Terrifying! I really like this one – the last line is chilling.
Drats! 🙂 Thanks for reading and commenting, Emily!
Nicely done, funny with a touch of horror.
Thank you, Loré. 🙂
That’s a clever story. “My sanctuary from the crime scene of a world where fellow zombies threaten to eat anyone who’s different.” The whole world a crime scene. The ultimate in solipsism.
If we’re all caged, can we please be in an aviary all together?
I like the way you’ve written that, Jan!
Thank you, Penny. I’m not sure if it was evident, but this was a cloaked political commentary. 🙂 We ARE all in the same aviary, IMO. Though some want their own aviary.
Cool creepy little story. I am a big Wes Craven fan. I think you nailed it.
Thank you, Josh. I’ll admit, I’ve never done well with scary movies. My hands are over my eyes through most of them. 🙂
Excellent story. And I really like the Wes Craven quote.
Thank you, Jilly!
True, all caged birds, just in different fashions. Good take on the prompt!
Thanks, Sascha. Loved your story!
🙂
Love the twist of it… some keys just ought not to be found, eh… lol!
Or misplaced, as the case may be. 🙂 Thanks, Jelli!
Aaargh! I can’t believe we have almost the same title and sort of thought…. well, not really, but still!
I do love this 😀
Our stories were quite different though! I loved your caged bird’s spirit, Dale!
Yes, indeed! Thank you, loved yours too.
I too thought of Maya Angelou. Maybe he/she can get the cage to roll back towards the keys. Nicely done.
How she gets out of the cage is a whole other story! Thanks, Alicia. 🙂
A world of zombies where “zombies threaten to eat anyone who’s different.” Interesting take on the prompt and on our world today. An intriguing story! =)
I’m glad you “got” that this was a bit of a commentary on our real world today, Brenda! Thank you!
First time I’ve ever thought of Mr. Rogers as a caged bird. Hmmmm.
Oops! I didn’t mean to infer this was Mr. Rogers. My intention was to show that not all “zombies” are the same. I think it was too ambitious for 100 words. 🙂
🙂
love the detail of the wheels, afterwards I was hooked
Thank you! 🙂
Poor zombie 🙂
And poor Dr. Dang, too! 🙂
Ha ha ha. Thank you so much Jan.
Great detail. A very creative piece.
Thank you, Lisa!
There’s a real tension between the song and the rest of the story. Veeery creepy.
Funny how a children’s song can be creepy in the right setting! 🙂