Week 710 of #ThursThreads was a success, a remarkable feat for 13 solid years. Thank you to everyone who writes each week. You are why we’re still doing this. I’m truly grateful for all y’all!
If you’ve just found us, welcome to the crew! May you come back again and write more great flash. A thousand thanks to Bill Engleson for judging this week. Follow Siobhan Muir on Bluesky or check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction server on Discord or the #ThursThreads group on Facebook to keep up with news, etc.
Entries:
- Joe Hesch
- Gora Shade
- Silver James
- Siobhan Muir
- Mark Ethridge
- David A. Ludwig
- Sheilagh Lee
- Eric Martell
Bill says: It’s been a while since I last judged ThursThreads. It is also the beginning of the phantasmagorical FIFA fandango. I watch a bit of soccer here and there but have to admit the massive fascination with it has not drawn me in.
Well, maybe the corruption involved has.
Today’s prompt, “He couldn’t do it.” suggests all manner of challenges and all the participants this week entertainingly played with that theme.
Honorable Mentions
Mark Ethridge | Website
Bill says: I spent the bulk of Thursday looking to buy a new or slightly used vehicle. Then, returning home, a two hour wait for the oversubscribed ferry that takes me to my Island home pretty much knocked me out. Mark’s tale of an aging father getting a bit past his self-sufficient years struck home. I am somewhat older than the dad in the story, a fellow who is still trying to do all those things he excelled at and that, sadly, inevitably, drift away from our skill set over time. Coincidentally, today, while I was away car shopping, a local guy named Mark cut my lawn. Personally, I am happy to leave lawn cutting to my betters. Anyway, Mark’s story is a touching tale about a father and son and we need as many of them as we can get.
Sheilagh Lee | Website
Bill says: Most days I shy away from vampirical thoughts. And funerals. However, I found an uncharacteristic joy in reading Sheilagh’s tale of resurrection and revenge. Even as I had some concerns about the two Cara’s (or Kara’s) – and in the rush to bury and revive, even the best of we writers lose editorial track – it wasn’t all that concerning.
And the moral might well be…only attend funerals for those you loved. Otherwise, well, a harsh lesson might be irretrievably learned. Oh, and don’t we all have at least one Geoff in our life? Suck it, Geoff.
winner announcement
Week 710 Winner
Bill says: Though I not much of a sports guy, I do get caught up those sorts of moments where someone unexpected gives it their all. Joe touches on that in his tale. Joe delves into the experience of Mac, an enthusiastic athlete going the extra mile without the necessary gas in the tank to succeed. Still, he perseveres and as noted at the end, it’s that very panache of trying, facing failure, risking all with spirited style that has Coach Will stating proudly, “Because he couldn’t do it. Gotta admire that.”
And also, another point noted: we are all praying that Mac stays away from the javelin.
Mac knew he could do it. Run that long arc toward the bar suspended just below his head level, plant his left foot, spring up, twist onto his back, flip his legs over the bar, shoulders landing on that thick mattress of foam rubber.
He was certain he wouldn’t clank the bar again and both end up in an X marking the spot where gravity and reality proved stronger than hope and technique.
“Shuffled your stride again, Mac. Slowed down like you were afraid the bar’d give you the herp or something,” Coach Wills said. “This phobia isn’t helping you. Thought you were gonna headbutt the concrete pole-vaulting yesterday.”
“Messed my steps, Coach. I know I can beat ten feet.”
“Why do you keep trying to do stuff your body’s not capable of Mac? At least not at this level. You’re a fair second-leg relay runner, meh long jumper, and let’s not talk about the hurdles experiment. Your best event’d be 800 meters but you won’t run it.”
“He ran the 800”
“Your brother?”
“Yeah, school record, twice regional champion, full-ride,” Mac said as that freshman flew over 5’8” on her first try. Ever.
“I’m going over to the discus ring coach. Then the shot.”
“Okay, Mac. Just don’t kill any cheerleaders over there. No javelin!”
The jumps coach sidled up to Coach Wills and said, “Seriously, why’s that kid keep courting failure when he’d be decent at something else?”
“Because he couldn’t do it. Gotta admire that.”
~~~~~~~
Congratulations Twelve Time Winner Joe, and Honorable Mentions Mark, and Sheilagh! Don’t forget to claim your badges and display them with pride. You certainly earned it!
Pass on the great news on Facebook, Discord, Bluesky, Mastodon, shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all the original tales HERE. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! 🙂
