Greetings, Earthlings!
Thanks for another fun-filled week, gang. I love how many different directions you flew, and how you found freedom in a 42-word cage while answering this week’s ultimate question of “why do birds suddenly appear?”
Crowd favorite
This week, you discerning readers and voters gave the top spot to Spoils of Defeat by Paul Clements. His dramatic, stark imagery is laced with the anticipation of the battle to come. It hints at the strange blend of glory and destruction that comes with war.
Impaled flags stiffen in the pungent summer breeze.
A single, riderless mare bolts for home.
Foaming;
Frantic.
Distant, snow-peaked mountains sink slowly beneath a bloody red sunrise.
Crimson framed silhouettes swoop and circle through the tremulous horizon.
The glories of battle await.
Paul, at 42 little words, your poem still manages to be epic. Congratulations! Go get your winner’s badge, and wear it proudly.
Editor’s pick
With so many great posts, it was hard for the editors to choose just one! But we finally settled on this little story from Jen Brunet: Thieving Birds.
“What did you do to me, you whorish bird?!”
His head spun and stomach lurched as he lay defenseless on the bed.
Seamed stockings and heel clicks.
She winks.
“This bird has flown.”
Empty wineglasses, a stolen wallet, and a slammed door.
We thought Jen’s story was more than a little saucy. The details, the dialog – it all added up to a great little scene. Congrats, Jen – grab your badge before you fly off!
Top row seven*
You’d be surprised how few votes separate first place from seventh. The entire top row gets a prize for coming so close. This week, in addition to Paul, that means me (!), Christina (Other Than Lovie), Rach (theinnerzone), Susan (The Wizard’s Word), Renada, and The UnCheshire Wife. Great writing, everyone!
The gargleblaster grid is now sorted in order of votes from most to fewest. It’s always a tight race and a wonderful opportunity to learn from your fellow grid-mates.
* I realize that your browser may not display the grid in neat rows of seven, but mine does. Therefore, the Top Row 7.
There’s more to life than gargleblasters
Hard as it is to believe, there are other challenges out there at yeah write! Go ahead — take a few minutes to check out this week’s challenge grid (for personal essays and traditional blog anecdotes) and the speakeasy (for fiction). Read, comment, get to know the community. And if the mood strikes you, submit your own post: the challenge grid and speakeasy are open until 10:00 PM Eastern on Wednesday.
We know you won’t all make the grid every week, but don’t panic! The moonshine grid opens on Friday and we’d love to see you there.
Loading InLinkz ...
Hi everybody! I’m sorry I didn’t get to comment on all of your posts before the voting closed. I did read them all, and will go back and comment as soon as I get a moment. Just didn’t want you to think I was AWOL. 🙂
I had a lot of fun this week. Thanks to everyone for all the support, encouragement, and good vibes.
I think we need to consider taking up a collection to get Christine a bigger monitor. One that displays 42 entries on the top row. Personally I think every post I read (and I read all 42 of them at least once) deserved high praise and recognition this week! Well done!
Ha! That would be nice, wouldn’t it? It’s always tough to pick. Maybe one of these days I’ll surprise you and let you have extra votes. 😉
Thanks everyone! I am honored to be among all of you amazing Gargleblaster writers!
three cheers for gargleblasting!! 🙂
Congratulations to the winners. I quickly read everyone’s entries, but didn’t get a chance to comment or vote this week. Sorry for being a slouch!
By my count, we had five virgins this week. Welcome to you all!
Hey congrats winners..:)And the rest too for making it to the grid:)
Thanks everybody for the votes. Chuffed people enjoyed my piece. Cheers!
ps. congrats also to Jen and the other winners.
How awesome! Thank you.
Congrats to all the fab winners. (:
Congrats to all the winners! Missed the top 7 by one place! The closest I have come 😀 Was great fun this week.
Didn’t think i’d ever make it into the Top 7, thanks everyone.
Wow thanks for liking my story! Congrats Paul, the Top 7 and all you other creative birds! xo
A big round of applause for Paul and Jen, and the other amazing winners!