Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wednesday 14 September 2016

Words for Wednesday

The lovely Delores at Under the Porch Light had been running this meme for a considerable period of time, week after week.   Computer issues led her to bow out for a while and I took over.  When Delores' absence looked like being more permanent I begged and cajoled for other volunteers to share providing the prompts, and Words for Wednesday became a movable feast.  Delores discontinued her blog for a while, but she has returned.  Her new blog can be found here.

Essentially the aim is to encourage us to write.  Each week we are given a choice of prompts: which can be words, phrases, music or an image.   What we do with those prompts is up to us:  a short story, prose, a song, a poem, or treating them with ignore...  We can use some or all of the prompts.

Some of us put our creation in comments on the post, and others post on their own blog.  I would really like it if as many people as possible joined into this fun meme.  If you are posting on your own blog - let me know so that I, and other participants, can come along and applaud.

This month the prompts will be published here, but are provided by Margaret Adamson and her friend Sue Fulcher.


This weeks prompts are:


  1. The darkest hour is just before the dawn


AND/OR

  1. Kangaroo court.


Challenging aren't they?  Or is that just me?

Have fun. 
 

111 comments:

  1. Just never know where the prompts are going to lead.

    In single file the men shuffled their way toward the door. As they passed by the only window in the hall, each man looked out. The darkest hour is just before the dawn could be heard repeatedly in a faint whisper as all six walked past. They were facing a kangaroo court today and they knew the next hour was the only time they would be able to escape. The signal had been given, it was now or never. Freedom waited just on the other side of that door and it was opening as they drew near.

    Thoughts in Progress
    MC Book Tours

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    1. Mason Canyon: Oooh. More please. I wonder whether they will escape. And at what cost...

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    2. and why are they facing a Kangaroo court?

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    3. I pictured this line of men as POW's. Good job!

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  2. Haiku

    In the darkest hour
    A candle is passed along
    The dawn is coming

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    1. Martin Kloess: As it does. Lovely. Haiku is an art I have never mastered (mistressed?).

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  3. Another fun one to play with....

    "Cringing behind the weathered timber walls of the deserted old cabin he understood there was much truth in the saying – “THE DARKEST HOUR IS JUST BEFORE DAWN”.

    Outside the wind that had howled relentlessly throughout the night suddenly ceased. All was still; all went quiet except for his thundering heart pounding in his chest.

    He knew his chances of escape were nil.

    His accusers, not prepared to recognise the truth were closing in. If they had their way and it appeared they would, there was no way out; no amount of denying would convince them he’d played no role in the murder.

    His pursuers were baying for blood and once they were upon him they would conduct a KANGAROO COURT there and then...no quarter given."

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    1. Lee: The words are taking many of us on dark paths this week aren't they? I do hope that justice is served, but is sounds unlikely.

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    2. Now I remember what a kangaroo court is.

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    3. Your guy and my guy had similar outcomes. Guess that's what is meant my "great minds"...

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  4. A kangaroo court is a judicial tribunal or assembly that blatantly disregards recognized standards of law or justice, and often carries little or no official standing in the territory within which it resides.
    'This just makes me soooo angry.
    The humans wouldn't recognise justice if it balanced on its tail and kicked them in the guts'
    So quick to label the rest of us, and so very wrong.
    Our justice is quick, fair, and carries the authority of generations behind it. Perhaps, just perhaps in their darkest hour (which is assuredly coming) they will realise it, and stop tarring us with their own clumsy brush. '

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    1. Well done, EC...we're all coming out from the shadows, aren't we? :)

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    2. okay, now I'm confused again.

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    3. River: If I tell you that the speaker is a kangaroo does it make more sense?

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    4. I did think it might be, "balanced on its tail" was a clue.

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    5. I love this, written from the point of view of a kangaroo!

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    6. I echo, Lee. Well done! Woot. Woot.

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  5. The sign said Kangaroo Court. I smiled. Right address.

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    1. A completely different take on Kangaroo Court. I like it.

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    2. Marie Smith: Lovely. And nice to hear that you have arrived.

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  6. Hey Sue,

    It's marvellous to note the return of the delightful Delores. Hopefully, thanks to your link to her site, more will become aware that she is back.

    When it comes to a Kangaroo court, I just knew I had to hop over and at least leave a comment.

    Sorry for my absence. In the final preparations for my trip to Canada.

    I'm outta' here.

    Gary

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    1. klahanie: Dear Gary - I hope you have a wonderful, wonderful trip.

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    2. me too, have a wonderful time :)

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  7. Challenging? Yes. I'm stymied. This is going to take some actual thought.

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    1. River: I suspect I have more confidence than you do. I am sure inspiration will strike.

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    2. inspiration certainly did strike, my very short story is scheduled to appear on my blog on Friday 16th
      http://river-driftingthroughlife.blogspot.com.au

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  8. The expression (DARKEST HOUR) can be that of a calamity prior to the dawn of a new era in your life after suffering the raw end of the pineapple in a (KANGAROO COURT) (OR) those persons who (HAVE FUN) at your expense(AND) then eventually getting the better of them

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    1. Vest: Hopefully getting the better of them. Permanently.

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    2. A lot of controversy surrounds the quote "The darkest hour is before the dawn." but I never would have equated it with eating the raw end of the pineapple:-)

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    1. The Cranky: Looking forward to seeing where your hmmmmms take you.

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  10. Not gonna lie. I read that like one complete sentence. Some asshat to another.

    "Kangaroo courts." *takes a drag off a cigarette* "Challenging aren't they...or is it just me?" *takes another drag and throws it on the ground* "WELP! Have fun!" *walks away*

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    1. Robert Bennett: Oh dear. I have gone back and checked my formatting. And I can see exactly where this came from. And I hate to think of the asshats walking away untouched. But they do and they have.

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  11. Unable to de-cypher that which NTH AM Barb Bennet had to say.!!

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  12. Hi EC - I'd like to think of the darkest hour is when the brain adjusts to redemption and realises reflection will appear in the light of life appearing as dawn inexorably comes along .... life changing, giving us another chance at things -

    Cheers Hilary

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  13. Why is that goat wearing lipstick? The sheriff asked as he leaned down propping his beefy elbows in the window and and peering in to the animal in the back seat.
    It's a long story officer, the driver said as he belched beer.
    We need to take a little ride, said the sheriff,. we'll send animal control back for your girlfriend.
    Bubba knew this bar prank had gone too far. He was headed to kangaroo court to see the hanging judge.

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    Replies
    1. How did that goat manage to put on lipstick? LOL

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    2. Rick Watson: That beer sounds strong. Or plentiful. Love your take this week.

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  14. Thank you Margaret and Sue for these challenging phrases. Here is my contribution that is also posted on my blog.


    INNOCENCE LOST by Granny Annie


    They called it a “Kangaroo court”
    The man was sentenced to die.
    People of different opinions
    Raised a public outcry.

    He was marched to the gallows
    A dark bag slipped over his head
    The trap door suddenly opened
    The convicted man was dead.

    New evidence came to light
    Immediately after the execution
    That totally proved his innocence.
    Could there ever be retribution?

    Truth could not brighten this day
    He had been the legal game's pawn.
    The sky grew gray and dim, proving
    “The darkest hour is just before the dawn.”

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    1. Granny Annie: This is dreadfully sad. And reminds me why I don't support the death penalty. Mistakes can never be rectified.

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    2. Oh my. Very darkly well-written:)
      Sure makes a case against the death penalty doesn't it?

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    3. Wow! Very well done. And I agree with what Sandra said.

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  15. Perfect prompts. Okay this is going to be short and sweet:)
    She hated the dark, how the loneliness and fear seeped into her bones night after long night.
    "The darkest hour is just before dawn," she murmured to comfort herself.
    She went to the kitchen and poured her first cup of fragrant, steaming coffee just as the sun broke on the horizon.
    Another day. Her world righted.

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    1. Bravo. I know the feeling. Great job.

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    2. Sandra Cox: I am so glad that her world righted - and that you joined us this week.

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    3. I love this! It's much more optimistic than the other offerings, and something we can all relate to the feelings in it.

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  16. You definitely should do it. It is a lot of fun.

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  17. Best day of the week!!!! Smart and creative people all around.

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  18. Wow....that's going to take some thought. I'll post it on my blog after I've thought it through.

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    1. only slightly confused: I look forward to reading it.

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  19. They say the darkest hour is just before dawn. Maybe that's why I said, "Your Honor, I throw myself on the mercy of the court." Of course, I had the look of a sad kitten, hoping to appeal to her sympathetic side as was my usual attempt. I had been in trouble before for larceny and this time I expected a kangaroo court. In all honesty I should be going away for a long time. At least I had never physically hurt anyone.

    The judge, however, has heard about a recent incident that changed my life in which I became an accidental hero. Who would have thought something good would happen while I was out on bail.
    When I saw that woman struggling to save her dog in the river's current I had to do something. I would have drowned had it not been for the others standing nearby.

    I had never experienced others risking their own safety for mine. I always thought everyone looked out for themselves and no one else. Normally, I might have let them drown, but something came over me that day and I couldn't help myself. It was the first time I had ever done something for someone else and the first time anyone did anything for me. Had I been wrong all these years? What did all this mean to me?

    I really think I might be able to change, but my past is less than exemplary. The judge is coming back in from a brief recess. Will my pattern repeat or will I do what I think I should to redeem myself? She has a strange look on her face. What will she say?

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    1. Jono: Hooray. I love this - and I think it is the first totally hopeful take on this week's prompts. Life changing - in a positive way.

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    2. This was great. Ratcheted up the tension.

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  20. You are right, and now I'll have to put my wordsmith mind to work! I just can't help myself!

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  21. She had been accused of killing her husband although no evident was found at the Taliban KANGAROO COURT. She was thrown to the ground with her head covered so she could not see but heard lots of men jeering at her. In her heart she feared THE DARKEST HOUR IS JUST BEFORE THE DAWN and she was right. Minutes later she had a bullet in the back of her head and she died immediately.

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    1. Margaret Adamson: Sad. And bad. A bullet is an easier death than stoning though.

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  22. The darkest hour is just before dawn well it is very dark at that but also very quiet the traffic has stopped the birds are not singing yet we once heard the milkman but he no longer delivers it is a childhood memory of those milk bottles clinking that I really miss.
    Merle.........

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    1. Merlesworld: Our birds start well before dawn (particularly the wattle birds) but you are right about the milk bottles. A sound I loved, which is gone now.

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  23. These are interesting for sure. Love reading what people write. :)
    ~Jess

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  24. Granny Annie, The raw or rough end of the pineapple is an Australian expression-rude to say the least; indicating where you could "Shove it" if you get my drift.

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    1. I get your drift. It is always good to know these things just in case there is ever a need to understand a conversation. LOL

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  25. Love reading what comes from these words. Hug B

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    1. Button Thoughts: I love reading the places that prompts take people too. A lot.

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  26. Good morning, I did it and in just enough time before I must leave for work too! My words/phrases can be seen here
    http://twincitiesblather.blogspot.com/2016/09/tripartite.html

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    1. Karen S.: I will be over to check it out in a bit.

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  27. I enjoyed reading all the entries in your comment section – they are very good. I looked in Google translate for the exact translation in French of kangaroo court and it said “tribunal populaire” which is like being judged by a crowd. That reminded me of the US western movies, when all the good “white” people decided that someone of color (red, brown or black) was guilty and hang him/her or lynched him/her – I guess a kangaroo court made of “brave” European settlers? I also guess that this was the darkest hour for the Native Americans in the US, but unfortunately they have not seen the dawn yet, have they?

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    1. Vagabonde: Our indigenous people are still waiting for the dawn too. Tribunal populaire is a phrase I hadn't come across, but it fits beautifully. Thank you.

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  28. This is my friend Sue's story who helped me with this month's prompts and I think it is hilarious. Enjoy.

    OK, so I admit I am a very, very naughty wallaby.
    My name is Sydney and in later years, when you humans have finally come down from the trees and we brainier animals have decided it's safer for us to act dumb, I shall have a city named after me. So there!

    The hours of the night are much much longer now and THE DARKEST HOUR IS JUST BEFORE DAWN, so this is when I get up to my mischief.

    My favourite jape is tying the rats tails together while they are asleep and then thumping my tail. You should see them trying to escape - hilarious!

    And then occasionally I stick a pile of seeds to a branch and watch parakeets trying to get them off. They'll stay for hours, oh my aching sides, stupid birds.

    Anyway, the other day I decided to try something different and probably it wasn't my best move as those snidey sneaky spider police caught me at it and damned well arrested me and hustled me along to learn the price I has to pay for my latest escapade.

    The judge looked down at me, twitched his nose and said he expected better of his nearest relatives and then he banished me from the area until I mended my ways.

    All I can say is bloody KANGAROO COURT ...... I'll be back, just wait and see!

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  29. My attempt this week, driven by a need to have a different take on the phrase and inspired by the term "court shoes," a type of athletic shoe.

    "Kangaroo Court Shoes - the latest in athletic footwear ... They'll make your jumps higher, your leaps longer, your speed faster -- and your down times completely relaxing. Get yours today!"

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    1. jenny_o: A very different, and very clever twist. I would like some of those...

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  30. The marsupials talked it over and decided a kangaroo court was in order.

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    1. Kathleen Valentine: I wonder what the sentence will be...

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  31. Replies
    1. Bob Bushell: I am glad to hear it - and hope you can stay out of hospital.

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  32. I thought about that phrase when camping this week, the darkest hour is before dawn. I was freezing my butt off that first night, not knowing the time, hoping for dawn, as I was in a crowded campground and couldn't really get up and make any noise, the way you can't when you sleep at a friend's place. But it grew suddenly darker and I thought it must be the hour before dawn because it becomes so much darker just before. So I'd heard. But it is true.

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    1. Strayer: I have seen it too, and wonder about it. I am sure there is a scientific explanation, but I don't know what it is.

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  33. This week's words were out of the ordinary, but all the participants did a super job turning them into something extraordinarily good.

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    1. Susan: Some day you will join us. And yes, all the players DID do a wonderful job. As usual.

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  34. I just posted my take on one prompt at my site. With life being a jumble here, taking part in this W.W. was delightful.

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    1. Susan Kane: Oh good, I will be over to check it out shortly.

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  35. Lots of sharp witted writers. These were fun.
    Happy weekend, EC.

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    1. Sandra Cox: It was fun wasn't it? And a happy weekend to you and yours.

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  36. I really enjoy reading everyone's take on the prompts!

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    1. Terri @ Coloring Outside the Lines: I do too. I am endlessly amazed at the different directions the same prompts can take us.

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  37. The darkest hour is just before dawn, but it is usually accompanied immediately by the first light of the day. :-)

    Greetings from London.

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    1. A Cuban in London: You are right. And welcome back.

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