This is my homework for my creative writing group. Any subject but no more than 50 words. I didn't include the title in my total.
We are just back from a week in Guernsey, where my niece, aged 42 and a primary school teacher, has had a very uncomfortable time. But by the time we left, she was more or less back to normal.
Apparently hook worms are very common - and come from cat and dog leavings that you might come into contact with - as she did - on a beach. She talked to one man who had his worm for 2 years - and the fear was that as Winston progressed in 6 weeks from her toe to half way long the sole of her foot - he might actually make it to her blood stream and then go anywhere after that. Hook worms are minute - and apparently don't reproduce when they are in a host situation.
Sarah's tablets made her very, very sick - and she managed to take them for 3 days - rather than the 6 days she was provided for. But she intends to wear shoes when on the beach in the future.
Winston the Worm’s Six Week Invasion of Sarah Ends Well
After a Borneo holiday, with an open toe, Sarah’s itch and pain was diagnosed as a hook worm - firmly lodged in her sole. They froze him - no go. Poison ointment - not enough. Finally, tablets to take the moss off trees. Both took it hard. Goodbye Winston.
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Written by Phil (7001 comments posted) 29th May 2008 |
Almost poetic, Jean. Did your niece actually name her worm? I don't suppose she mourned its passing.
Phil |
Written by coosh (923 comments posted) 29th May 2008 |
| You've got a thing with people and worms, Jean - didn't you once have a friend who started coughing up worms from his lungs? For some reason, I end up reading your pieces now and again with the voice of Jessica Fletcher... some delightful details, here... particularly the tablets for taking the moss off trees. The full title almost sounded like a Not News headline. |
Written by Livinginanattic (473 comments posted) 29th May 2008 |
| Yes, you could make a poem out of this Jean. Very concise - particularly liked 'tablets to take the moss off trees'. |
Written by Bottleblondesurfer (3590 comments posted) 29th May 2008 |
I'd have given anything to see the faces of your writing group when you read this out. No danger of duplication I'm guessing.
A whole story in 50 words, well done. It's actually quite complete and understandable. Naming the worm was a master-stroke,gave him a bit of character
cheers
jane |
Written by Emmuttmax (203 comments posted) 29th May 2008 |
| Excellent economy of words. |
Written by Lizzy (838 comments posted) 29th May 2008 |
Another good one Jean.
Your intro was equally good, I shall remember to wear good sensible shoes if I ever find myself in Borneo.
Lizzy |
Written by johniebg (553 comments posted) 29th May 2008 |
Wow, I wuld have paid the entrance fee just for the introduction.
... I really wish there was something I could add, but I cannot. I almost wish I could have read the main post before the introduction. |
Written by johniebg (553 comments posted) 29th May 2008 |
PS I thought the initial title was: 'Winston the worm's six week invasion of Sarah's end well'
Which iitially gave me to think this was going in an entirely different dirrection |
Thanks everyone
Written by jean.day (2387 comments posted) 30th May 2008 |
Sarah named her worm - for the sake of alliteration rather than comment on other Winstons, I think.
The man who coughed up worms has now died - cancer of the lungs and probably other bits, I think.
Poor Sarah's side effects from the massive dose of poison did affect her "end" but I think that is now better too.
It is lovely to read lots of reviews - more for my 50 words than I have had for 18 chapters of my book - but that is understandable. But for those who aren't reading my book, I am going to copy the poem from today's chapter here - as it is my favourite one - written by an inmate of a workhouse and very appropriate to the view out of my window.
Dirty days hath September,
April, June, and November;
From January up to May,
The rain it raineth every day;
From May again until July,
There's not a dry cloud in the sky;
All the rest hath thirty-one
Without a blessed ray of sun;
And if any of them had two-and-thirty,
They'd be just as wet and dirty |
Written by Leigh (254 comments posted) 30th May 2008 |
I really enjoyed this, and admire anyone who can tell a story in so few words. We spent many a happy holiday in Guernsey when I was a kid - no problems with worms though!
Yes, you could almost write this as a poem. I felt almost affection towards Winston by the end!
The "Both took it hard" line has a clever double meaning. |
Thanks Leigh
Written by jean.day (2387 comments posted) 2nd June 2008 |
| The worm didn't originate in Guernsey - so those on holiday can walk on the beach without too much worry. |
All Together Now - One, Two, Three - -
Written by Josie (2847 comments posted) 3rd June 2008 |
The holiday in Borneo was quite another thing
For the hook worm we encountered, decided just to cling.
What should we do with Winston for ‘twas time to say goodbye?
But Winston wasn’t having it, and this worm was very sly.
They froze him, they poisoned him – but all to no avail –
They coaxed him, they smoked him, they shook him by the tail.
They told him then to hurry off, but he didn’t want to please –
But some tablets seemed to do the job, which takes moss off the trees.
You sing this to "Delaney's Donkey" Jean.
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HI Josie
Written by jean.day (2387 comments posted) 4th June 2008 |
Great fun. You are a much better poet than me, and did the story proud.
I am going to send Sarah a copy of your poem, and tell her to see if her 11 year old students can match it.
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