Over the holidays I took a stab at writing a little bit of sci-fi for Icon's Microfiction contest. At stake was a copy of Pynchon's Inherent Vice and a subscription, so I didn't have much to lose in summing up the forthcoming decade in 100 words. Well, my narrative lark paid off. Much to my surprise, I won the prize and my work is now published in the super clever, beautifully designed Fiction issue of the magazine.
So, without further ado, my entry:
Kicking aside the Kone Dirt Devil flotsam, I pluck a plastic bottle from the oily surf. To cross the Palm by sunrise, I’ll need resources: water, anti-bacteria wipes, and ammo. The Avant Garde control the easternmost fronds and the Urban Gardeners’ Free Ranger Chickens patrol the west. In this archetypal battle—abstraction versus nature—my comrades and I fight for beauty.
This decade is our chance. At dawn, Burj Skeleton broadcasts the revolution. Its remaining infrastructure will vibrate with our adhan. Chengdu, listen.
The GeoEye satellite crests the horizon. It’s nearly time. My balaclava itches. Bottle tucked in my waistband, I run.
Love it- so much imagery in so few words. And congrats!
-Deek
http://www.relaxshacks.com
Posted by: Derek Diedricksen | February 01, 2010 at 08:25 PM
Nice. Congrats!
Posted by: Kenneth M. Kambara | February 01, 2010 at 08:55 PM
love it - frond control - the Palm as a ruin.
Posted by: Mason White | February 02, 2010 at 04:10 PM
Oh hellz yeah!
Posted by: Bryan Jackson | February 10, 2010 at 02:45 AM