It’s time for Friday Fictioneers again! Each week, writers from around the world post 100-word stories based on a photo prompt provided by Madison Woods. This week’s picture is disturbing…the aftermath of man’s impingement upon the natural world.
You can read other Friday Fictioneers’ work by clicking the link that appears below my story. There is also a Facebook page for the Friday Fictioneers.
Invasion
by Jan Brown
After a brutal winter, the temperature rose abruptly and quite unexpectedly. Snowdrifts melted, creeks overflowed, and the entire area was invaded by giant foliage intruding over the roads. Enormous leaves, bulbous fruit and sickly sweet blossoms slammed into windshields. Basements flooded, the water dotted with pungent flowers that looked like a macabre parody of Monet’s “Water Lilies.”
When the road crews finally came, they maneuvered oversized spinning blades in slow motion, sending mushy fruit chunks high into the sky – where they sprouted wings – and into our yards and houses – where they sprouted legs and took up residence, in swift retribution.
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mezzojan 
Kudzu!
Hahahaha! Yes, just like kudzu!
phew. very descriptive. great story- Almost feels like I was caught in that flood.
Thanks, Nifti!
Very well weritten and vividly descriptive. Well done, Jan
Thank you, Celestine!
Frightening, without being repulsive. That was a fine balance nicely struck. Good one.
Your comments are greatly appreciated, Sandra. Thank you very much!
Powerful imagery (unfortunately, I think I have a crop of those plants growing in my garden this year and I hope your story is not prophetic). Like “macabre parody of Monet’s ‘Water Lillies'”.
Thank you, and I hope your plants do better than these!
Different sort of invasion. That’s what I like – difference and surprise.
Scott
Thanks, Scott!
Very creative, kind of like a sci-fi. I think this photo prompts a lot of imagination in that direction. It did for me, too. My link is there on the list. http://jemj47.wordpress.com
Thanks, Joyce! I enjoyed your story, too.
Dear Jan,
“..in swift retribution.” A lovely turn of phrase to finish your fine tuned tale of Invasion. There is a feeling that no matter what we do, the strange new creatures are going to thrive at our expense. Well done.
Aloha,
Doug
Thank you, Doug! I appreciate your comments and insight.
Jan, this was my favorite line, ” pungent flowers that looked like a macabre parody of Monet’s “Water Lilies.” ” Nice job!
Thank you, Janet! Hope you are having a lovely time in Wyoming!
We just got here this evening. Tomorrow is the first ride, something I always anticipate and love. I imagine if you check back during the week, you might see some photos and read a bit about what we’re doing. It’s always wonderful.
Outstanding contribution. I would love to read more. I’m hooked!
Thank you, Mike!
Crimes of vicious botanical and insect groups…nicely evoked. It’s true that a flood brings out the worst in a lot of organisms. But one of my friends found a new career in studying the fungi after the Katrina floods in New Orleans destroyed her house. Enjoyed your images!
Lorelei
http://www.westcoastwriters.blogspot.com/2012/08/silent-scream-friday-fictioneers.html
Thank you, Lorelei!
lovely story!
Thank you, Shruti!
Oh wow, that’s fantastic. Gave me a shiver–and I love stories that do that. Great job.
Here’s mine: http://unexpectedpaths.com/friday-fictioneers/try-not-to-notice/
A great story Jan.
Retribution was definitely swift and I assume as brutal.
Thanks for your comments, Mike!
oooh…. scary stuff, Jan. Swift retribution I don’t like the sound of at all.
I’m over at: http://elmowrites.wordpress.com/2012/08/03/friday-fiction-torment/
Thanks, Jen!
Don’t mess with giant plants. That’s what I’m taking from this 🙂
Day of the Triffids. Chilling and ominous without being nauseating and oozy.
http://www.rochelle-wisoff.blogspot.com/2012/08/wild-life.html