Content warning
This story may contain sensitive material or discuss topics that some readers may find distressing. Reader discretion is advised. The views and opinions expressed in this story are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Vocal.
“Murder!” she screamed...
Poppy’s Prompts: June!
“Murder!” she screamed!
Her cries rang loud and clear
Inky black crows startled… became airborne
June’s bleak winter winds howled with fear.
***
A shiver of sharks circled round the rowboat…
Hungrily hoping for afternoon tea
Festooned with sinuous seaweed ropes
She rowed and struggled valiantly.
***
Scuttling under the ramshackle beachhut peering out to sea
The intrusion of cockroaches were oblivious
While the skulk of furry foxes
Slunk stealthily through the spinifex.
***
White horses rode the waves’ stormy crests
Curling — crashing chaotically with a roar
Tossing the hapless boat
Towards the forlorn shore.
***
Fragile flotsam
Hurled up on the beach
A riot of cackling kookaburras rejoiced
At last! She was safely beyond the savage sharks’ hungry reach.
***
There’d be no autopsy today
She’d escaped the ocean’s clutches
Maybe a Good Samaritan will happen along
And minister to her with compassionate touches.
***
Who is this lass?
Will she survive… what is her destiny?
Why was she even there?
Sadly, I’m sorry… that remains a total mystery!
***
Apologies! Poppy’s Prompts made me do it! The word prompts all screamed murder mystery, but Poppy wanted a story (oops) poem, and I haven’t yet learnt how to write ballads properly!🥺
***
Here’s another silly poem… if you’re up for it!
About the Creator
Angie the Archivist 📚🪶
Addicted to reading, especially fiction and poetry.
Personality of a Labrador.
Attention span of a gnat! 😳
A Parade Of Shoes: Top Story March 2024
Painting Pandemonium Top Story February 2024
"Look Out... Sauerkraut!": Top Story December 2023
Enjoyed the story? Support the Creator.
Subscribe for free to receive all their stories in your feed. You could also pledge your support or give them a one-off tip, letting them know you appreciate their work.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Expert insights and opinions
Arguments were carefully researched and presented
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
Keep reading
More stories from Angie the Archivist 📚🪶 and writers in Poets and other communities.
Comments (13)
Oh!! I loved this so much Angie!! The animal groupings were clever and a funny little bit of knowledge to share!! Obviously my favourite is the skulk of Foxes!!! But I also loved the imagery and story you spun with all of poppy's promos!! Very clever and so encapsulating!! Great work!!
Very well written Angie. The imagery you've created with your words is so amazing and thoroughly detailed. Excellent work!!!
Very very nice. I particularly loved the ending and the questions that were humerously left unanswered😂
A very lucky lass who outswims sharks. Luck and a bit of a miracle. Great happy day.
I do love a good murder mystery! Cool take on the challenge.
Love what did with this prompt. Your poem tells a story and it's so wonderfully descriptive. Well done.
Ewww, the cockroaches, lol. Loved your little murder mystery hehehehehe!
I liked “a shiver of sharks” - ace!
Love that you made this a mystery! And I love all the "motion" in your poem, too.
Glad she managed to sail through the unleashed zoo! Series of questions was a fitting end for the colorful puzzle you created!
I felt like "she" was the boat itself, had to re-read to find the little person in the midst of this vastness.
Had to google spinifex. Thanks for teaching me a new word. Nice entry, Angie.
Well, you really left us marooned.