Thursday, December 17, 2009

Flash Fiction Friday - The tattoo artist




The Sign Read, ‘We Serve Royalty’
By Kathleen Kimball-Baker


“You’re sure?”
She nods.

“I just didn’t think it was allowed.”
“It’s not.”

“Right to left, correct?”
“Yes.”

When he is done, she lets down her kohl hair, covers up the tender skin at the nape of her neck,
pays in crisp bills.
A limo waits outside.

“Tell me what it means?”

“Sweet memories.” 





Image: Seventy Thirty a.m. Oil on board by Philip Geiger

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To join the fun, write any story you like in 55 words (no more, no less).



Then tell Mr. Knowitall, aka G-Man by leaving a a comment


on his own Flash-55 post.

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Thanks for the suggestion, Natalie!

18 comments:

Brian Miller said...

oh, i like. nice 55. so is there a story behind this one? smiles.

mine is up!

Hootin Anni said...

This was great!!! I pictured Princess Di while reading this, don't know why, but I did.

MY 55 is all about snow suits and the urge....come see HERE

HAPPY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Dianne said...

Subtle and perfect.
Thanks for that one. the essence without excess.

Dianne

Alice Audrey said...

I feel so stupid. Does it say "We Serve Royalty" on her neck or on the tattoo artist's shop?

Monkey Man said...

you set such a mood with your 55's. I especially like this one. My 55 is HERE.

G-Man said...

Loved It!!!!
You set such a mysterious mood here.
Excellent 55 Kath!!!!
Thank You so much for this perfect
story...You Rock!
have a Kick Ass Week-End....Galen

Kathleen said...

@Brian: The backstory is pretty skimpy--on our way to to lunch, 2 colleagues walked by a tattoo parlor that has a sign proudly noting that the proprietors "serve royalty." So we started trying to imagine what royalty might have visited. We know Swedish royalty has been in the Twin Cities. And we've had Saudi royalty come for care at Mayo Clinic, just south of here. And Natalie said to me: "I think you should write your flash fiction on this one." And there you have. So, what kind of royalty, do you suppose, got the tattoo?

Kathleen said...

@Hootin'Anni: I just LOVE it that you pictured Princess Di. That's so cool!!

Kathleen said...

@Dianne: Wow, thanks for that nice comment! Not sure we can do excess with 55, eh?

Kathleen said...

@Alice Audrey: No, you mustn't stupid! It's meant to leave room for a little interpretation. And your question is quite valid! Maybe this will help...the tattoo is written from right to left. The words are not in English. The "We Serve Royalty" is a sign on the door to the tattoo studio. A little too subtle, perhaps?

Kathleen said...

@Monkey Man: You comment pleases me greatly! Thank you!

Kathleen said...

@G-Man: YES! I finally got out of the death and dying mode. w00t! You, my friend, ROCK!!!

Felicitas said...

A very creative and beautifully written 55! I really loved it!

Kathleen said...

@Felicitas: Thank you so much...I'm so pleased you enjoyed it!

Dianne said...

Thanks for visiting
Happy Solstice

Kathleen said...

@Dianne: Thank you having a look at my 55! Have a lovely weekend!

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Rockwrites said...

I'm so glad you explained it. I wasn't sure I could go about my day without some clue, lol