When I walked across the water it was a mistake, it was hype. And hype is like a virus, it eats up everything else. But water is only molecules, like the ground is only molecules; the difference is irrelevant.
Life isn’t molecules, whatever the evidence says. And the message wasn’t irrelevant, whatever the evidence says.
I wanted to talk about simple things, things that anyone can influence. But people flinch at that. They cling to hype because it seems unattainable, so then there’s no pressure to attain it. I should’ve let myself drown that day. The cross was hype, too.
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This piece of flash fiction was written for Friday Fictioneers: a story in 100 words prompted by a picture that Rochelle Wisoff-Fields posts every Wednesday. Here’s the link to the stories and this week’s picture is at the top of this post, copyright The Reclining Gentleman.
From Aquileana’s wonderful posts about Greek mythology, I’ve read a lot about hubris, lately – and so… a reboot of the saviour of mankind. Meanwhile, to maintain the cosmic balance, here’s a quick word from Richard Hell.
Sweet FA by Blake 
Yowzers!! A real punch in the gut at the end!!
But…. People do cling to the miracles, the bigger-bolder-grander, and forget about love and decency. Powerfully written…..
True, it’s tricky stuff, love and decency – personally, I’d find it easier if only people were… erm… more likeable. But they’re such stinkers! :O
Wow! Love this. Jesus looking back with a wince and a sigh, and a lot of truth sprinkled in. Brava!
Hmm I suppose looking back over 2,000 years would provoke a good deal of wincing – looking back over 2 days can be bad enough… 🙂
But the molecules react differently to his feet compared to everyone else’s. Like the downbeat reflective voice, although I suspect it might mean people miss his killer line ‘And the message wasn’t irrelevant, whatever the evidence says.’ Hype is just more exciting.
Oh I don’t know, walking on water isn’t so special, really – pond skaters do it all the time without batting an eyelid – and they wouldn’t, even if they had eyelids to bat 🙂
This is a splendid story.. how much can you say in just 100 words? I think you have just told the church about what they should focus on… the simple things.. yes that is exactly my thoughts…
Thanks, Bjorn. Sometimes the tight word limit forces you to focus on the elements that need to be focused on.
You’re certainly onto something about what gets our attention. Only he who has the sharpest catchphrase or the most appealing image gets heard. Hype works. Unfortunately. A sobering piece – thought-provoking and cleverly conceived.
Very true. Although I always thought “let he who is without sin cast the first stone” was a fairly cool catchphrase. But then, I suppose the stone manufacturers’ PR went into overdrive: “we need bigger and better stones to protect our way of life!”
Miracles do exist. Interesting perspective. Nan 🙂
Loved it. Marketing is not about message or substance, its about gimmicks…
Its a well written piece, but its the new viewpoint of a well known main character that I really like here.
It’s always tricky reworking a well-known character, especially this one, so I’m glad the viewpoint in particular was what you liked.
Yep, marketing sure loves its gimmicks, as does religion. Hmm I’m just wondering whether religion was the first form of marketing..
“Saving your soul: Half Price!”
I really enjoyed this, not so much because of the bigger issues addressed, but because it focused on regret, regret at getting caught up in the moment and failing to see the less shiny and more important things.
Hmm I like that you saw him as culpable, as having been caught up in the thrill of the scene that swirled around him. I can’t remember now if I meant to include that element, but it can certainly be read that way. So, that’s good to know 🙂
Great flash fiction. And I truly appreciate the mention, Sue ⭐
All the best to you, Aquileana 😀
Ah well, credit where credit is due 😀