The matriarch leads her family along the path. Wet season has given way to dry, as she remembered it would, and they march north. She recalls a place of grass and shallow pools, through the jungles, over the hills, that way. So she walks in front, and the herd follows. To navigate, the matriarch does not imagine what might lie Read More
Category: Trunkated Tales
Trunkated tales demonstrate uncommon pachyderm proverbs that begin with “elephants never…” Each flash fiction tale features at least one elephant in a strikingly human situation. Most tales also occur in a world similar to our own, with the obvious exception of talking pachyderms having a prominent place in human society. Otherwise, trunkated tales create their own realities.
Depend
“Elephants never depend,” say the males. They repeat it on the fringe, outside the herds. When a young male leaves his mothers, the fathers rumble to him that masculine wisdom. They use it to impart strength and dispel responsibility. Adolescents trumpet it when females drive them off, hardness between their legs and blood-heat sweating their cheeks. When the fraternal groups rupture during Read More
Remit
“Is dis gonna become a ting?” “No, boss, we’re on it. The guy’s big, but he’s not unreasonable.” “I eva tell ya how ya shoot a pink elephant?” “It won’t come to that. Mr. Yderm just needs reminding about his obligations. Tony’s over there now reminding him about the money he owes us.” “Remindin? I tought dey neva ferget?” “What? Read More
Foresee
Enyo has committed one of the classic blunders. She’s started a land war in Asia. At least her opponent isn’t a Sicilian, and death is not on the line. Enyo moves to reinforce her front lines, and I gently tap her muscular, gray arm. She pauses, recognizing the signal, and reconsiders everyone’s troop positions. The board game Risk dominates our kitchen Read More
Quit
Insanity is performing the same action over and over again, yet expecting a different outcome. Or something like that. I don’t care which famous intellect said that originally. Narrators and news anchors quote it all the time on TV to explain a character who’s obsessed or stuck in a hopeless rut. The quote, however, ignores a simple caveat: It’s really Read More
Repent
For the Toupee From offstage, the speaker emerges. At first, his odd proportions and wrinkly visage underwhelm. His chin, weaker than one might expect, rises into a decided pout. Yet, a gleaming, golden wave crowns his head, and draws upward each critical eye. Secure beneath his helm of sweeping follicles, he begins. He speaks in falsehoods. White lies and Read More
Whet (the Appetite)
The smell on the wind perplexes me. Heavily musky yet thinly rank, the odor possesses weight and weakness. As I follow the scent up the hill, I wonder what manner of beast I will encounter. Certainly, I do not expect some sickly gnu. And healthy rhinos give off an acrid aroma that most predators describe as “rage.” No, this beast Read More
Sweat
Elewisa stands at the podium, redirecting dangerous questions while keeping on message. The bright, flashing lights bathe him in heat, and the reporters hunger for a juicy story. Yet, Elewisa’s huge, gray feet do not budge. He remains cool, calm, unflappable. Massive ears shiver in the breeze. (Well, almost unflappable.) A solid boulder amid the chaos. And not a drop Read More
Split
Dear Wife, I feel the winds of autumn sneak beneath the door, and I know it’s time to leave. But I don’t want to go. Watching our daughter cavort in the mud the other day, my tusks started to ache – I was smiling so hard! Nearby, you chased our son as he rampaged through the park, terrifying squirrels with his Read More
Forbid
“Young lady, I cannot believe you think it’s appropriate to leave the house like that!” “Mom! Quit trumpeting in my face. Jeez, I’m a grown pachyderm.” “That’s up for debate, little Miss Bubblegum Nails.” “What? It’s alternating sage and rose. I have to do something to minimize these giant foot pads you and Dad gave me.” “Oh, now that is Read More