Click here to read The Institution, a second story inspired by Jennifer Pendergast’s photo.
(Sammy, the Gat, glossary at end.)
The scarecrow caws as I wing it through the roundabout and take off for Windsor World. Bobble-tops twist and twirl as the ostrich and I swoop in and out of the snarled snails headin’ for Big Ben.
I check the sundial. Straight pins: straight up; I got six numbers ’til the meet-and-greet at 12:30.
I juice up the GPS on Keen Teen’s deceptive dial-file, punch in “23 Hasting”, round the 45-degree and snug the rattrap next to the pedestrian puddle jumper.
I sidestep it into the big box then two-step it up the stairway to heaven.
I bend and dip when I catch a shutter-flick of Johnnie Pickles hide-n’-seekin’ it on the peer-tier.
THE GATIONARY of Sammy Speak
big box: n. a house. bobble-top: n. a head. caw: v. to roar (in bird-speak).
dial-file: n. a dashboard. 45-degree: n. a corner.
Keen Teen: n. owner/builder of car Sammy’s driving. ostrich: n. a fast car.
pedestrian puddle jumper: n. a sidewalk curb. peer-tier: n. the top floor.
rattrap: n. a jalopy. scarecrow: n. a beat-up car. shutter-flick: n. a glimpse.
six numbers: n. a half-hour. snarled snails: n. traffic jam.
straight pins: n. hands of a clock. Windsor World: n. London.
(Click to catch up on the continuing story of Sammy, the Gat.)
(Photo by Jennifer Pendergast. Rochelle Wisoff-Fields, Friday Fictioneers, March 8, 2013.)
vb's reverbs 
I always enjoy Sammy.
janet
And Sammy is tickled when you visit!
London will never be the same. Love the opening line and imagery.
Many thanks, Lynne–I suspect Sammy will, indeed, leave his mark on Blimeytown.
Ha – I’m trading my scarecrow for a new ride! Always ready for more Sammy!
There are definitely some peppy ponies under the hood and Sammy’s hot to demo the limo so climb aboard–and bring Janet!
Sammy rides again! 🙂 Well done.
And he’s ridin’ in style, yet! The “cream puff” is picking up panache–pretty soon it’ll have its own name.
I think it’s too much if you have to leave the vocabulary in a comment. Don’t be insecure about your writing and do that, imo. If it’s over someone’s head, sorry for them. But then, I like a stretch in the head read from time to time.
Thanks, Jenn–and I’m pleased you enjoyed “translating” Sammy. I must admit, I have fun compiling The Gationary each week–I think it’s more for my pleasure than the readers’.
Your writing simultaneously entertains and challenges me. Loved it!
Many thanks for the great compliment! Glad you enjoyed reading Sammy.
Sammy’s in London. Hilariousness must ensue, or we will not be amused. 😉
Here’s mine: http://unexpectedpaths.com/friday-fictioneers/procrastination/
Nor will the Gatster be amused! Have fun in Bean Town, Maggie–sounds like a good conference.
I think I’m as ennamored of the dictionary as with the story itself. Heh.
I have to say the dialogue is the fun part–the plot just grows out of the prompts so I have no idea how the story will end.
Fun stuff. I do a continuing story for The Sunday Whirl…the latest here:
http://julesstorypageswhirl.wordpress.com/2013/03/03/sw-98-story-c2-dodgers/
This story was for a photo prompt – I include it just because of the ‘title’…
http://julesinflashyfiction.wordpress.com/2013/02/25/reverb-for-a-painting-prompt/
Are there such things as co-inky-dinks? (coincidences?)
Thanks! I read your two stories and like them both–don’t have time to catch up on “Dodgers” today, but will do so at a later date. Really like “Reverb”–unique response to the prompt.
No worries. It might be best to start at what might resemble a beginning on the page that says “All together now”…or something like that. Each story verse is only a page long and often repeats cues from other parts of the story. They can be read individually and make sense too.
Thanks again for your visits. I look forward to the next Friday Fictioneers.
Cheers.
You’re going to be the next Tolkein, creating a language all of your own!
And a happy seasonal jig in response to your kind comment.
I’m growing to love Sammy, the Gat 🙂 Makes me feel like I’m in the middle of a jazz club. Not sure I entirely understand what’s going on but I’m enjoying the groove 🙂
Dear VB,
Sammy’s back. Loving it.
Aloha,
Doug
Dear VB,
My bobble-top is wagging in wonder. 😉 fun stuff.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Love the first paragraph, love the story, I’m still chuckling.
Had a bit of a problem with the dialogue, but I’m willing to learn!
Dee
Yes, London’s never safe with Sammy and his ostrich 🙂
I must be getting better. I read the story and understood it! I have a fascination for that kind of thing. I like the dictionary at the end, it helps me make sure I got it all right. I love the story as it goes along. Never a dull minute with Sammy
What rich adventures Sammy has.
Lovely sound here. k.