Stooping, I examine the flowers. They are like…sea urchins, but growing from green stalks; or a constellation of arcing plasma in solar storms; or cells scurrying about their business in the dark hallways of the body. And, they are like themselves—fractal self-similar images in a hall of mirrors.
I know they bear secrets. What cryptic signatures do they carry of the ailments they cure? Why do these blooms fill me with terror? That too is a signature, and I hurry on.
.
Friday fictioneers is a weekly challenge set by Rochelle Wisoff Fields to write a 100-word story in response to a photo prompt. You can find other stories here
Neil MacDonald Author 
Clever, scientific investigation going on here.
Late in life I’m coming to appreciate the geometry of Australian native flowers. The structure is amazing, to touch them is intriguing and most of them smell divine.
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Clever scientific investigation followed by unreasoning fear. Thank so much, Trish
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A highly imaginative take on the image. Cells scurrying about their business: lovely.
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Thanks so much, Jilly
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That’s quite true. There is an element of the unknown about this plant – I’ve never felt truly at home with it. Well observed.
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Thanks so much, Sandra
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Is it because the images of viruses replicate these flowers, or the flowers replicate viruses, that we see something fearful in them?
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Or merely that flowers suck the oxygen out of the air?
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Dear Neil,
Sinister flowers these. Nicely described.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks so much, Rochelle
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Neil, you have given these flowers a personality all their own. Great descriptive writing!
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Thanks so much, Linda
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Ah, as Stevie Wonder once said in a song called “the Secret Life of Plants” – “There is, there was, and probably will be…” I wish I could remember the words, but then it’s been almost 40 years since I heard it last and all that remains is the eerie tune and the first line. Great story, and oh the secrets we’ve yet to discover…
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Thanks so much, Bear
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These flowers do look a bit ominous. However, it would be grand if they did have some
type of medicinal component. Interesting write, Neil.
Isadora 😎
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Thanks so much, Isadora
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They are rather mysterious-looking blossoms. I like how you make them become the template for many things.
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Thanks so much, Jade
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You’re welcome, Neil.
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I like the way you use the flowers’ resemblance to the Covid virus to drive your story – and I like the way your narrator holds both rational and irrational beliefs simultaneously. Clever story, Neil.
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Thanks so much. Penny
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I’ll remember this the next time I see some of those flowers!
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With fondness, I hope
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You nailed it! I had some similar impressions of those spiky blooms before I went another direction. Good thing too because I would not have said as well as you did. You managed to convey a thought as well as a character picking up his step to get beyond the visions conjured up.
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Thank you so much for that loveluy comment
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A well-told story, Neil.
I do, when walking, stop to smell the flowers. But these are unique.
Too bad about the floral paranoia. 🙂
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Thanks so much, Bill
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I am a great fan of many differing types of flowers. However I am still on the fence with this one… but not with your flash which was good
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Thanks so much. Michael
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sometimes overthinking can cause stress. it should be avoided whenever possible.
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I’ll have to think about that
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You never know what’s danger lies with or around them. Best hurry on.
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His feelings exactly
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Could they not just as easily, led the investigator to hope. Memories of Joseph Salk.
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They could, but he’s an anxious fellow
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Yes, the world gains many benefits from plants and many dangers too.
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Thanks, James
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Ooooo nicely done. Layers upon layers with the science of plants
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Thanks so much, Laurie
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Ehhh, me thinks our friend has been reading/ watching too much science documentary. Lovely take.
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Thanks so much
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Nicely done, Neil! I can relate to your scientific slant on this, as I’m reading Where the Crawdads Sing, and I can’t put the book down. I’m with CGraith, you nailed it, cleverly done.
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Thanks so much, Fleur
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You are welcome, Neil
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