Utnapishtim was waiting. But then, so was Enlil, and the Lord of Wind was not happy. What to do? Tell Utnapishtim I’ve found dry land and have him disembark all the animals into Enlil’s wrath? Or tell him the land has been washed away in the Flood and the Golden Age ended? Enlil would kill him, for sure.
You may wonder how, as a dove, I could speak anything. Well, this was still the Golden Age and all living things shared one spirit.
“Nope,” I said. “Only water. But look on the bright side—the terrible lizards are gone.”
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 
Dear Neil,
Isn’t it interesting that all major religions have an epic flood in their history? No lizards is a good thing I suppose. I’d prefer no spiders. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It is interesting. I suppose that might mean it happened, or it might mean the story was passed on from Sumerian religion to those that followed
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Neil, this reads like a prophesy for us.
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Thanks so much, Jade
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You’re welcome.
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The ‘Flood’ is a cleansing process that regenerates the human soul, or else destroys all material wealth. I miss the dinosaurs, the plastic versions visits our town every year.
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Cleansing was the gods’ original intention, but a few nasty little humans escaped
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Love the idea that the bird is lying to protect the captain of the ship.
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Thanks, Clare. The captain is, of course, Noah. Or, his earlier incarnation as the Sumerian Utnapishtim
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It’s interesting how you portrayed the dove as a gentle, empathic creature. Just like Jesus.
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Though a bit of a liar
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Isn’t there a lot of falsehood in religion?
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Oooooo lizard men or worse.
Ah the flood certainly washed away something. I wonder… I’m with Rochelle’s comment above. I wish it took away spider’s too. So many great ancient stories have The Flood… I’m always fascinated with the shared history
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Thank so much, Laurie
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Great story, Neil. Love the voice of the dove.
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Thanks so much
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well, he had a point. 🙂
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Not an honest one, but a point
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Those antediluvians knew a thing or two. Good piece.
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Thanks so much, Rob
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The various versions of the story of the flood are fascinating. I had not heard of Utnapishtim and had fun reading more. Thanks! I like your version, and the dove’s dilemma. 🙂
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The earliest recorded version of the Flood story. Thanks, Brenda
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I love this retelling of the story from the dove’s perspective and how the dove is weighing its actions and the consequences. Well done.
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Thanks so much
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Interesting version, and I enjoyed the dove having a voice.
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I’m not generally keen on talking animals, but in myth it’s acceptable
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“The lizards are gone” brought a small smile to my face. I’ll bet they were quite grateful for that!
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The terriblie lizards are, of course, the dinosaurs. The cute little ones remain
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I thought dinosaurs right away, but not little ones. eeek! 😉
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