“The Little Drummer Boy,” Flash Fiction

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July 5, 2018, Carrot Ranch Literary Community prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that includes buttons. You can use the word plural or singular in different expressions, or focus on how buttons relate to a story. Go where the prompt leads. Respond by July 10, 2018.

“The Little Drummer Boy”

The boy hid near a copse of trees. All around him, the sound of gunfire sputtered and pinged. Tears stinging, he pulled the drum closer, waiting for a new command from the general so he could muster the troops.

Scared, he slipped his hand into his pocket and fingered the buttons he had cut from the coats of the enemy. Each button represented a win. He had survived the battles and lived to beat the drums to victory.

Until today. When the men found him the little drummer boy gripped a string of dirty buttons—his legacy to death.

**Dedicated to the Drummer Boys of the American Civil War**

I have no idea where this story came from, but the words flew from my fingertips. It was meant to be written. Again. <3

 And write some Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction!

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Colleen Chesebro: WordCraftPoetry

Colleen M. Chesebro is a Michigan Poet who loves crafting syllabic poetry, flash fiction, and creative fiction and nonfiction. Colleen sponsors a weekly syllabic poetry challenge, called #TankaTuesday, on wordcraftpoetry.com where participants learn how to write traditional and current forms of syllabic poetry. A published author, Colleen is also an editor of “Word Weaving, a Word Craft Journal of Syllabic Verse, also found on wordcraftpoetry.com. Colleen’s mission is to bring the craft of writing syllabic poetry to anyone who thinks they can’t be a poet. Recently, she created the Double Ennead, a 99-syllable poetry form for the Carrot Ranch literary community at carrotranch.com. Colleen’s poetry has appeared in various anthologies and journals including “Hedgerow-a journal of small poems,” and “Poetry Treasures1 & 2” a collection of poetry from the poet/author guests of Robbie Cheadle on the “Treasuring Poetry” blog series on “Writing to be Read." Colleen published “Word Craft: Prose & Poetry, The Art of Crafting Syllabic Poetry,” which illustrates how to write various syllabic poetry forms used in her Tanka Tuesday challenges; and a collection of poetry, flash fiction, and short stories called, “Fairies, Myths & Magic: A Summer Celebration,” dedicated to the Summer Solstice. She contributed a short story called “The Changeling,” in the “Ghostly Rites Anthology 2020,” published by Plaisted Publishing House. Find Colleen at Word Craft: Prose & Poetry at wordcraftpoetry.com.

34 thoughts on ““The Little Drummer Boy,” Flash Fiction”

  1. olganm – Barcelona, Spain – I am a language teacher, writer and bookworm who worked for many years as a forensic psychiatrist, and also have a Ph.D. in American Literature, and an MSc in Criminology. I started publishing my stories, in English and Spanish, in 2012 and now have over twenty books available in a variety of genres, a blog (in English and Spanish), and translate books for other authors (English-Spanish and vice versa). In 2020 obtained the CELTA certificate as a language teacher, and offer Spanish and English classes. Writers and readers both in English and Spanish are my friends, colleagues and allies, and after living in the UK for over twenty-five years, have returned home, to Barcelona, in Spain, searching for inspiration for my stories. Oh, I also love the radio (I volunteer at a local radio station, Sants 3 Ràdio) and all things owl. Do feel free to connect with me. Here are: My website/blog: http://www.authortranslatorolga.com And for older content: http://OlgaNM.wordpress.com
    olganm says:

    Very sad and touching story, Colleen and a suitable homage.

    Reply
  2. merrildsmith – I am a historian, writer, and poet. My books have mainly focused on history, sexuality, and gender, and my most recent book is a reference book, Sexual Harassment. My blog is mainly poetry and musings about the world around me.
    merrildsmith says:

    A poignant tale, Colleen. I hope “the enemy” takes pity on him.

    Reply
      1. merrildsmith – I am a historian, writer, and poet. My books have mainly focused on history, sexuality, and gender, and my most recent book is a reference book, Sexual Harassment. My blog is mainly poetry and musings about the world around me.
        merrildsmith says:

        I liked that it wasn’t stated who he was or who the enemy was. It could refer to either side of many wars where there were drummer boys.

        Reply

        1. Agreed. You know this stuff just flows from my fingers sometimes. I see bits in my mind but knew it had to do with the Civil War. I seriously had to research drummer boys. I wasn’t sure what they did. The muse spoke.

          Reply
  3. Annette Rochelle Aben – Westland, MI – My life is ALL ABOUT being a COMMUNICATOR, so I write/publish books, (find my on Amazon) articles, essays, poetry, heck I love writing LETTERS. I am also a host/producer of internet radio shows; (find me on Blog Talk Radio) my own shows as well as shows that other people host. Since I was a little girl I have been a singer and fronted bands for years. People everywhere are wearing my jewelry and eating the food I create and sell. In my spare time I am a mentor/guide for others along their personal and professional paths. Thank you for joining me here and be sure to let me know what I can help YOU with!
    Annette Rochelle Aben says:

    Aw…

    Reply
  4. Ritu – A writer and blogger who teaches, and is a wife and mother too. Enjoy my ramblings on life, love and literature. 💖
    Ritu says:

    What a bittersweet tale… <3

    Reply
      1. Ritu – A writer and blogger who teaches, and is a wife and mother too. Enjoy my ramblings on life, love and literature. 💖
        Ritu says:

        So sad 💜

        Reply
  6. Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life. – Wexford Ireland – My name is Sally Cronin and I am doing what I love.. Writing. Books, short stories, Haiku and blog posts. . I move between non-fiction health books and posts and fairy stories, romance and humour. I love variety which is why I called my blog Smorgasbord Invitation and you will find a wide range of subjects. Free Book Marketing, Music, Health, Book Reviews, Short Stories, Poetry and Humour. Find out more at https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/about-me/
    Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life. says:

    Lovely Colleen.. beautiful and so sad.. xxx♥

    Reply
  7. watchingthedaisies – The Rosses, Co. Donegal, Ireland – Brigid P. Gallagher is a retired natural medicines therapist, passionate organic gardener and author of “Watching the Daisies- Life lessons on the Importance of Slow,” a holistic memoir dedicated to the art of mindfulness and healing from a debilitating illness. She lives in Donegal, Ireland –  an area of outstanding natural beauty.
    watchingthedaisies says:

    A beautiful yet poignant story Colleen. 🌼

    Reply
  8. Adele Marie – Scotland – Fantasy, horror writer. Forever stories that flow into me and hopefully out of me, onto paper and into your minds. I am from a small Orcadian island called Rousay. I am married to my beautiful wife Becca, who patiently puts up with my creative moods. My daughter Tara, I am so proud of and our dog Dante who keeps us sane, well, as sane as you can get in our world. And say hello, our world is fun, mad and great to visit.
    Adele Marie says:

    So sad, but a wonderful piece of flash fiction, sis. <3

    Reply
  9. coldhandboyack – Idaho – Just a fiction writer, trying to reach the world. I write fiction with a strange bent. I live in the world of science fiction, fantasy, and paranormal. Check out my novels: Wild Concept (science fiction) http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IIWQ10A Panama (paranormal) http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K7Q949A Arson (science fiction) http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LQ99QN6 The Cock of the South (fantasy) http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P4H37WC
    coldhandboyack says:

    Wonderful micro piece.

    Reply
      1. coldhandboyack – Idaho – Just a fiction writer, trying to reach the world. I write fiction with a strange bent. I live in the world of science fiction, fantasy, and paranormal. Check out my novels: Wild Concept (science fiction) http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IIWQ10A Panama (paranormal) http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K7Q949A Arson (science fiction) http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LQ99QN6 The Cock of the South (fantasy) http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P4H37WC
        coldhandboyack says:

        I love it. In fact I need to produce about four pieces by October.

        Reply
  10. Charli Mills – Keweenaw Peninsula, Michigan – Charli Mills, a born buckaroo, makes literary art accessible at CarrotRanch.com. She writes about the veteran spouse experience and women forgotten to history.
    Charli Mills says:

    This story grabbed you, Colleen! You have the touch of a story-catcher. Amazing detail that bring this drummer boy to life momentarily.

    Reply
      1. Charli Mills – Keweenaw Peninsula, Michigan – Charli Mills, a born buckaroo, makes literary art accessible at CarrotRanch.com. She writes about the veteran spouse experience and women forgotten to history.
        Charli Mills says:

        I love that you follow the vibes, Colleen!

        Reply
          1. Charli Mills – Keweenaw Peninsula, Michigan – Charli Mills, a born buckaroo, makes literary art accessible at CarrotRanch.com. She writes about the veteran spouse experience and women forgotten to history.
            Charli Mills says:

            Ha, ha!

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  12. weejars – I am a teacher with a passion for writing short stories, poems and other scribblings to provide an outlet for my more creative side. Hope you enjoy the ride!
    weejars says:

    😢

    Reply

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