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10.4.19

THE END OF CIVILISATION - a story in 100 words


THE END OF CIVILISATION

It was deadlier than a nuclear blast – an endless tsunami of sound. Those who didn’t die of embolisms jumped into the ocean in suicidal agony.

Animals, unaffected by the sonic bomb, invaded the towns with astonishing speed – pampered pets fell victim to predators or turned feral.

Within months the cities began to disappear beneath foliage. Pollarded trees hid their scars with luxuriant growth, cracking pavements in their search for water. Unchecked plants climbed telephone wires, reaching though open windows. Mould consumed paper, fabric and, eventually, even plastic.

It was the end of civilisation – but not the end of the world.
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 This is a story written in response to the photograph taken by Roger Bultot and posted for Friday Fictioneers on Rochelle's blog at  https://rochellewisoff.com/  If you visit her blog you can follow the links to read how scores of other writers interpreted the image.

After an early burst of spring in the south of England which brought my new garden to life, we have returned to wintry blasts. Unfortunately the grass doesn't know it's supposed to stop growing, and the lawn mower has been out twice already, and the birds are consuming vast quantities of seed and dried mealworms. Only my vegetable seeds and potato sets are sensibly keeping their heads below ground until the weather warms up - which we hope will be in time for Easter.

Meanwhile, if you're stuck indoors, why not read one of my books? While I work on a third book in my Living Rock series, the first two books, A Volcanic Race and Wolf Pack are available on Amazon, along with Helter-Skelter, a stand-alone historical novel.
I would love to have LOTS more readers and, of course, more 5* reviews!

28 comments:

  1. Not even the end of biology. Given enough time, intelligent beings may evolve again

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  2. Reminds us that we are only part of the picture.

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  3. In many ways you could argue this is exactly what needs to happen...

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  4. A sonic bomb. What a thought. But why didn't it bother the animals, who are more sensitive to sound, sometimes, than we are?

    Extremely well-written--kept me on the edge of my chair :)

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    1. My scientific knowledge is sparse,, but i though if animals can hear ultraasound which we can't, maybe they would survive a sound that would kill .us?

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  5. Yup, life doesn't end with us, but it will never be as it was.

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  6. Dear Liz,

    You have quite the imagination and have a wonderful way of articulating it. Well written and thought provoking, particularly the last line.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

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    1. Oh, thank you so much, Rochelle! And here's back at you, pal!!

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  7. Would serve the collective human race right. A chilling caution warning!

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    1. The way some leaders are behaving, it could happen any time.

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  8. i've always felt that nature can only take so much abuse. it's only a matter of time when it will heal itself for better or worse.

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  9. Great descriptions. I'm sure the world will get on better without us. And just think of all the handy new compost... :-)

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  10. A mysterious ending and a reminder that life has a way of continuing on. Nicely done!

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  11. A disturbing scenario. We may not have a sonic bomb, but as a race we're pretty good at self-destruction. At least this way the planet might survive. I love the beautiful imagery in your story. You portray the end of civilisation as a wondrous thing.

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    1. Thanks for your kind words,, margirene.

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  12. Very cool! I saw it all through my minds eye. Great descriptions.

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  13. And we think we are in control of mother nature? beautifully told.

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    1. No way are we in control. Out of control, maybe!

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  14. I suspect the end of civilisation might be the only thing which can save the world.

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  15. Wonderful & very thought-provoking.

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