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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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!
Not even the end of biology. Given enough time, intelligent beings may evolve again
ReplyDeleteHopefully more intelligent than us!
DeleteReminds us that we are only part of the picture.
ReplyDeleteWe need reminding.
DeleteIn many ways you could argue this is exactly what needs to happen...
ReplyDeleteYou could make a good case for it.
DeleteA sonic bomb. What a thought. But why didn't it bother the animals, who are more sensitive to sound, sometimes, than we are?
ReplyDeleteExtremely well-written--kept me on the edge of my chair :)
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?
DeleteYup, life doesn't end with us, but it will never be as it was.
ReplyDeleteNo, but it could be better.
DeleteDear Liz,
ReplyDeleteYou have quite the imagination and have a wonderful way of articulating it. Well written and thought provoking, particularly the last line.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Oh, thank you so much, Rochelle! And here's back at you, pal!!
DeleteWould serve the collective human race right. A chilling caution warning!
ReplyDeleteThe way some leaders are behaving, it could happen any time.
Deletei'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.
ReplyDeleteYou could be right.
DeleteGreat descriptions. I'm sure the world will get on better without us. And just think of all the handy new compost... :-)
ReplyDeleteThere speaks a true gardener!!
DeleteA mysterious ending and a reminder that life has a way of continuing on. Nicely done!
ReplyDeleteThanks Brenda
ReplyDeleteA 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.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words,, margirene.
DeleteVery cool! I saw it all through my minds eye. Great descriptions.
ReplyDeleteThank you Dawn x
DeleteAnd we think we are in control of mother nature? beautifully told.
ReplyDeleteNo way are we in control. Out of control, maybe!
DeleteI suspect the end of civilisation might be the only thing which can save the world.
ReplyDeleteWonderful & very thought-provoking.
ReplyDelete