My friend, Matt at The Book Blogger has a weekly flash fiction challenge entitled, “Flash Fiction Foray.” He posts a song and you write a flash fiction piece (maximum of 100 words) based on the song. This week’s song is “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by the Proclaimers. It’s a legend—wait for it—dary song, haha! (If you get this joke, then you rock.) Anyway, Matt is brilliant and a super nice fella, and I finally didn’t forget to participate in his challenge this week. Wohoo! If you want to read more about the challenge, the Book Blogger himself, or read some honest reviews about books (ranging from the new to classics like Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein), then please head over to The Book Blogger.
My entry, which only uses words from the song’s lyrics, is below.
Photo By: Elizabeth Preston
Word Count: 93
Title: For the Lonely Penny
I know I’ll be the man who’s working, who’s growing old, who’s lonely. I’m gonna be drunk on money and fall down five hundred miles. You would be back with me if I would pass on the penny and be the man who just comes home. But I’m working hard in the work I do without you, and I’ll go a thousand miles dreaming. Every time I get drunk, I’ll walk to your door, but I’ll go home without you. I’ll grow old dreaming and working and, yes, I know I’ll be lonely.
At the Foot of the Sierras 
I followed an old fence across a sage flat the other day; only it was one of those old split-rail fences. Thanks again for the kind words. One more thing about Abby: I didn’t find him to be a good writer–you should never have to reread something to get the meaning. I found myself having to do that with Desert Solitaire. I thought it was because I was ignorant or something, but a lady I know who thought English for forty years agreed with me.
VERY clever to only use words from the song. AND hard! Classy!
I take my hat off to you! I found it hard enough to write 100 words inspired by the song, you have taken it to another level, I’m in awe. X
Thank you very much for your kind words Elizabeth! It seemed to have an almost iambic flow at times (which may be why it reminded me of a poem), and I loved the writing’s fit with the crooning soulful lyrics of the song.
Thanks for participating!
Best, Matt
Thank you, Calen! I actually misunderstood the rules and thought that you HAD to use only words in the lyrics. I realized my error about halfway through this piece and said, “Oh, what the heck.” It was fun to do and made my brain work. I’m glad that you liked it. 🙂
Thank you, Kristayvonne. 🙂
You’re welcome, but I’m only speaking truth, my friend. 🙂 I’m glad that you liked the entry. It was definitely a fun challenge, and I hope to participate in future ones as well.
Aw, thank you very much! I hope you do decide to participate again, especially if you write something this good every time.
Best, Matt
Great take on the challenge very poetic nice one☺
Thank you! 🙂
Your welcome you did a great job with it☺
Thank you for visiting
As always Sheldon
Sure. I look forward to reading more of your work. 🙂