by Claire King
Twenty two-foot feet slap-slop down tartan stripes as nylon curls in white, red and green bounce with the effort. A blur of zebra socks fumble towards the finish line. There are no falls this year, which is excellent for the insurance but not particularly funny. Watchers hold out hope for the hurdles.
A giant rainbow rosette is pinned onto the winner, who is smiling despite his downturned mouth, beads of sweat carving their own tracks through his white grease paint.
In the egg and spoon they cannot help themselves: a tumble of bodies and yolks. The professor drives onto the field in his car to break up the scrum. He honks his horn to the children's delight.
The javelin was cancelled after the unfortunate incident with Mrs Parker last year, but no one could have predicted this year's sack race tragedy. Starry eyes stare in shock, while onlookers are uncertain if they should clap or not.
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This story in response to Sarah Salway's writing prompt: 'It's sports day at the School for Clowns.'
Graphically descriptive, enjoyed reading it. I like stories about clowns: "onlookers are uncertain if they should clap or not." That's funny.
Nicely wry, nicely zany without going over. Well done Claire.
mmm - clowns never listen to their mothers - somehow I get the feeling the sack race tragedy had something to do with not wearing clean underwear. Riotous, imagining those floppy shoes " slap-slop down tartan stripes ".
Laughed all the way.
Oh, we are left wondering...
Love that, Claire.
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This is a hoot! What an ending!
Thanks all, glad you found it funny! After Peach I was needing a laugh :)
uncertain if they should clap or not... great story! we are clapping! :)
Thanks, Michelle! Applause is very much appreciated even in the face of tragedy ;)
Funny! Or is it? Yes! Well, I think so. I like that not knowing to clap or not. Neat.
What a fun read. The ending is not just suspenseful it also makes me stop and wonder if I should be laughing at what comes before--which I love. Plus these lines:
"A giant rainbow rosette is pinned onto the winner"
"In the egg and spoon they cannot help themselves: a tumble of bodies and yolks."
What a great idea for a story. Love the ending!
Clowns are scary! Love this, the humanity streaking the grease paint.
Thank you! x