The FirsT deBaTe (FicTion 1st place) - Alex Carrigan

FLASH FICTIONEVENT WINNERS

I didn’t tell them about the boy across the road from me whose father used his forearms as ashtrays and whose eyes were the American flag: star-spangled.

I didn’t tell them about women that have their bodies claimed like new worlds, or men who punch walls and wear their bruised knuckles like honour badges for all the tears they haven’t cried because they were raised to be soldiers and soldiers do not cry. I didn’t mention any of these things because I was taught that war was big. It was something that happened between countries and it happened with armies and guns and nuclear weapons.

FIRST PLACE Body Modification

by Alex Carrigan

If I was a Disney Princess, I’d use those animals differently. I’d sing a sweet tune and bring them to me. Those mice and birds know how to work, So how about thy make me the most beautiful princess ever?

After knocking me out, they’d get to work, Scurry across my naked body. They’d sing a song as they cut into my flesh. Cutting the extra fat, they would move in tune, Turning me into a real beauty. They’re good with threads and needles, So they can pull my skin tight.

They’d remove all that fat, a meal for their work, Then their work would be done. I’d wake up a real princess, With the right body and face. A true figure of grace, with bloody mice and Birds to do my busy work.