Wonderland Challenge 2020

Talking Heads

         PROMPT: Oh, if these flowers could speak. Write a short story or poem re a garden full of flowers having a conversation.

         

         

         

         "Is that a blemish on my leaf? Oh no, I'm spotty," wailed the elegant ruby rose.

         "From where I'm standing it looks like an ant," soothed the primrose. "They crawl all over us without permission. They never wipe their feet either."

         The rose sighed in relief. "I do have a certain standard to maintain. These petals don't just appear out of thin air. I pride myself on my appearance. I miss my sister. She could dazzle without any effort."

         "What happened to her? She was a blusher, wasn't she?"

         "She just pulled up roots one day and relocated. I don't hear from her."

         "Excuse me," whispered the pansy. "I'm feeling parched. Anyone else thirsty?"

         "Hold your head up. The sprinkler will be spraying us again soon."

         "Thanks, I've just been planted and I don't quite feel rooted," panted the pansy.

         Rose hollered, "Hey, you big galoot. Save some of that sunshine for us."

         Sunflower swayed in the breeze. "Whoa, what's with the name calling? I know I'm a big girl, but I prefer the term statuesque. There's plenty of sun to go around."

         "You're looking a bit broader Rose, maybe you should cut back on the fertilizer, hmm?"

         Indignation reared its ugly head as Rose spluttered, "I have hips, rose hips. I cannot stay a bud forever."

         Petunia piped up. "Is it just me, or do the bees seem to buzz around me more than anyone else?"

         "Send some my way," lisped the dahlia. "I have pollen to spare."

         "Do the bees like the colour purple? I've been trying to get their attention and now I wonder if I should've bloomed in a mauve. Yoo hoo, bees I'm the clematis up here on the trellis."

         "Now girls, don't pester the bees. I'm sure they already tasted the finest nectar from me," crowed Rose. "My perfume is so alluring."

         Sunflower snorted. "Rose, all the scent in the world can't hide the stench of that manure you're standing in."

         "It doesn't turn up the bees' noses."

         "Or the flies," laughed Sunflower,"look at them swarm."

(364 words)