Curly Crab

PurpleBee

The only criticism I won't entertain is that which accuses me of childishness.

Curly Crab

Seaweed clears in a belching whip as the tide pulls to change its grip. Limpets suck a glistening rock, stuck like blisters under socks. Fish strike skittish darts, Curly crab watches under a rock. He's red and always looks like hes hiding something under that shell. More so than any other crab.

Today is his birthday, the candles won't light on the cake because its underwater, which is lucky in a way because crabs can't blow candles out. They would have to call in the blow fish and they don't need such a deflated creature on this happy occasion. But crab isn't happy. His cake is melting slowly in the washing salt water, scavenged in darting pin prick sorties by wary shrimps.

Some pity those living under a cloud, but what about living under a rock. What about living under a rock that's under a cloud? At least clouds aren't heavy, the worst possible outcome is a soaking, but how could crab get soaked? He lived in a rock pool! With all these thoughts and an ill chosen rock weighing heavy upon his crustacean mind, Curly Crab had had enough.

Like a duck takes to water, Crab left it. Finding the air rather thin, embarrassing bubbles sprouted from his breath. But Crab had no sense of shame. One time, in the rockpool, he lay upon his back and pretended to be a starfish in an attempt to ensnare retarded shrimps. He failed monumentally. Some of the limpets came unstuck such was the intensity of their laughter, ironically awarding the last laugh to Curly Crab who feasted upon their bowled bowels in between unrestrained bouts of boorish chuckling.

Matt Holck

this is fun
I feel I just read this somewhere else
it would be more accessible if it wasn't one block paragraph

I had to look up limpets = sea snails

The Incredible Mr. Limpet (1964) had me confused as he was a fish


http://www.video-online-store.com/node/genres/animation/338295.html

reality

I agree with matt about the block paragraph but i did like it. It carries some great imagery. I don't understand why you don't want to be accused of childishness though - I wouldn't instantly associate that with criticism, especially since I think the charm of your piece lies in the child-like frankness of your descriptions.

shut up!

This reminds me of a story about a duck and a dog and a nasty, evil dog-catcher. The duck and the dog fell in love, and the dog-catcher got his comeuppance.
You would probably have had to have read the two stories to see the link, but it's there.

Best thing I've read on here in ages.

PurpleBee

Thanks for the comments guys, Where is Mr Limpet's shell? I should have broken it up more, I'll try that now.

With the childishness thing, I meant exactly what you said reality in that its an asset rather than a drawback, I don't really know why I said it actually. I suppose I expect curly crab to not be everyone's cup of tea.

magicass

Im new to boards, so im looking into alot of different forums and this one has been the most interesting so far. Very nice work .