Quite a few fictioneers took liberties with the word count last week. Remember, the challenge is a hundred words or less. Please take into consideration that our numbers are growing and there are more stories to read. Thank you.
The following photo is the PROMPT and comes from my own hubby.
PHOTO PROMPT © Jan W. Fields
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100
THE SIN IN SYNCOPATION
“I ain’t got no money for no music lessons, Professor Weiss.”
“Turn left and do the cake walk prance…”
“Your boy has a rare gift.”
“…Turn the other way…”
“I got five mouths to feed ‘sides his.”
“…do the slow drag…”
“No charge.”
“…take your lady to the world’s fair.”
“Come away with me, my love.”
“Is it really you, Chrysanthemum? But you’re—dead. Does that mean…?”
“…and do the ragtime dance.”
“Yes.”
_________
“Poor demented fella. Looks like he tried to play the piano…” The doctor released Scott Joplin’s stiff, distorted hands from the restraints. “…and sang his life away.”
****
Note: Scott Joplin, known as the King of Ragtime, died in Manhattan State Hospital, 1 April 1917 in the final stages of syphilis induced dementia.
Freddie Alexander Joplin, the woman for whom The Chrysanthemum was written.
Scott Joplin
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 