Our gracious host, Rochelle, is asking us to get
creative in 100 words or less using the photo
seen below. Welcome to Friday Fictioneers.
This is where the prompt took me.
“Exquisite,” murmured Penelope, adjusting her monocle. “Note the audacious juxtaposition of chartreuse against tangerine …. utterly revolutionary.”
“Indeed,” sniffed Giorgio, stroking his goatee. “The artist’s bold use of three-dimensional floral motifs transcends mere confection. This is protest vis-à-vis pastry.”
“The peace symbol,” gasped Cordelia, “a searing commentary on societal frosting.”
They circled the supermarket bakery cake on display, furiously scribbling their notes.
“Do I detect hints of….vanilla?” Penelope whispered reverently.
“Profound,” they agreed in unison.
A teenager unceremoniously grabbed it for his mom’s birthday.
“PHILISTINE!” they shrieked, as he paid $24.99 and left.
The critics remained, mourning the misunderstood genius.
NAR©2026
100 Words
This is “McArthur Park” by Richard Harris
All text, graphics and videos are copyright for Nancy Richy and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.
The Elephant's Trunk 
Cheap cake connoisseur. Funny.
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Ooh, don’t let them hear you say that! Thanks, James.
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It’s just a ****** cake!
The track is simply perfect, this delightful post has made my day!
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This was such fun to write, dear Keith. I’m delighted to know you enjoyed it. Thank you!
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I hope somebody wrote down the recipe this time.
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Really! Who needs to go through all that angst again? Thanks, Jim. 🌧️🎂🌧️
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This is so clever! What a great take, Nancy!
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Thanks very much, Jodi. This is quite the cake! 🎂
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To cook or bake…. that was me on the last comment.
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I laughed and thought: the trouble with food critics is that they have their own taste of what they like. Mostly, none of them cook or bake.
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That applies to all critics; brings back the old adage: “Those that can, do. Those that can’t, teach” …. or in this case, critique. Thanks, James.
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I could just picture that scene – brilliant!
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Thanks, Esther! I remember reading about people going gaga over a pencil that was left on an empty shelf in MOMA, thinking it was a new, minimalist piece of art, and the ensuing shocked silence when the construction worker who left the pencil came back for it! That’s what my story is based on.
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Richard Harris’s MacArthur is a perfectly descriptive soundtrack for clever and crafty “Critique” story, Nancy …
https://youtu.be/J2CCfxiQ5QY
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A classic! Who cares if there’s no mention of cake in this song?! There’s Cream! Thanks, my friend. One of their best! 🥰🎶
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If there’s cake there must be cream 🥰🎶🍰🎂
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A searing indictment of the elevation of form over function
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Ah, yes. No time for elitist BS.
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Lol!
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Thanks, sis! Exactly the reaction I was hoping for!
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My pleasure 😂
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Enjoyed reading this ….. artistic evaluation versus pragmatism
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Thanks, Geeta! Or as we say in the hood …. phoney baloney vs keeping it real!
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This is brilliant Nance – love the pretentious art critics and the song is a genius link 🙌
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Thanks, Ange! That song was the only one I thought of for this cake-inspired story. I really had fun with this dialogue. 🎂
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I enjoyed the read Nancy but once I reached the song I burst out laughing 😂
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Good! I love making people laugh! That was my tongue-in-cheek soundtrack for my story …. rather in your face, I thought. Thanks, Brian
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