Flash, Mini Story, Photo Prompt

The Critique

Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬

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.

© Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

“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

30 January 2026

All text, graphics and videos are copyright for Nancy Richy and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.

43 thoughts on “The Critique”

  1. Dear Nancy,

    I don’t think that I can take it…LOL Perfect song. Pretty sure it cost the customer more than $24.99. 😉

    I love the smarmy critics. I don’t consider that cake my best work but it’s what the customer wanted. The Gerber daisy/butterfly cake is one of my faves, though.

    Hope you’re resting and healing.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

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    1. Truth be told, I haven’t gotten around to commenting on this week’s FF stories yet, but I am aware that cake is your handiwork; the pix of your creations prove you can wield a mean piping bag! I knew you’d get my story and appreciate the humor. And the song? It’s no brainer!

      Thanks so much for your great comments, Rochelle. It was pure fun writing this one and I’m so pleased to know you enjoyed it.

      I appreciate your very good wishes. Healing seems to take a little bit longer these days but I’m getting there.

      Shalom

      🕊️

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  5. Nancy, I can see and hear this dialogue and scene taking place in my mind. I applied your logic to the Richard Harris song. I remember laughing as a kid when it played on the radio. Now I recognize it for its unconventional beauty. Very good spin on image (and song!)

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  6. So clever! I loved the voices of the pretentious critique(rs). Great writing, Nancy! Also, I enjoyed the song to go along with it. Thank you for posting songs. Often, I’ve not heard that particular one until you post it. Wonderful nostalgia. Hope you are resting! 🙂

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    1. Thanks for your wonderful comments, Brenda. I’m so glad to know you enjoyed my story. I had a great time writing this one with its snobby, elitist dialogue!
      Adding songs to go with my stories is a real joy for me. Songs are simply stories put to music and we can find one for every occasion. I haven’t written a story yet that didn’t have a song to go with it. I am very gratified to know that you are enjoying my story soundtracks.
      As far as resting, I’m trying. Thanks for your good wishes. 😊

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    1. 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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