Written for Melissa’s Fandango Flash Fiction
Challenge using the photo below for our
inspiration. Also for FOWC With Fandango
and the word “conjure”. Here’s my take.

She conjures fire the old way …. no tricks, no mirrors.
Just fuel, faith, and the particular madness of someone who has stared into flames long enough to no longer be afraid.
The crowd gathers the way crowds always do: slowly, then all at once.
Behind her, the carnival breathes its hot, sweet breath …. fried sugar dough, taffy, cotton candy …. and the carefree laughter of strangers mingles in the night air.
She raises the torch and the night cracks open.
Time stands still and not one person speaks. Nobody checks their phone, nobody wants to be anywhere else on earth except here.
NAR©2025
This is “Fire Dance” by Rainbow
Everything on The Elephant’s Trunk was created by me, unless otherwise indicated. Thank you for your consideration. NAR©2017-present.

If we all took such a mindful approach to life more often.🙏🏼
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Thanks, Melissa
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There is something extraordinary about fire breathing – magical even but it must play havoc on your throat! 😃
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You are not kidding! The ultimate in heartburn! ❤️🔥 Thanks for reading, my friend 😌
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😅
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I agree, there is a pull and you can’t look away…So well written, Nancy.
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Fire has that effect, in almost any setting. Thanks very much, Lisa.
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We do love to watch people tread upon that which should kill them don’t we? hehehehe
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Perverse, isn’t it? 😆
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So well written
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Thanks for your beautiful comments, Sadje. 💕
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Always my pleasure
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Simply amazing, Nancy! Thanks for sharing it. Lovely song too👏✨🎶
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My great pleasure, KK. Thank you so much. 😌
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Captivating 😊
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Thanks so much, Esther! 🤩
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WOWZA! Well done.
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Let my fire, baby! Thanks, Ron.
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The fire breather’s dramatic flames holds the crowd’s attention.
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I was always impressed by fire breathers but I never liked watching the sword swallower! Thanks for reading, Jim.
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A great song by ‘Rainbow’ … my friend …
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One of my favorites with Joe Lynn Turner on vocals. Classic Uriah Heep, my friend! The 🩵 🔥 🎶
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And I new you would love this one my friend 🥰🎶🤗🔥
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Good post, good music.
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Thanks very much, Fan. I appreciate it.
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