Night Works

Night Works

 

Leaning against my shovel, I rub at my eyes. Caffeine just doesn’t hack it anymore. I don’t know what I’m doing here. Well actually I do. I’m here for the pay. Nothing else would get me doing night works.

Bit of a joke really, calling it night works. One man in a steam roller roars back and forward, back and forward while about eight men, some leaning on shovels, and some sitting on their coolers, watch.

The scene is all lit up with flashing lights, safety lights, spot lights... and the noise! Well, you know what it's like... Even with those squishy little ear things in, my head is pounding.

Decide to start singing. Not like anyone can hear, plus it could help keep me awake.

When I was a kid I wanted to be a rock star. Start screaming out Amity Affliction, “We are all stars in the sky; We all shimmer then decay; So I wonder did I burn out, make a mark; Or fade away." Can’t even hear myself.

I make out a couple of stars winking above me and suddenly I laugh.

“I’ve practically done it!” I yell. “I’m practically a rock star!

(Beats my chest)

"The flashing lights!"

(Gestures)

"The stars!"

(I point upward)

“The constant barrage of noise!”

(Nobody has noticed me yet)

“I even have my name up in lights!” I roar, pointing at the flashing LED billboard.

It says WAIT.

My name is Wade.

(Shrugs)

Close enough.

 

Author's Note

random attempt at killing writers block :)

i own no rights for amity affliction songs... obviously :P

Reviews

[Ana Papaya]

Lol. That was such a fun scene.
Loved it.

[Stan Lee]

Thanks Papaya. Glad you loved it. :)

[Cassie]

This is not writers block at all...this is good really good

[Stan Lee]

Thanks Cassie. :) Glad you liked it.

[emmajoy]

What a wonderful and fun post! Somehow think of it as someone - you - creating a moment or few to make the best of a present situation.. going back into a dreamworld to keep you going during a sluggish, unwanted time.

Your poses/actions, these words - are a ripple of theatre, complete with lights, name and fame.. We should all have dreams of being something else.. at times.. a minor escape route!

Fine writing, phrases laid gently but clearly.. and visual, so very visual!

[Stan Lee]

Thank you emmajoy. That is definitely a good way to think of it. A dreamworld to escape the humdrum. Now, I have a question. What is a rippling heatreime? Thanks a lot for your kind review. :) Much appreciated.

[emmajoy]

LAUGHING.. so sorry, read that word and wondered, what on earth!?! Took me all of three seconds, please see correction.. Swear it, hand on the book, wasn't tipsy at the time I typed, probably tired.. that's my excuse anyway! Apart from all my blah, many thanks for your words and of course, your original witty story!

[Paul Bell]

I'm sure many a rock star started on the roads. Was Rod Stewart not a grave digger. Plus, the beat of the steamroller, that's got to be heavy rock.

[Stan Lee]

Well there you go... :) Thanks for reading & reviewing Paul.

[Jacob Clifford]

Humorous ending. I like the spontaneity of the narrator's thought process. It's real to life, not to mention amusing.

[Stan Lee]

Thank you very much Clifford. I really appreciate you dropping by. I am thrilled that you liked it & found it amusing. :)

[James]

Pretty good if this was just to kill writers block. I was engaged the whole time. I used to work on a water crew, fixing busted water mains. This reminded me of those long nights waiting for the line to be dug up. The spotlights and the work lights did look like stage lights

[Stan Lee]

Well yeah, it was. I wrote it in 9 minutes (and will probably be editing it for the rest of time) lol. It actually has real Amity Affliction lyrics now. I was too impatient to find the right lyrics before posting it. :) I'm glad you liked it and could relate in some way. Thanks very much for reading & reviewing my story James! :)

[Shannon]

I like the self deprecating humor. Rings really true if night shifts, especially. Also very descriptive for such a small piece. Tell me about the 'wait' sign. Is it for traffic? Or an indicator light for the driver?

[Stan Lee]

its for the traffic :)

[Shannon]

By the way 'Wade/wait' pretty funny. But also feel like you gave a fun character here. Observant, I little quirky, sees the humor in daily life. Could be a good one to have tell some of your other stories.

[Stan Lee]

Thank you very much S.Mi. :) Heaps, much, mungous appreciations your way. :) I'm glad you liked Wade and his odd sense of humor. Do you think the wait sign needs to be explained in the story? Any constructive criticism is always welcome. :) Thanks again S.Mi!!!!!!!!!

[Shannon]

I don't know how common a sign like that would be. We don't have them here.

[Stan Lee]

those massive LED sign board things? ... rats...

[Shannon]

I have never seen one say 'wait'

[Stan Lee]

Well, they can say anything... because you know the little LED light thingies. Now that you say it, I'm not 100% sure I've seen one say "wait" either. But I wont let that get in the way of a good story. ;) I think i'll find a pic of one and put it in the picture/box/title/label/thing. Good idea?

[Shannon]

Excellent idea!!!