Friday Fictioneers is a weekly challenge to write a complete story in 100 words or less based on a photo prompt. Thanks to Rochelle Wisoff-Fields for hosting this challenge and Russell Gayer for this week’s photo prompt.
Give me land, lots of land, under starry skies above. Don’t fence me in….
Music blared through the open window of the ’65 Ford, accompanied by the scratchy voice of Wildcat Willie. The old crooner nearly made it big, once upon a time. The next Gene Autry, the called him. Then fate turned on Willie, ending his career faster than a minnow could swim a dipper.
Willie faded into the sunset, with the help of his 357.
But as the story goes, the old ’65 still glides along the Texas highway as Willie and Gene sing without mercy.
Don’t Fence Me In was released in 1934 by Gene Autry. Lyrics by Robert Fletcher and music by Cole Porter. A reference to Wildcat Willie is made by Roy Rogers, who sang the song in the 1944 movie Hollywood Canteen. My Wildcat is purely fictional.
Redbuds and Roserocks 
Wildcat Willie… such an evocative name. Happy NY, Susan.
In the original poem, it was Wildcat Kelly. Leave it to old Roy to shake things up. Happy New Year to you Sandra.
Poor Willie, nice that he is always remembered though.
Thanks Iain. 🙂
Wonderful rendition of history… so fictional, yet, so believable. Loved it. 🙂
I’m glad you enjoyed it Jelli. Thanks!
Dear Susan,
Nice historical piece. I enjoyed the wind through the open window and the familiar old tune. Well done. Happy New Year.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thanks Rochelle. Happy New Year to you as well
An interesting take, I am guessing you know the song well x
More likely, I know how to Google. But the fence in the photo did remind me of the song. I’ll take credit for that. Thanks for commenting
Willie is long gone, his legacy remains.
Perfect write. And I love hearing the Inspiration behind a piece when there is one. Thanks you on both counts.
Thanks Violet. Much appreciated
I enjoyed this, it has a nice nostalgic feeling to it.