avatarPenny Grubb

Summary

The article reflects on the irony of "Quiet Fireworks" that turned out to be neither quiet nor as expected, yet brought unexpected joy to a child.

Abstract

The narrative centers around an experience with a new type of firework advertised as "Quiet Fireworks," which the author and their neighbors witnessed. Despite the firework's promise of silence, it was loud and even posed a risk to a new gate. The author humorously notes the oxymoronic nature of the term "quiet firework" and suggests a more accurate description for the product. The unexpected outcome of the firework not living up to its billing surprisingly resulted in happiness for a 6-year-old child. The article concludes by acknowledging the Happiness challenge set by Vidya Sury and provides links to other literary works.

Opinions

  • The author perceives the term "quiet firework" as an oxymoron, implying that the concept is inherently contradictory.
  • There is a sense of skepticism regarding the product's claim of being quiet, as the firework was loud and concerningly effective.
  • The author suggests that the product's packaging should have been more honest about the nature of the firework, emphasizing its duration and potential hazards.
  • The author finds humor in the situation, particularly in the child's reaction to the firework not meeting expectations.
  • The article conveys a positive sentiment towards the Happiness challenge and the community of writers involved, as evidenced by the links provided for further reading.
Photo: Penny Grubb

HAPPINESS

Not As Stated On The Tin

November Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Happiness”

Happiness Would Have Been Quiet Fireworks.

This was not our firework — we don’t do fireworks — but we were invited to witness it in action as one of a new breed of “Quiet Fireworks”. We were also persuaded to donate our driveway as being out of sight and sound of any neighbourhood pets.

Leaving aside that it turned out to be an efficient incendiary device that made us fear for the new gate, it certainly wasn’t quiet, but that’s not so surprising. Quiet firework is surely an oxymoron akin to deafening silence.

To be accurate, the box should have said, “Firework that is not quite as loud as you might expect for its size, but that will carry on doing its stuff for longer than seems possible: warning — Keep away from new gates.”

However, none of us really expected the impossible, and the fact that it didn’t live up to its billing made the 6-year-old very happy indeed.

Thanks to Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles for the Happiness challenge:

For more literary firecrackers go to Mary Chang Story Writer, Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles, Ellie Jacobson, Dunelair, Dennett, pockett dessert, Susan Alison, Kris Bedenian, Kim Zuch, Jennifer Pierce, Stuart Aken, Linda Acaster, Pene Hodge, Will Hull, Nicole Anders, Danielle Hestand, Diana Lotti, Madeleine McDonald, CARMEN F MICSA, Sandi Parsons, Jason Edmunds, Shereen Bingham, B.R. Shenoy.

Read more from Penny Grubb

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Happiness
6 Word Photo Story
Oxymoron
Monthly Challenge
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