Image: Australian Fireweed
February 8, 2018, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that includes fireweed. You can use it as the plant, a flower, a metaphor or as the name of someone or something. Go where the prompt leads. Burn bright when you write.
It’s everywhere round here, it grows prolifically in the back paddock though at present it’s very dry and the plants and pastures are struggling.
In good times it grows in fields of yellow but it’s a nuisance as the cattle bypass it. The Pastures Protection Board consider it a pest.
Sometimes the farmer comes by, hoe in hand and chips them out. He’ll nod to me across the fence make derogatory remarks about spending his time chipping when there is so much more to do.
But next year the fireweed will reappear, and we’ll nod to each other again.
Written for: https://carrotranch.com/2018/02/08/february-8-flash-fiction-challenge/
Morpethroad 
If he wants to get rid of it, he can spray it with equal parts of vinegar and bleach with a little bit of washing up liquid to help it stick to the plants. Works brilliantly. Problem is, it will kill anything it touches. Much cheaper than commercial weed killers, less toxic (well, maybe not if you drink it) and works an absolute treat.
Hmm thats a good idea, I hadn’t heard that one before….
My friend asked her lawnmower man what he used and he gave her the “recipe.” He said the commercial stuff was way too expensive and didn’t work any better.
How interesting that Australian fireweed is yellow! Thank you for adding to my knowledge of plants, or weeds. 🙂
I did notice yours looks far more attractive
Well done, Michael. I thought this weeks challenge was quite tough.
Thanks robbie, i think each week is a challenge…have a good week.
I liked the last line most. It eventually establishes the relationship between the narrator, the farmer and the fireweed.
Thank you so much, I appreciate your kind thoughts.
Welcome… 🙂
Yes, that last line gave some value to the weed. Had a Robert Frost feel to it, though in the poem I’m thinking of he put the hoe aside for a chat.
Thanks for that comment, I see what you mean by the Robert Frost touch, wish I had thought of it at the time…lol
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Great response Michael. I really enjoyed your story. The Australian fireweed is definitely less appealing the the northern hemisphere’s version!
Less appealing in lots of ways.