“If there’s one thing I’ve learned since becoming the local Coroner, Jack, it’s how to die with dignity. Funny how we all die, yet nobody talks about it. We keep both eyes fixed on the here and now, and completely deny the hereafter. That’s including the religious folk. When the bell tolled, many of them were also caught out in their holy underwear with the dodgy elastic. What’s the world coming to? Didn’t their mothers ever warn them to wear their good underwear just in case? Apparently not. Never fear. I always come prepared with a range of spares.”
….
99 words
I was struggling to think of something for this scene. However, it did look like somebody ha been called away suddenly. Being Friday Fictioneers, this thought led to the subject of death. How could it not?
This has been another contribution to Friday Fictioneers hosted by Rochelle Wishoff-Fields, where we write up to 100 words to a provided photo prompt. Photo Copyright –Douglas M. MacIlroy
Best wishes,
Rowena
Beyond the Flow 
I liked “holy underwear with the dodgy elastic”
me too. Very visual!
But – but what about those of us who are wondering about that globe?
What is happening there?
How did the crafts-person get the chicken fencing to lay so smoothly on a globe?
What is the model beneath, a huge beach ball?
Are those revised continents and oceans, thus a new world is under construction?
How am I going to get my mind back on my job today after this image. . . ?
OK, you caught me with that one. I was taking it very seriously until I got to the end and had to groan at that old “Momism” 😉 Well played.
I’m glad you explained the link! I imagine coroners, doctors, paramedics all see some interesting things in their time! 🙂
This made me laugh.
Death can’t be too serious if we are more concerned about the standard of hygiene reflected by our undergarments!
Holy underwear had me stopped for just a second. Holy is a religious word, a faith word, a word that describes God. I honestly had to grab hold of my mind and make it go where you wanted it to. Holey is the word you want. It literally means “full of holes.” And I do apologize. The English teacher in me rises up sometimes against my will 🙂
Hah! And to think most people think mom is being ridiculous 😀
Funny one, Rowena
Ha ha ha, good fun.
Some one checking on underwear on bodies on coroner’s table? Isn’t there more important things to look at?
I always go out in my finest Y-pants! Nice one.
Such a unique take on the prompt! 🙂
Excellent Take on the prompt. And I loved ‘holy underwear’ -second only to ‘magic underwear’ in my book !! hahahah
Thanks, Violet. Oops. I just realized. I think there should’ve been an e in holey. Oh well. holy seems has its place too and I think I’ll leave it as is.
Best wishes,
Rowena
Thanks, Sandra. Nothing like going the extra mile to help…
Good to hear, Keith. You never know whether one of these spares might be ladies or gents. Could be interesting.
Well, it takes all types…
Thanks!
Thanks, Dale. Theere’s a great kids’ book on this theme too which i love: https://www.kazcooke.com.au/books/40-the-terrible-underpants
Best wishes,
Ro
Thank you very much, Linda. It was a mistake, but if you knew us Australians either works. We can be a bit rugged.
Best wishes,
Rowena
My aunt worked as a funeral director and she’s had requests from 80 year old women to be buried in red satin underwear. I don’t know what she’s expecting in the hereafter but it’s not going to be dull.
Best wishes,
Rowena
Thanks, Trent. We have a kids book here which also addresses that last resort pair of undies in the drawer: https://www.kazcooke.com.au/books/40-the-terrible-underpants
Best wishes,
Ro
They were beyond me, I’m afraid. Anyone who knows me in the real world will tell you that I’m not technical or practical. However, if you’re wanting a story or photograph, there’s something I can help you with.
Why are your replies not connected to the comments? Is this a technical problem or are you just being bliddy Australian?
PS Red satin undies, hmm, I’m quite looking forward to popping off the old mortal now!
🙂
Made me smile. Great write.
Ha. maybe it is better to forgo the underwear concerns and go commando. 😊
I think the saddest thing a coroner can see is hair that has not yet turned grey. Really interesting take. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Funny right turn in the middle of this piece, taking us down a corridor we were not expecting to visit. Having watched more than my share of detective shows in my time, Im not easily surprised when the coronor finds something unusual on the table. But the image of the religious having to raise their skirts before God and the coroner, only to expose decrepit undergarments, was a silly surprise. Hope the apprentice has learned his lesson!
This made me laugh and reminded me of my mother who always used to tell me to make sure I had clean underwear on. I used to ask her who she thought was going to see it, she declined to answer.
So many people have had this experience. Funny, isn’t it! Love how your Mum didn’t answer!
No matter who we are on earth, death is a humbling experience, for some more than others!
Thanks, Jilly. I agree with you about young people passing away. Being a Coroner is such a tough job and they pass right under the radar most of the time. Not a lot of appreciation.
Ha! That could be interesting too…
Thanks, Lisa. Had a bit of fun with that one!
Lots of interesting comment about a interesting story.