sf short story about an entire world/universe that exists between someone's fingers and thumb! [s]

[Minegirl]

This was part of an anthology, again read decades ago, but its bizarreness has stuck with me.

The story is told from the point of view of a civilisation/city. Slowly over decades or even thousands of years an object is gradually approaching their universe. They have no means of stopping it and cannot determine what it is.

I only remember the end, where it turns out the object was someone's finger and they were simply scratching between their finger and thumb, which is where the entire city/civilisation resided.

Thanks

[Andy]

I think I've read this one - I'll see if I can find it.

[Andy]

Robert Sheckley's "Starting from Scratch" collected here http://www.isfdb.org/cgi-bin/pl.cgi?43 - see review here for details http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2003/...

[Minegirl]

Andy I would be eternally grateful if u find it. That story has been rattling around in my brain for over 30 years!

[Minegirl]

thanks Andy, that's totally fantastic.

[Ann aka Iftcan]

Minegirl--did Andy find it for you? If so, that's GREAT. I do love a quick solve.

[Minegirl]

Yep he did. Great!

[John]

as a joke answer; Horton Hears a Who!