Another photo prompt from Keith Channing. In his words, he can explain. “Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; and either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithkreates@channing.fr before 6pm next Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please do also mention it in a comment here – for reasons I have yet to fathom, pingbacks don’t seem to be working.
Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.”
Here is the photo.
The Catch by John W. Howell ©2016
“So when you set the trap didn’t you wonder that it was a little big?”
“I didn’t think about it at the time. I was worried that I would get caught in it myself.”
“How on earth did you get those trap jaws separated and set?”
“That was tricky. I had to get a tree limb and leverage the jaws open. I then jumped for my life hoping the trigger would hold.”
“Who put you up to this anyway?”
“Old Trapper John. He sold me the trap and told me I would be in National Geographic and get a reward if I caught the thing.”
“How did you get the trap into the woods. It weighs a ton.”
“Old John has a tractor, and he hauled it in for me.”
“Why didn’t you call anyone for help?”
“What? If I did that, I would have to split the reward.”
“How about now? You’ve got us all hauling this thing out of the woods. You didn’t think twice about asking for help after the trap was sprung.”
“Well I figured since there would be no reward Y’all would take pity on me and help.”
“You know we are all right here. Why tell us to our face that we are fools?”
“I didn’t mean that. I’m very grateful for the help.”
“Why no reward?”
“I didn’t trap the right thing.”
“Well, this is big and heavy enough to be the right thing. What’s the problem.”
“Take a look. What you are hauling isn’t an animal it’s a hot air balloon. The damn balloon came down right on my trap.”
“What happened to the occupants?”
“They all scattered, and that’s why I called you guys.”
“If this isn’t an animal why do you have to haul it out of the woods?”
“Cause the pilot said he would beat my butt if I didn’t.”
“Hmmm. The pilot definitely has an idea.”
Fiction Favorites 
Now I’m wondering what the animal is.
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Not too sure. Maybe a Yeti.
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Sounds as good a guess as any. 🙂
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Flipped a coin. Between Yeti and Godzilla.
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I vote for King Kong or Mighty Joe Young. 🙂
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Need a bigger trap maybe.
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And a lot of bananas.
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A whole big bunch of bananas.
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I’m with Charles. What is it we were hoping for. And, what wine do you pair with balloon pilot?
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Yeah, I didn’t think that one out. Let’s say a Yeti
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Always a good choice.
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🙂
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LOL! The pilot does have a good idea, and a couple BWIs.
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BWIs??? I need education. 😀
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Ballooning While Intoxicated.
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Ah. Now that is funny.
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I was worried my “joke” flopped. 🙂
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Never!!!!
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LOL Having lived in Albuquerque where there are so many hot air balloons, I know that’s right. Mega hugs
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Thanks, Teagan. Hugs back.
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I *thought* that might be a hot air balloon, so thanks for confirming that. I’ve seen those things up close, and they’re amazing. No wonder it takes a full crew to get them prepared for lift-off!
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Yes they require a lot of handling. Thanks. Debbie.
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Old Trapper John sounds like a troublemaker. Good little story, John!
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He is that old coot. Thanks, Paul.
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I’d reset the trap and try some different bait.
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Charles is looking for Mighty Joe Young which will require bananas
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Lots of bananas.
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Boatload
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Nifty little tale, John.
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Thanks, Hook
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Another tale, another smile for me! Thanks, good sir!!
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Thank you , John. Always like it when you smile.
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😎
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🙂
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Love this one! Another example of your fine imagination. TGIF to you!
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I knew you’d pull something out of the
traphat, John. Nice one.LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Keith.
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