Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “First/Last”

~ John W. Howell

SOCS

Happy New Year. It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again. This week’s prompt is “first/last.”  Linda Hill says we can use the two words or definition for the words. There is an extra credit possibility by beginning the post with “First/Beginning/Start etc. and ending the post with “Last/End etc. If you would like to try this kind of thing go to Linda’s post and read the rules. Here is the link https://lindaghill.com/2016/12/30/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-dec-3116/

First/Last by John W. Howell © 2016

“First, as a beginning, I want to start this lecture with a story.”

“Excuse me, professor.”

“Yes, Mr. uh.”

“Tompkins sir.”

“Yes, Mr. Tompkins what can I do for you.”

“Well, sir I’m a little confused on your opening statement.”

“Confused?”

“Yes, sir. You began your lecture saying the same thing three times.”

“I did now. Well please illuminate for the rest of the class and me as to your meaning.”

“Uh you said ‘first as a beginning, I want to start this lecture with a story.”‘

“I believe you are quoting me correctly, Mr. Tompkins. What is your question?”

“Is it not true that First, beginning, and start have the same meaning?”

“In the context of my statement absolutely not.”

“Can I ask for an explanation then.”

“Yes, my son I am happy to explain. By first I meant the number one thing to accomplish. Beginning in my statement meant to prioritize. Finally, the word start said where the priority would begin. So as you can see, they are not the same.”

“I have to beg to differ, sir.”

“But young man. I hold the keys to your success in this class.”

“But professor—”

“I think the discussion is over for now.”

“Can I add one more point?”

“I don’t see how the time spent on this is significant.”

“I need to understand.”

“See me when I have said my last and the lecture is at an end.”

 

 

 

40 thoughts on “Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “First/Last””

  1. Sooo funny, John. I love the opening line…I’m putting it on a post-it just to humor me throughout the day. Then when the sun sets and my work is finished, I’ll end the laughter by saving your line for another day. 🙂

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    1. I like that explanation since it happens all the time. Drawing attention to oneself is not the way to go in that case. Happy New Year, Charles. (I know I said that before)

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    1. Thank you, Dan. Tompkins reminds me of the person who would ask, “Will this be on the test?” We will be safe unless a seagull decides to launch a “Birds” kind of assault. Have a very Happy New Year, Dan. See you on the other side.

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  8. Started off being a problem, huh? I think the professor is in for headaches from that guy, right up to the end of term. 😉 Well done again, John. I hope you have a sensational New Year’s Eve. Mega hugs.

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  15. Love it! It reminds me of an anecdote about Gertrude Stein and repeating herself. I must check this prompt, although I’m not much of an off-the-cuff writer. Happy 2017, John!

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      1. Hells bells Sheriff. If you and me are in the same classroom that happens to be giving this particular test? Things will not end well. That’s very Clint Eastwoodish, isn’t it? Good.

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