Keith’s words “Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; even just a caption for the photograph. Either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keith@channing.info 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 – pingbacks don’t often work.
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.
The photo.
The Boat by John W. Howell © 2017
“So there I was standing on the bow of that great ship.”
“How did you get on the ship?”
“I was a member of the crew. May I continue?”
“Yes, by all means.”
“As I said I was standing on the bow looking off to the sea.”
“Where was the ship going?”
“It was headed for America. We were doing fourteen knots, and the air was so cold I could see my breath.”
“I’ve never seen my breath. What did it look like?”
“It was like a cloud or smoke from a hookah. All of a sudden this large chunk of ice appeared out of nowhere, and we crashed into it. I was thrown to the deck and covered with chunks as we passed.”
“How did you survive?”
“I got out from under the ice and ran to the bridge. It was warm inside. The captain was frantic. He asked me if I saw anything. I told him we hit some ice. That was the last time I talked to him.”
“Why didn’t you talk to him?”
“He was busy, and I had my duties to attend to.”
“What duties?”
“I was assigned to pilot a lifeboat which I did.”
“It is a wonder you survived.”
“Yes, most did not. That is why we are building this boat here in the desert. It is to be a memorial to those who perished.”
“There is no water for hundreds of miles.”
“It doesn’t matter. They will know.”
“Who will know?”
“The lost souls. The ones I couldn’t save. They will know my sorrow.”
Fiction Favorites 
Great ending. Half expected the guy to get snarky with the questioner.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That was my twist today. (there is always one) Thanks, Charles.
LikeLike
Most poignant, John. Nice use of the prompt.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Keith.
LikeLike
A very captivating story, John, and the ending was perfect. Thank you for the morning inspiration. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Gwen. A little different. I like the idea of inspirational. 🙂
LikeLike
Nice use of the prompt, John!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Michelle. 🙂
LikeLike
Wonderful story John… loved it. xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Sally. XX
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure John.. xx
LikeLike
Great little story, John. Good job with the prompt.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Dan.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, John, for another great morning chuckle!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for letting me know. 😀
LikeLike
Another good one, John.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Teri.
LikeLike
Nicely done, good sir! Your inspirational creativity is an awesome thing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, John 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
😇
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awesome! I never know where you’re going with these, John, and you never disappoint me either!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Debbie. Sometimes I have to go along as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very unexpected ending, John. Actually quite lovely. Have a terrific Tuesday. Hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Teagan. Have a super day. Hugs
LikeLike
I’m trying, boss. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha ha ha. Good for you.
LikeLike
Really different and not what I expected, but you always surprise me with the directions you take. This was great, John!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope I can continue to surprise you, Mae. It is so much fun.
LikeLiked by 1 person
For both of us, John 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great job, John!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jill.
LikeLike
I liked this and the ending took a twist I didn’t expect. Well done!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, DL. Glad you liked it.
LikeLike
[…] The Boat by John W. Howell © 2017 […]
LikeLiked by 1 person