In 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 keithchanning@gmail.com 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 Trail by John W. Howell © 2018
“Here boy. Come on.”
“Hey, dog you are being called.”
“The name is Trevor, and I think he’s calling you.”
“Now that is damn near impossible.”
“Why is it impossible?”
“Well for one thing. He can’t see me so how’s he supposed to know I’m here?”
“You are kidding me. The old man can’t see you?”
“Well, there are some rare times he can.”
“When’s that?”
“You know that special bottle of brandy in the den.”
“Brandy? Oh, you mean the water that smells bad?”
“There is a lot of water that smells bad, but yes.”
“What about it.”
“Well, when there have been too many “I’ll just have one more,”then he magically can see me.”
“Does he talk to you?”
“Um, talk isn’t the right word. I think they call it cursing.”
“Oh yeah. I’ve heard that went he comes across my poop in his bare feet.”
“Ha ha ha. I love those times.”
“So how come I can see you? I don’t use any of the smelly water.”
“You are pure of heart. You have no agenda.”
“You are saying I’m dumb.”
“No, let’s just call you simple and leave it at that.”
“So what makes him so complex?”
“Look at him. Sitting on that noisy thing called a Snapper, cutting grass out in the middle of nowhere. Don’t you think doing something useless like that takes a complex mind?”
“I never thought of it like that. So you are saying the more useless the task, the more complex the planning behind it?”
“You know Trevor, I take back what I said about you being simple.”
“Well, thanks but why?”
“You have just identified one of the facts of life not many think about.”
“Facts of life?”
“Yes. You have articulated the key to understanding the government.”
“Is that possible?”
“You have given the world a start.”
“Before I’m nominated for the Nobel prize, I think I’ll go over and ask Mr. Complex if it is dinner time yet.”
“You go, boy.”
”
Fiction Favorites 
Ah! That’s where I’ve seen it before! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
So true.
LikeLike
Goood one, John. I went another way –
“Jeez, I’ve got to stop the wife from going to Animal Rescue. Just what the heck did she bring home now?!”
LikeLiked by 2 people
EXCELLENT, GP. I should check with you before I do these. Terrific. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh – heck NO, John. You do too good a job!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha ha ha.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That picture is going to haunt me all day.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ha ha ha.
LikeLike
I’m with Charles…that photo is crazy! Nicely done, John.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is crazy. What do you do with it? 😀
LikeLike
You did good, John! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
“…the more useless the task, the more complex the planning behind it.”
Sums up a lot of my career, John – very good.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha ha ha. Mine too. 😀
LikeLike
I laughed before I even read it, John – good one!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Teri. 😀
LikeLike
Hillarious, John. And sadly, so true. The photo is a gem. I think I’ll put it on my desktop just in case I forget that life can be crazy. LOL
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think that is a good idea. Also an over served preventative.
LikeLike
What a superb photo and as always, an excellent clip. Haven’t lost your touch, John. 😀 😀 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Tess. 😀
LikeLike
John, this one is absolutely terrific as a story. I was getting so involved in it. And you totally slayed me with the ending! I laughed out loud right here in the middle of Mordor. That alien sound does not go unnoticed here… 😉
Thanks for a terrific Tuesday break. Hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes laughter in Mordor is definitely out of place. Glad to help you stand out. 😀
LikeLike
Wonderful dialog to go with this picture. Reminds me of a really old joke about the Rarie. It would take too long to relate it here. Maybe I’ll email it to you one night.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know the joke. About the Rare in the dump truck. 😀 (Long way)
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s the one!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think you did very well with that crazy picture, John.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, John
LikeLike
With the special bottle he can see him…lol I always knew he was out there;)
LikeLiked by 1 person
It does take practice though, Denise. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
That photo alone makes me laugh. I love your take on it. Entertaining and true!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Mae. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
I totally like the photo and the story to it. Fantastic! Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Cecilia. 😀
LikeLike
Ah yes, that smelly water…I think he may have nailed it. As always, entertaining and funny, John!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jan. 😀
LikeLike
This was great, John. A character that can only be seen by the pure or drunk of mind. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
They may be close. Thanks, Jeanne
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, John.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Outstanding job, John. Where in the world does Keith get these photos??
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have no idea. Some are very unusual. That is the fun of the prompt.
LikeLike
[…] The Trail by John W. Howell © 2018 […]
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the story.
LikeLike